Reinforcing its commitment to promote international understanding and respect, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) has joined the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad initiative to help more students gain international experience through study abroad programs.
IIE’s Generation Study Abroad seeks to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade.
IB educational programmes for students aged 3-19 promote intercultural understanding and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and national identity, but as an essential part of life in the 21st century.
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. Over 4100 IB World Schools in 147 countries deliver one or more of the four IB programmes with over 1500 of those schools in the United States.
“The IB is built on the vision of education for a better world, and we believe strongly that a commitment to the principles of international-mindedness, a global outlook and intercultural exchange are foundational to that vision,” says Dr. Siva Kumari, Director General of the International Baccalaureate.“We believe that studying abroad not only enriches the individuals and the community who host them, but that study abroad in general contributes to a more peaceful world built on understanding and respect for other cultures.”
Generation Study Abroad partners include over 300 colleges and universities of all sizes and types , as well as governments and educational organizations around the world who have committed to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad.
Commitments include actions to diversify the population of students who participate in study abroad and provide additional financial resources to make this possible.
IIE launched Generation Study Abroad in the belief that the number and proportion of today’s students who graduate with an educational experience abroad is too low.
Currently, fewer than 10 percent of all U.S. college students study abroad at some point in their academic career, according to a report published by IIE.
“Globalization has changed the way the world works, and employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and expertise,” says Dr. Allan Goodman, President of IIE. “Studying abroad must be viewed as an essential component of a college degree and critical to preparing future leaders.”
For our 50th anniversary year, we’re celebrating globally with students, educators and all members of the IB community. Find out more about how you can join in, or send us details of your #IB50 event.
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