Voices From Kokusai

A Former Child Actor Who Found His Next Role in Economics: Many Lives of Taisei Morioka

In this episode, we sit down with Taisei Morioka, a recent graduate of Kokusai IB. He is the co-founder and chair of the first Kokusai MUN, a successful applicant of KCL, a bass player in a band, a former professional child actor, and so much more!Taisei shares his experience growing up between Tokyo and Chicago, what drew him to international development over his original dream of studying PPE, and how MUN brought all his interests together. He gives honest advice on IB deadlines, SAT timing, picking the right extracurriculars, college essay writing, etc. Listen to the end and find out the one piece of life advice Taisei wishes someone had told him on his first day of high school!! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing] View Transcript here!

SPECIAL EP: MR OKURA

This episode is a special episode, in honour of Mr.Okura leaving Kokusai. This episode is delivered to you in Japanese by IB10 history HL students!! From information about university applications to Mr. Okura's personal interests!! Have a listen and we're sure you'll understand the love we have for Mr.Okura

From Dream Schools to Decision Day: Maximise your chance!

In this episode, we sit down with Ms. KP, an experienced college advisor who has helped students got in Oxbridge, Princeton, UPenn, etc. We took an honest look at what it actually takes to get into a great university. From building a smart college list to writing a personal statement that stands out, Ms. KP shares practical strategies rooted in years of working with IB students. The conversation covers Early Decision risks, how to choose the right recommenders, using AI responsibly in your application, and why widening your university pool can change everything. Whether you're just starting to think about applications or deep in the process, this episode offers an insightful perspective to maximize your chances. Read transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing]

Wanna succeed in IB and beyond? Hear from someone with 28 hrs a day!

This episode invites Ms. Kirkpatrick, offering a glimpse into her educational background, hinting to us how her upbringing shaped her to become who she is. From her family to her mindset, this episode will shock you as you hear new facts about Ms. KP. Not only that, as a chemistry teacher, EE advisor, a college professor, and beyond. Aside from education, MS Kp walks us through her favorite aspects of the different countries she has roots in! WE guarantee you will learn about Ms. KP!! Read our transcript here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing]

Jerk Chicken, Reggae, and Risk-Taking: A Jamaican Story

In this episode, we sit down with a Jamaican educator whose life stretches across continents. She shares the cultural heartbeat of Jamaica: street-corner jerk pans, 17 types of mangoes, reggae legends like Bob Marley, and sprinting icons like Usain Bolt. But beyond the food and music, this conversation dives into something deeper: surviving natural disasters, choosing courage over comfort, and why “the world is too big to stay in one place.” View our transcripts here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jXmcOgNc4-wU4JT-MRWHiC2rcmwVZ9cof_ABwBZTmtM/edit?usp=sharing]