International Baccalaureate: Everything You Need to Know

The International Baccalaureate is a 2-year program that's offered in 3 official languages: French, English and Spanish. Find out more about this interesting alternative in this article.
International Baccalaureate: Everything You Need to Know

Last update: 28 October, 2018

The International Baccalaureate is a program that lets you obtain a world-recognized degree. It’s useful to get into universities around the world. It covers more than 75 countries and more than 2,000 universities.

It’s an international diploma that is more famous every year. It increasingly attracts more young people looking for a universal education after high school.

This is a great alternative that lets students enroll in a foreign university without a problem. For many students, this sounds like a great way for them to learn and grow.

What should I know about the International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate is a complete program that takes 2 years to finish. Wherever they study, the students need to be there for the whole time to complete the course.

Students between ages 16 and 19 years old can enroll for the International Baccalaureate. This gives them the chance to enroll in a postgraduate course anywhere in the world. Many students do this before entering a university.

Main advantages of the International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate offers a unique educational focus. It’s focused on openness to the world, culture, and the desire to learn.

Certainly, this program helps students think critically. It also helps them get involved in their local and international environment.

All the while, they also get a great education. It’s separate from national school systems. It also uses the best methods in the world.

This experience lets students practice at least one foreign language. In addition, they live in an international community. This way, they form a solid cultural background.

It’s a system that big international schools particularly appreciate, as well as universities. Having a multicultural experience and being fluent in multiple languages is very beneficial. It will definitely help their students get into the best schools.

International Baccalaureate: Everything You Need to Know

A common philosophy

All schools that have International Baccalaureate programs share a common philosophy: a commitment to stimulating high quality international education.

The programs also value personal development, generosity and openness to different cultures. The goal is to let college students better understand the society they’re living in. The students should grow both academically and culturally.

International Baccalaureate diploma

The International Baccalaureate exam isn’t just completing a course program. It’s a pre-university exam. One of its goals is to give a quality education. It also helps the students grow into good quality people.

Only schools recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization can prepare students for the exam.

“True education is about getting the best out of yourself.”

–Mahatma Gandhi–

What are the steps to apply for the International Baccalaureate?

Since the program has lots of steps, we recommend starting the process ahead of time. Start planning at least 7–10 months before you plan to leave. If you want to go abroad for the International Baccalaureate, you have two options:

  • The first is to contact one of the accredited organizations. Choose one that offers a program wherever you want to study.
  • Secondly, contact the facilities abroad directly. This way, you can ask about requirements. They can tell you about the necessary documents and registration deadlines. All schools may have slight differences in what they need you to send in.
International Baccalaureate: Everything You Need to Know

How much does the International Baccalaureate program cost?

The cost of the International Baccalaureate program changes from school to school. It depends on the institutions and whether they’re public or private. It also depends on the location, as well as the government funding. This may mean living in a family home, a dorm, or other living arrangements.

It’s difficult to compare the prices between different countries. The fees that schools charge their students are different from what they charge international students. Therefore, a program may be worth a few thousand euros. However, for international students, that price could double or even triple.

If your children want to experience living in other countries, the International Baccalaureate is a good option. It lets students spend the years leading up to university abroad. It will surely be an experience they’ll never forget.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.