Finding Courage at RSIC2026 in Sydney

“One thing that I think I learned at the conference is courage and talking to new people. Before, I feel like I was more of a shy and reserved person, but the conference really makes you go out there if you want to have friends and talk to people,” says one RSIC2026 participant.

As delegates gathered in Sydney for the Round Square International Conference 2026, hosted by Barker College, that experience is already proving true for many students.

This year’s conference began with an Australian Fair, introducing delegates to elements of Australian culture, innovation and community life. Students explored a range of activities, including robotics demonstrations, before many headed off to meet their homestay families for the first time. For some, it was their first opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and immerse themselves in a completely new environment.

“They split you up out of your home school and you get into the Baraza groups. You have to make friends and meet new people.”

That process continued at the Opening Ceremony, where delegates from around the world were formally welcomed to the Conference. Keynote speakers, performances and a warm introduction to the week ahead set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Students then joined their first Baraza discussions, where they got to know one another while taking part in a collaborative hat-making challenge.

“It’s just showing me how interesting people from around the world are. There’s so many cool cultures and people you can still bond with, even if they are from halfway around the world.”

As the Conference moved into its activity streams, delegates began exploring the RS IDEALS of Environment, Adventure and Service in different ways. There is an Urban Challenge across Sydney, navigating the city and working together to tackle a series of tasks. Delegates are sorting donated clothing to help reduce textile waste, identifying items suitable for reuse, donation or resale and helping give them a second life and taking part in hands-on bush regeneration activities.

There are Cultural Performance Evenings, where delegates took to the stage to share music, dance and traditions from their schools and countries. For the performers and audience alike, it is another opportunity to learn about one another and celebrate the diversity of the global Round Square network.

For this delegate, however, the most important discovery may have been something more personal: “I think that’s one thing I want to take back home with me: the courage to talk to new people and learn new stories.”.

Here’s a peek and what’s been happening so far: