What is International Baccalaureate?

International Baccalaureate (IB) was formerly known as International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). IB is an international educational foundation with its headquarter located in Geneva, Switzerland.

IB Diploma Programme was formed in 1968, with the aim of “provide an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification suitable for the growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international and multi-national organizations,” and offer internationally standardized courses and assessments for students ages 16 to 19.

IB later on established Middle Year Programme for students age 11-16 in mid 1990s, and Primary Year Programme was piloted in year 1996.

IB’s mission statement is as follow:

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the IB works with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

IB programmes are currently available thru selected international schools.