• H.Y ｜ Pupil at Millfield School UK

There are three things that left a lasting impression on me during my time at JINIS.
Firstly, when I visited JINIS for a tour and saw how everyone was having a great time, it inspired me to want to learn here as well. The peer who showed me around the school gave a very clear explanation, and we have since become best friends.

Secondly, the European trip was a highlight. Visiting schools in Switzerland and the UK allowed me to envisage studying abroad, and I was able to transfer tothe UK starting in April 2023.

Thirdly, the numerous events at JINIS were unforgettable, with E-sports being a standout. I was amazed by the opportunity to play games at school. We formed a team and managed to achieve first place, which I believe was because everyone worked together. It was a very joyful memory.

I love JINIS, and if I'm honest, I wish I could have continued learning there for my entire sixth-grade year.

Now, I am attending "Millfield School" in the UK. It's a school known for its strong focus on sports and has produced many Olympic athletes. There are plenty of weekend activities like amusement parks, museums, and BBQs, which make it enjoyable. I am also working hard because I aspire to compete in equestrian events at the Olympics in the future.

• R.O ｜ Pupil at Geelong Grammar School AU

Every day at JINIS holds a treasure trove of memories. JINIS being a boarding school meant that we studied together, played together, and shared meals together. There were even friends who would be by your side when tears welled up, and together, we faced challenges head-on.

One of the most enjoyable aspects was the outings. Whether it was frolicking in the sea at Ohama Sea Park, attending Hiroshima Carp baseball games, or embarking on European trips and excursions, we did it all together. Being constantly surrounded by friends, I have countless joyful and heartwarming memories. We also dedicated ourselves to our studies.

Currently, I am studying in Australia, and it's only since arriving here that I've realized just how valuable the lessons I learned from the teachers at JINIS were. The education I received at JINIS has proven to be incredibly beneficial in my current studies.

JINIS is a boarding school, and initially, you might feel lonely, scared, or even homesick being away from home. But the teachers, house parents, and friends will be there to support you. You can also have video calls with your parents, and when you're having fun with your friends, the pangs of homesickness tend to fade away. I strongly encourage you to make the most of your time at JINIS and have loads of fun.

• R.J ｜ Pupil at Bilton Grange UK

I have two special memories from my time at JINIS that stand out.

Firstly, it's the memory of my first experience living in the dormitory cabin. Being away from my parents was initially quite daunting, but the house parents and friends were incredibly kind and dependable. At that time, I couldn't speak any English, and there were moments when I felt like I didn't want to continue, but when I returned to the dormitory, I had friends, things I liked, and it became a happy place for me.

The second special memory is from our European trip. I had very little international experience, and entering a foreign school, especially a boarding school, was intimidating and scary for me. However, thanks to JINIS' European trip, I had the opportunity to visit schools I had never heard of before. The people I met abroad were so friendly, and my anticipation for the next school grew. It was this European trip that made me excited about the prospect of studying at European schools.

For those who are just starting at JINIS, you might feel lonely or face challenges initially. However, your friends and teachers are kind and interesting people who will welcome you with open arms. There are also teachers who are willing to listen to your concerns. You can rely on the seniors at JINIS and make the most of your school life.

• Mother of T.S and N

My eldest son has been studying at JINIS since September of his second year, and my second son started in his first year. Recently, my sons had the opportunity to talk to prospective parents of candidates interested in JINIS. During the discussion, they were asked, "Which is better, starting in the first year or starting in a higher grade?" and "Did you feel lonely?"

Both of my sons concluded that starting in the first year is better. Their reasons were that they could make trustworthy friends early on and that they had exposure to English from the beginning, which helped them develop their English language skills, including pronunciation.

From a parent's perspective, I think there isn't much of a difference between starting in the first year and starting in a higher grade. However, I believe that starting in the first year allows children to learn proper life habits and manners before any unusual habits or quirks develop. Learning English from the first year provides a significant advantage, and it's better to learn about one's identity as a Japanese and their culture earlier in their education.

