Jissen Gakuen and Marlborough Boys' and Girls' Colleges have enjoyed a strong relationship for 26 years.

Last week we welcomed students and teachers from our Sister School in Japan.

MBC has once again been able to continue the 10-day Summer School Exchange with our Sister School Jissen Gakuen, from Tokyo, Japan. It was a privilege to welcome the 34 students and 7 staff from our sister school again this year after 3 years of no exchanges due to Covid.

We received lovely feedback from many of our host families which is so appreciated, this is from one of our host parents;

Kia ora Fiona
I have to say we have absolutely loved having the boys.
They are such lovely boys. Bonus for me…They let me hug them like I hug my boy’s goodbye in the morning before school, they are just the best and I will definitely be crying when they leave, I have a super soft spot for them. I offered to keep them which they laughed at. I also offered for them to take our youngest home as a gift which they laughed at.
I think you will see in the photos we have zero allergies to dogs, in fact they love our dogs.
Thank you for choosing our whānau to host. An amazing experience. We have loved watching our boys manaaki them and take care of them.
E mihi ana Tineka

A huge thank you to all the host brothers and their families who opened their homes to our international students, we cannot welcome these students to this College without the support of families from the Marlborough community. We would also like to acknowledge our MBC school students and staff that supported this exchange, THANK YOU.

Jissen Gakuen students are welcomed at Marlborough Boys' College each year for yearlong and short-term exchanges and every effort is made to make their stay in Blenheim, a happy and worthwhile experience. We recognise and appreciate the contribution these young men make to our school community.

Please see below a few photos of what the boys got up to while they were here! Lots of fun was had by all.