RS Conference 2026: Colegio Bilingüe ANAN, Ecuador
- School: Colegio Bilingüe ANAN, Ecuador
- Theme: Humboldt’s Four Worlds: An Adventure in Ecuador
- Age Group: 14-16 Years
- Date: 11-17 May 2026
Hosting Humboldt’s Four Worlds: An Adventure in Ecuador was an unforgettable experience for Colegio Bilingüe ANAN. More than a conference, it became an opportunity to share Ecuador’s landscapes, culture, biodiversity, and identity through direct experiential learning inspired by Alexander von Humboldt’s journey through our country.
The conference brought together students and teachers from Aleph, Craighouse, and ANAN, with a total of 22 participants including students and accompanying adults. The smaller size of the group created a close community atmosphere and allowed for meaningful interactions throughout the programme.
Hosting the conference was an incredibly rewarding experience, but also one that taught us important lessons. Coordinating transportation, accommodation, schedules, activities, meals, and individual delegation requests required constant attention. One of our biggest lessons is the importance of having one clearly designated conference leader with full oversight of the event.
Another key learning was the need to always have a Plan B. Conferences rely heavily on external providers, weather conditions, transportation, and many moving parts. Unexpected situations are inevitable, and the ability to adapt calmly is essential.
If we were to host another Round Square conference, we would probably reduce the number of destinations. Ecuador offers extraordinary diversity, but moving constantly between regions can be exhausting and leaves less time for reflection and deeper connection.
One of the most meaningful comments we received from our guests was how impressed they were by the love we have for our country and the warmth with which they were welcomed. For us, this captured the true spirit of hosting. A Round Square conference is not only about activities or destinations; it is about opening your culture and community to others.
For our students, hosting was also a transformative experience. They became ambassadors of their school and country, learning leadership through service, adaptability, teamwork, and hospitality.
Our advice to future host schools would be simple: be ambitious, but realistic. Build a programme that genuinely reflects your school and your country, appoint a strong conference lead from the beginning, prepare contingency plans, and leave space for authentic human connection.
Ultimately, Humboldt’s Four Worlds reminded us that the greatest value of a Round Square conference lies not only in the places visited, but in the relationships built and the shared experiences that stay with students long after the event ends.
