This story was written by Chris Corser, a team who acompanied the 2010 NZIBO team to Korea.
The 21st International Biology Olympiad was held during our July school holidays in Changwon, South Korea.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to join the New Zealand team as one of the two teachers, 4 students, and two observers on this exciting and challenging trip.
Exciting because none of us had been to this part of the world before, and also the food, new friendships and whole IBO process was of intense interest.
And challenging because the competition was hard work, involving long hours in the jury room, checking, debating and rechecking examination papers before the students received the final copies. Challenging also because there were over 220 students from 59 countries present and the papers had to be translated into the language each would understand, a process which could take most of the night.
Every year a different country hosts the competition and provides the accommodation and organization necessary for this week long event.
This year’s competition began with the opening ceremony, which was followed by a day of practical examinations, then another day of theory exams. The end of the competition was celebrated by a party, sightseeing tours, cultural shows, a banquet and the outstanding medal award ceremony.
The New Zealand team was thrilled and proud when our students earned two silver and 2 bronze medals between them, the best medal tally for New Zealand since we began competing in the IBO.
