Ameline Sørgen, graduated May 2017

It is the worst and best thing I ever did, and I would choose it all over again. 

What made your time in the IB a positive experience?

When reflecting on my time in the IB program, I particularly value the vast variety at which we we were educated, as we were met and challenged on both a personal and an academic level. 

It is without doubt a demanding program and when asked about my time there, I tend to say: ´It is the worst and best thing I ever did, and I would choose it all over again´. 

Some will never be able to grasp that and that´s ok. For me, the program was more than just an academic model. At the heart of it all, there was so much curiosity and a sense of togetherness. The people made the program, and were able to create a safe and stimulating environment to learn and grow in. I would not be where I am today without it. For that, I am very grateful.  

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?

I knew I wanted to be pushed more in my learning environment, and as someone who has always felt a bit English at heart, the IB became an obvious choice. It fit my ideas of what I wanted to be when I got older, and as I got older it grew with me and opened doors, I wasn’t even aware of. 

Going into higher education, I could early on feel an advantage in how I were used to working with one foot always planted outside of my comfort zone. I managed stress like nobody’s business, whilst having structure and study techniques coming out of my ears, as if it was second nature.  

Why should students choose the IB?

I gained invaluable tools through the IB program for me to feel safer within myself when making choices going forwards in life. I believe the program is perfect for those who also finds joy in learning, are curious to a fault, and enjoys being pushed, poked and prodded with care and wisdom in a small environment. 

I would also dare say, that if English is not your favourite or best subject, there is even more reason to apply. 

The ease at which you get comfortable with the language, and the benefits of familiarising yourself with every-day and academic English, is a unique opportunity not to be missed.  

 Amund Bekkelund Bakken, graduated May 2020.

I think the greatest benefit of the IB was that it prepared me to great extent for my further studies at university. 

What made your time in the IB positive experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the IB. My experience was valuable as I met many other like-minded young people with similar ambitions. This created a very comfortable environment for me to focus on my studies, while also enjoying great extracurricular activities with my classmates. 

Another important element for me personally, was that I had great experiences with all teachers, which I think can be a deciding factor for many people in how much they enjoy a subject. As a result of having smaller classes, I also felt that the teachers had more time for each student, which significantly improved my academic progression.  

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?

I think the greatest benefit of the IB was that it prepared me to great extent for my further studies at university. 

The fact that the IB program teaches you to prepare for an exam, rather than just testing during the course, is great preparation for the structure of university classes. It forced me to see the courses from a greater perspective, not just focusing on the current subject area. 

I also truly enjoyed writing the Extended Essay, and the methods it thought me have made me a lot better at writing papers. I personally do not believe there is any better preparation for university than being an IB student.  

Why should students choose the IB?

I think students should choose the IB because it challenges you in the right ways, while also providing you with the tools to succeed. Personally, I chose the IB because taking the courses in English was an additional challenge for me as a Norwegian student. 

This was both exciting and rewarding, and it has allowed me to engage with greater knowledge as a global citizen. 

Through the IB I have also gotten in contact with students from all around the world, many of which I now consider as friends. The academic environment also allowed me to achieve many of my academic milestones, and it has put me in a great position to continue my further studies. 

Martine Solstad, graduated May 2020

IB is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding, and you find yourself better equipped for the future. 

What made your time in the IB a positive experience?

First and foremost, it truly helped me grow, not only academically but also personally. The amazing teachers and tutors provided guidance and supported our ambitions, showing us the opportunities are endless. 

As the IB is a bit different, it led to stronger friendships within the class, something which proved invaluable.

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?

The IB programme has a very different way of learning and is truly aimed at challenging students at an early age. Not only does the IB make the application process for schools abroad easier due to it being an international programme, but it also thoroughly prepares the student for the type of learning to come by enhancing critical thinking and developing essay-writing skills. 

This made the transfer from upper secondary school to university very smooth.

Why should students choose the IB?

The IB is great for students wanting to enhance their English skills, both orally and written, but also for those who want to challenge themselves. IB is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding, and you find yourself better equipped for the future. 

Through subjects like Theory of Knowledge and CAS, you develop a sense of critical thinking and mindfulness. You also learn more advanced with the ability to choose higher level subjects to dive deeper into. 

Emma Brovold Strandengen, graduated May 2021

IB, for me, was the first stepping stone towards my dream of studying abroad.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science in Security Studies at Leiden University in The Hague, The Netherlands. In addition to the BSc, I am doing the FGGA (Faculty of Global Governance and Affairs) Honours program.

What made your time in the IB positive experience?

One thing that I will forever cherish from my IB experience is the friends that I made along the way. The small classes made for a very close-knit environment, and some of my best friends to this day are my former classmates from IB. 

Additionally, the size of the classes allowed for a very close relationship to our teachers, and I enjoy every chance I have to catch up with any of them. 

The fact that we could choose subjects that we found interesting also helped make the whole experience a positive one, since most people came to class motivated and interested in learning.  

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?

IB, for me, was the first stepping stone towards my dream of studying abroad. The academic skills I developed, as well as the personal growth that IB facilitated gave me enough confidence to follow my dream to move abroad for university. 

The prior experience with academic English made the transition to being a university student much smoother for me than some of my fellow students, who did not have any experience with academic English. 

