IBO “aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” George Walker, director general emeritus of the IBO, defines an international education as one that offers students the possibility of “discussing major world issues and knowing they can solve problems through cooperation at the local, national, and international level” (Walker, 2002, p. 20-23).

According to the IBO’s standard, there must be “a close alignment between the educational beliefs and values of the school and those of the IBO, promoting international mindedness in the minds of adults and students in the school community.” The school must not only value international mindedness in theory, it must also actively foster it by providing students with rich opportunities to learn about world issues and to get involved in activities that encourage responsible citizenship. Furthermore, all members of the school community must find ways to value the school’s own diversity and make the students aware of the diversity of the world outside of their school.