The International Graduate School (IGS) at Namseoul University has emerged as a leader in introducing innovative International Baccalaureate (IB) education programs to Korea. The school operates the International Baccalaureate Educator Certificate (IBEC) course, which has been recommended as a model case for other educational institutes.
According to Park Hee-suk, dean of Namseoul University IGS, the school became the first in Korea to be certified by the International Baccalaureate Organization to train IB educators for the IB DP (Diploma Program) in March 2020. Since then, the university has obtained additional certifications to train IB educators for MYP (Middle Years Program) in December 2021 and PYP (Primary Years Program) in January this year.
The International Baccalaureate Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, offers four challenging education programs worldwide to empower students to take charge of their learning and develop essential skills and confidence.
Park highlighted the growing interest in IB programs due to their innovative approach to teaching, which stands in contrast to Korea’s uniform education system. The increased interest is reflected in the pledges of adopting IB programs by candidates in recent superintendent elections.
Namseoul University IGS offers a 30-week IBEC course led by the International Baccalaureate Educators’ Network (IBEN) and Korean assistant lecturers. The course is open to anyone with a teaching certificate and is mainly conducted online. The university’s IBEC course received recognition from the International Baccalaureate Organization for its excellent online curriculum, making it a recommended model case for other schools in Canada and Australia.
In May this year, Namseoul University IGS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gyeonggi Province Office of Education. Under the MOU, the education office entrusted the university to train 50 elementary and middle school teachers in the IBEC course.
Park expressed pride in the MOU, stressing that it demonstrates recognition of the university’s course by the education office. The university plans to enhance collaboration with other education offices, including those in Seoul and South Chungcheong Province.
Apart from the IBEC course, Namseoul University IGS offers five career-focused, full-time master’s degree programs. The school has seen a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in these programs, attributing the growth to its global outreach efforts, such as active participation in international education fairs.
Looking ahead, Namseoul University IGS has plans to introduce two additional departments in the coming year—International Business and Orthopedic Manual Physiotherapy and Contrology. The university aims to expand the IBEC course further and attract a diverse range of students from around the world.
Namseoul University IGS’s commitment to driving innovative IB education programs has positioned it as a leader in Korea’s education reform. By offering comprehensive training programs for IB educators and collaborating with educational authorities, the university is paving the way for the adoption of IB programs in local schools and contributing to the advancement of education in the country.
Overall, Namseoul University’s efforts and achievements in implementing IB education programs have garnered attention and recognition, highlighting its commitment to providing educational excellence and fostering a global learning environment.
