International education agents from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Australia, Egypt, Poland, United Kingdom and Thailand visited Southland during the first week of May 2009. The group were in New Zealand to attend the Australia New Zealand Agents Workshop in Auckland and then made there way south to experience the attractions and lifestyle of Southland. The agents visited Southland Boys' High School, Southland Girls' High School, Central Southland College, Aparima College, James Hargest College and Menzies College, while also taking in the sights of Stewart Island and Fiordland. The six Southland secondary schools form the Education Southland initiative, assisting international students, their parents and education agents in accessing quality education in Southland.
 

All the schools have identified international marketing as a priority. International education not only provides financial benefits to the schools but it also opens up the educational opportunities and local students to an international environment. Travelling to New Zealand to be educated has many benefits for the student, including a chance to be immersed in the English language, leading to further tertiary and career opportunities. The agents enjoyed their time down South, one even described it as "heaven on earth".