IB was also the first place I could explore my interests academically and figure out what subjects and topics I was passionate enough about to pursue a degree within.

Moreover, IB thought me that I can do anything I put my mind to. There were times where I genuinely did not think I could do it, but I made it through and graduated. I will forever me grateful for that experience. 

So, although IB can at times be very demanding, it prepares you for the workload and expectations of university level education better than many other high school programs. And the accomplishment and validation you feel after graduating is so rewarding that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.  

Why should students choose the IB?

As mentioned, IB thoroughly lays the groundwork for your academic skills. Through focus on critical thinking and, at times, an interdisciplinary approach to certain topics, we graduate with exceptional basis for further development. 

The workload in IB also requires you to develop a work ethic and time management skills that is useful no matter what you end up doing in the future. And the close relationships with your peers and teachers makes for an exceptional learning environment, as well as a safe space for personal growth.

Additionally, the fact that you can tailor your classes, and some assignments like the Extended Essay, towards your interests, makes for a very motivated environment and makes it more enjoyable to put in the work that is expected and required.

Furthermore, the international community that you become a part of as an IB student and graduate is extremely helpful and inclusive. 

Since I graduated, I have met many fellow IB graduates, both during my gap year and in university, and we immediately bond over the shared experiences of IB – no matter where in the world we are from.  

Sune Raknes Sogstad, graduatetd May 2021

My journey through the IB program was a truly transformative experience.

What made your time in the IB a positive experience?  

My journey through the IB program was a truly transformative experience. The small class sizes, exceptional teachers, and the unique focus on a more selective set of subjects compared to the Norwegian system made a significant difference in my educational path.  

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner? 

The smaller classes allow for a more tightly knit group and the rigid IB system guides you to become an effective learner. I found my passion for physics through the Extended Essay (EE) in Physics, which allowed me to delve deeply into a subject I was truly enthusiastic about. 

This experience not only honed my research skills but also instilled in me a lifelong love for science.  

Why should students choose the IB? 

The IB's focus on critical thinking and international mindedness prepared me exceptionally well for my current university studies. The strong foundation you gain, coupled with skills like time management and independent learning, are indispensable in any academic pursuits. 

IB’s unique Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) subject allows you to pursue your own passions and discover the joy of community service. These activities broadened my horizons and added a valuable dimension to my education. The fewer subjects in the IB curriculum allows you to concentrate more deeply on the subjects you are the most passionate about. 

The personal attention from excellent teachers further facilitated your learning journey. The program nurtures curiosity and encourages students to question the world around them. It equips them with the skills needed for higher education and instils a global perspective. 

Amelia Nykvist, graduated May 2022

I thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the teachers and the close-knit learning environment. 

What made your time in the IB a positive experience?  

I loved the experience I had at Gjøvik videregående skole. Doing the IB in a Norwegian context challenged me in the best way possible as I got to immerse myself more in the culture whilst also discovering my role as a learner in a globalised world.

I thoroughly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the teachers and the close-knit learning environment which allowed me to form meaningful friendships and make the most of my time in the IB.

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?  

IB has taught me to never be satisfied with the knowledge I have. I think I have developed a lifelong curiosity which serves me well in my daily life now as a university student. Not only has the IB taught me curiosity, but it has taught me the importance of balance in approaching life.  

Why should students choose the IB?

There are so many reasons to choose IB. A standout reason is that it opens doors for you. It is so highly regarded that you can go anywhere you want – the world is at your fingertips. Also, I think it is a great way of making meaningful connections with people. You work in such proximity with your peers that you form amazing friendships.

Even now in university, I meet people who studied the IB on a weekly basis and each time we are united through this common thread, it’s quite incredible. In sum, you should choose IB if you are curious about where you can go in the world, and if you want to leave high school with meaningful connections that will stay with you for a long time.  

Bashar Albittar, graduated May 2022

The dedicated teachers provided continuous feedback and motivated me to strive for excellence in both my academic and personal growth. 

What made your time in the IB a positive experience?  

My time in the IB system was enriched by various factors that made it a positive and meaningful experience. I particularly appreciated the dedicated teachers who provided continuous feedback, which motivated me to strive for excellence in both my academic and personal growth. 

Another aspect I valued was the bilingual nature of the curriculum; everything was taught in English, except for literature subjects, which were taught in their respective languages. This linguistic diversity provided me with a significant advantage at the university, which I did not fully realize while I was in the IB.

What were the benefits of the IB for reaching educational goals and as a lifelong learner?  

As a young hardworking student and aspiring businessman, I am grateful for having chosen the IB at high school because of how far I have come. 

Although I believe I would have achieved my goals eventually, choosing the IB program provided me with numerous advantages and invaluable skills at an early age of my life. These skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, presentation abilities, creativity, discipline, patience, balance, and effective time management. 

These skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, presentation abilities, creativity, discipline, patience, balance, and effective time management.

Why should students choose the IB?  

If I were to recommend the IB program based on a single factor, it would be the ‘keys’ that IB graduates are equipped with. These ‘keys’ are essential in achieving success in various aspects of life, including university studies, professional life, and personal development. 

Choosing the IB ensures that you possess these keys upon graduation, allowing you to unlock countless opportunities and succeed in your pursuits.