The Foreign Service Journal, December 2006

92 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT year at McGill University wasn’t near- ly as challenging. I did an honors degree in international development, and always felt I was on top of my classes.” Huffman, who now works at the World Bank, went on to write two masters-length honors theses on AIDS in Cambodia. She adds, “I was always reminded of my IB disserta- tion — because it really was an initi- ation to doing independent research for a full year and developing a men- toring relationship with a professor, which is an invaluable skill for any kind of graduate research.” Requirements: Work and Stress So, if it’s such a wonderful pro- gram, why wouldn’t every student enroll? In fact, there are some dis- advantages to the program. Perhaps the most negative aspect of the IB diploma is the amount of work and accompanying amount of stress it entails. IB diploma candidates have, in many ways, begun university two years early. In fact, as one parent whose daughter is currently in 10th grade in northern Virginia points out, it’s even earlier: “Because you have to be planning to do the diploma ahead of time in order to have all your pre- requisites under your belt, the kids here refer to themselves as being in the IB Diploma Program long before junior year.” Although there are no formal requirements for admission to an IB program, preparation is definitely necessary. “You have to be ‘ready’ for the level of intensity of the IB cours- es, and have had the right group of courses to be ready for the IB cur- riculum,” is the way Rebecca Grappo puts it. Grappo, an FS spouse, is an educational consultant and former education and youth officer at State’s Family Liaison Office. “Preparation is necessary for any high-level subjects, and you also need to be prepared to enter one of the The goal of producing a well-rounded, critical thinker who knows how to write and has engaged in public service, creative endeavors and athletics is certainly a noble one. Continued on page 94 (Continued from page 90)