Similarities and Diff erences in Advising International Baccalaureate Students and International Students

抄録

The international student advising room at Okayama University, off ers extensive support and services to international students, foreign researchers and their families during their stay in Japan. The advisory assistance includes counseling services covering academia, scholarships, tuition fee waivers, accommodation, immigration, health and career advice. International students can avail this service in English, Japanese, Bangla, Hindi and Urdu languages, respectively. From 2012, Okayama University started International Baccalaureate（IB）admissions into the undergraduate course. As of October 2020, 70 IB students have enrolled in 11 faculties and 1 special program. Since IB students come from a very diff erent educational background as compared to Japanese students, and as a majority of IB students have lived abroad for most of their lives, Okayama University decided to appoint an IB student advisor, who is also one of the international student advisors, for their guidance and support. This report summarizes the similarities and diff erences in advising approaches as experienced by the IB student advisor over a period of 6 years. The main purpose of student advising at Okayama University is to initiate smooth and successful transition of both international and IB students into Japanese university life.