SummerDiaries: ‘IB taught me to question the credibility of information’

She has always been interested in understanding issues beyond what is written in textbooks, particularly how decisions made by governments and international organisations affect people and society. Hence, pursuing the Young Scholars Programme and choosing Policy, Society and International Affairs for her internship came naturally to Harshitha Khuurana, a student at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park.

In an interview, the DP-1 student shares her learning curve.

What motivated you to join the programme?

I was motivated to join the Young Scholars Programme because I wanted to understand how policies and institutions shape real-world social and political issues. I chose Policy, Society and International Affairs because it brought together several of my interests, including economics, governance, social issues and international relations. I also saw the programme as an opportunity to explore these fields before deciding on my future academic and career path.

What topics and issues did you explore during the programme?

We explored a range of topics related to policy-making, society and international affairs. We examined how policies are formulated and how they influence different sectors and sections of society. We explored policy-making in greater depth during a session with Rai Sengupta, a UNICEF Evaluation Officer, titled Policy Evaluation: Meaning, Impact and Effectiveness.

We discussed various social and political issues as well. For example, the session with Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee helped me develop a deeper understanding of India’s history and the circumstances surrounding the end of British colonial rule in 1947.

Was there a particular lecture, discussion or activity that made a lasting impression on you?

One session that left a lasting impression on me was The ABC of Critical Writing: From Policy Briefs by Simran Khanna. During an activity, several images were displayed on the screen without any background information or context. We were asked to observe them and write down the words, thoughts or emotions that came to mind based solely on what we could see.

It also taught me the importance of looking beyond surface-level information and conducting proper research before forming an opinion or presenting an argument. This was particularly meaningful because it connected critical thinking with policy writing, where understanding the wider context is essential before making recommendations or drawing conclusions.

How did the programme deepen your understanding of the relationship between policy, society and international affairs?

It helped me understand that policy, society and international affairs are deeply interconnected. Policy decisions influence society because they determine how resources, opportunities and responsibilities are distributed. At the same time, social conditions and public needs shape the policies that governments choose to implement. International affairs add another dimension. I realised that an issue that begins as a domestic policy concern can often have regional or international consequences.

Did you work on any group projects or case studies? What did you learn?

Group discussions and activities required us to examine issues from different perspectives and collectively develop arguments or solutions. I learnt that effective policy-making is not simply about having the strongest individual idea. It also involves listening to others’ opinions, evaluating different viewpoints and finding practical compromises. The experience strengthened my communication, collaboration and critical-thinking skills.

How did the IB curriculum prepare you to engage with complex social and global issues?

Subjects such as Language and Literature and Individuals and Societies have taught me to move beyond simply asking what is happening. I learnt to ask why it is happening, who is affected and what can be done.

IB has taught me to examine the reliability and limitations of information as well as the credibility of sources used in research. This is especially important because global and social issues are often complex, controversial and shaped by different perspectives. The programme allowed me to apply these skills to real-world policy and international issues.

Did interacting with experts and fellow participants introduce you to perspectives different from your own?

Interacting with experts and other participants introduced me to diverse perspectives that I might not have considered on my own. Everyone brought different experiences, interests and ways of approaching problems. These discussions taught me that disagreement does not necessarily mean one person is wrong.

How has the programme influenced your academic interests or future career plans?

The programme made me realise that I enjoy understanding complex problems and considering how policies can create meaningful social change. Although I am still exploring my future career options, it has encouraged me to consider fields such as public policy, international relations, economics and governance.

More importantly, it showed me that I want to pursue a career where I can combine my awareness of real-world social challenges with the analytical, inquiry and critical-thinking skills I have developed through my years in the IB programme.