”I chose the IB for several reasons; greater challenges, a motivated class environment, to become a better English speaker, and to make it easier to study abroad aftewards. Many students argue that you get to skip the other variant of Norwegian and a third language, and I can’t say that I was unaffected by these arguments. In addition, after 11 years of the Norwegian system, which is doing rather poorly in international rankings, I felt like I could use a change.
Now in my last year of the IB, I think that it has been great so far. It has been quite as I expected. Obviously there is more work to be done, but this is something I have gotten used to. I think it is better to do two hours of work that I like than one hour with something I find less interesting. I like the methods used by the teachers, and the fact that many of my classes have few students allow the teacher to help us more efficiently.
In the future, I believe that being an IB graduate will be truly beneficial to me. For one thing, the subject knowledge is comprehensive, but more importantly, I have learnt how to be a good learner, with better working habits and more independence. I definitely think that my IB Diploma will look good on my CV, especially abroad. ”
- Jakob Træland Rostøl
“I chose the IB because I want to study abroad and the IB prepares me perfectly for that. IB is a balanced education including both social and natural sciences. It helps you develop as a person, as it encourages open-mindedness and risk taking. The class environment is great, and the individual needs of the students are never forgotten. Thus, the rewards are many.
In return, the IB Diploma demands a lot of hard work. The large amount of work that needs to be done might seem intimidating in the beginning, but I experienced that it’s not too much as long as you keep the deadlines and have everything organized.
Therefore, if you are motivated for school work and open for new challenges, the IB is a great option. For me, it has been the right choice and I think the two years of hard work will definitely pay off.”
- Nadine Schindler
“I chose the IB Diploma because after having stayed one year in France, I wanted my education to have an international touch. Another reason was that I wanted some challenge compared to the Norwegian school system.
So far my experience with the IB has been good. I have learned to think in a more constructive and critical way. I am also pleased with the teachers who are very engaged in their subjects. The most challenging area in the IB is probably the fact that you need to be organized.
In the future I think the IB Diploma will be a good preparatory experience for my further studies. Studying in Norway or abroad, having been taught in English and having been challenged is positive. “
- Maria Skuggevik Slotnes
”The reason I chose the IB is that I can achieve the same level of learning as students at my age internationally. This is very important for me, especially in my favorite subject math. The basic language we use in the IB is also international, English. Though you can think learning in English is not a great benefit if you want to study in Norway, we can think further in our lives. English is needed.
Even if I’m not the strongest student, my experience of IB is very exciting, because I am gaining so much knowledge of different subjects. I gain many thoughts from my classmates that help me see things differently. In the IB system we act as a family. If you are weak in one subject, you get help from another student who is strong in that subject.
Any new system is difficult at the beginning, but you find the ways of working and the interests that guide you through the experience.”
- In Chon Lam