The Role of IB students in motivating other students through online Extracurricular activities during the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic

Okayama University is fast becoming a popular choice for International Baccalaureate (1B) students in Japan and abroad. Okayama University was the first Super Global National University (SGU) in Japan, to accept the 1B Diploma and exempt 1B students from taking the university entrance exams. Within a span of 9 years since 1B admissions started in 2012, 87 1B students have enrolled in 10 Faculties and 1 special program including 20 graduates. During their 1B education, 1B students go through an academically rigorous, well-rounded and international minded educational program. Continuous follow-up surveys of 1B students at Okayama University from enrollment to graduation has revealed that, besides academic excellence, 1B students are also well equipped with various other skills as reflected in the 1B learner profile, such as effective communication skills, critical thinking skills, a high level of English fluency and leadership skills. All these added skills prepare 1B students to adapt well to any new or unexpected situation. When the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic hit University life in Japan, all academic classes switched to online and club activities were postponed indefinitely. As University life adapted and re-adapted to the new norms of the pandemic, extracurricular activities that were mostly face-to-face, were hard hit. This article takes a look at 3 extra-curricular activities led by 1B students in the medical faculty, which went online to keep students motivated and connected during the ongoing pandemic.