For parents who are working, I think it's less challenging to have their child experience the "first-grade wall" by starting in first grade rather than later. While there may be loneliness from being apart, the distance can strengthen the parent-child relationship as you cherish the moments you have together. It's heartwarming to see my son confidently tell the audience, "If they join, I'll support them as an upperclassman."

When it comes to advancing to an overseas school, the entrance examination typically occurs in the fifth grade. JINIS considers not only academic performance but also various achievements, personality, and personal growth when helping students choose their next school. Therefore, having a longer experience at JINIS may lead to a more suitable school recommendation that aligns with the child's aptitude.

One curriculum at JINIS that I appreciate is the "IPC (International Primary Curriculum)." Children harvest vegetables they've grown on the farm and sell them at a local market. They discuss how to use the proceeds and design cars, which they then construct. They drive the finished cars while presenting their features and innovations. Listening to guest speakers who visit once a month also helps the children view things from different perspectives. Overall, this curriculum is beneficial in teaching children to think critically and creatively.

• Father of R.H and A

There was hesitation about sending our young child to a full boarding school, and we did indeed have many concerns, especially considering the apprehensions voiced by those around us. However, based on our vision for parenting, which emphasized the development of a unique perspective, critical thinking skills, early exposure to the concept of the world being both vast and small (i.e., diverse viewpoints coexisting, yet all humans fundamentally the same and capable of understanding one another), and the acquisition of English language skills and the ability to communicate, we made the decision to have our child enroll in an international full boarding school from the first grade.

After the enrolment of my children, I found that the school effectively strikes a balance between Japanese education as a first-tier school and global learning as an international school. It nurtures Japanese identity while imparting an international perspective. The smaller class sizes compared to regular elementary schools allow for tailored learning experiences for each student.

In the dormitory life, while there may be moments of homesickness that lead to visits to the dorm mother's room, the children trust the adults in the dormitory, and I believe the psychological safety of the children is well ensured. The strong connections formed with both older and younger students help foster a sense of respect and independence that extends beyond their own grade levels. This sense of mutual respect and independence is a unique aspect of full boarding life.

As a side note, my children are quite picky eaters. However, they often say things like, "I can eat anything because JINIS food is delicious," and at the beginning of the term, they might show signs of missing home, but by the end of the term, they say, "I don't want to go home" (laughs). As a parent, it's a somewhat complex feeling, but I'm pleased that my children find JINIS so comfortable and welcoming.

Enrolling a young child in an international full boarding school might be a challenging decision, but the most critical factor is whether the environment and culture align with your family's values and your child's personality.

JINIS offers opportunities to test the waters, such as summer school or school visits, allowing interested families to experience the environment firsthand. If you're curious, I recommend starting with these trial experiences to see if it's the right fit for your family.

• Mother of R.O

My son had the opportunity to experience JINIS's summer school (JINIS Camp), and after that, he independently decided to enroll. He transferred from a public school to JINIS in Grade 3 when JINIS first opened. As a parent, I supported his decision because I saw that JINIS offered an environment where he could live like a child, experience Japanese culture even in an international school, and receive support for his future study abroad preparations.

JINIS's educational approach, which allows students to learn through hands-on experiences, was a perfect fit for my son. He was able to build positive relationships with many people, including friends and staff members. He often says that he enjoys studying because JINIS provides individual support during free periods, making him actively engaged in learning.

In the dormitory life, the attentive support from house parents provided a secure living environment, helped with health management, and sometimes included academic assistance. This support allowed my son to develop leadership skills as a senior student. The frequent communication and swift responses to inquiries from JINIS staff also gave us parents peace of mind.

The school my son chose had low recognition and limited information in Japan, but the school responded positively to his aspirations with the message of "Let's challenge it together, toward his dream." We were very grateful for the efforts of the chairman, advisors, and teachers who supported him in his exam preparation and helped him fulfill his aspirations.

Living apart from your child can be a source of concern, but I believe JINIS is a school where children can gain invaluable experiences beyond what they would have living with their parents.