Student Reflections from RSIS India December 2025

Following the Round Square International Service project (RSIS) with Daly College in India in December 2025, participants were asked whether the experience had positively impacted their character development. Their responses point to an experience shaped not by a single moment, but by shared effort, daily reflection, and learning alongside others.

RSIS projects bring together students from Round Square schools around the world to work collaboratively on meaningful service initiatives. These projects aim not only to provide practical support to communities in need but also to foster leadership, teamwork, and international understanding among participating students. In India, this included assisting with a health camp established by Daly College, and serving local villages as well as working together to construct a mud library building for the community.

For Asanda from Tiger Kloof Educational Institution in South Africa, the balance between service and self-reflection was central: “The RSIS trip had an impact on the local community that was served through the health camp and the building of the library, but it also gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself and grow in the different aspects of the Round Square Discoveries as well as the chance to learn from my peers around the world.”

The practical work was demanding and collaborative. Students worked side by side, navigating unfamiliar routines and responsibilities, while learning how to support one another. Aleena from The Sagar School, India, reflects that the experience “helped me become more confident, improved my communication skills, and taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and self-discipline.” She adds that the guidance throughout the project “motivated me to grow personally and socially, making the experience both meaningful and beneficial.”

For many, RSIS marked a turning point in confidence and self-expression. Daglas, a student at Starehe Boys’ Centre & School in Kenya, says, “At first I used to be introvert and never liked socialising much, but the experience helped me open up and communicate freely with others.” Craig similarly shares, “I was able to break out of my shell and feel more confident expressing myself.” Josh, also from Starehe Boys’ Centre & School, describes developing “a more social and courageous character”, adding that he feels “more confident in myself than before.”

One of the most significant shared experiences was Daly College’s health camp working with local NGO Bagh Aap Aur Van (BAAVAN) Trust, which welcomed more than 900 people from surrounding villages for free medical, dental, and eye care. Students supported the process across registration, screening, and organisation, witnessing the impact of coordinated effort rather than individual action. Later that evening, Baraza groups provided space to process the day together, sharing moments that were both uplifting and challenging.

The Baraza groups were where these relationships deepened. Evenings were spent sharing stories, playing games, and reflecting on experiences that were sometimes joyful and sometimes challenging. Each group chose a name that reflected its identity: Kuchanganya (mixing and working together), Mana (shared life energy), Factorial (the multiplying effect of collective effort), and Girka, named for the countries represented in the group. Over ten days, these groups developed trust, humour, and openness. The Factorials describe how a simple clapping rhythm introduced on the first day became a shared language of respect and togetherness. “Since that day our bond started to grow and we have turned into a family,” they write. The Girka group reflects on learning “what it truly means to be a part of a group… regardless of our differences we were able to connect on a deeper level and create memories that will last forever.”

Alongside service, these daily moments of reflection supported deeper learning. Rahul from The Doon School, India, notes, “Throughout the programme, I learned how to work effectively in a team with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This challenged me to be more open-minded, non-judgmental, and respectful of viewpoints different from my own.”

Friendships formed quickly and deeply. Felix, a student from Starehe Boys’ Centre & School, reflects that he would recommend RSIS because “I was able to make new friends, learn other people’s cultures hence appreciating them, travel to new countries, improve on my confidence, collaboration and sharpen my communication skills.”

Every participant said they would recommend RSIS to other students. Rahul explains why: “The programme offers a unique learning experience that goes far beyond the classroom by combining service, teamwork, and cultural exchange. It helps students develop important life skills such as leadership, communication, adaptability, and empathy while working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.”

Across all responses, RSIS is described not as a one-off trip, but as a formative experience. Students speak about learning how to work with others, reflect honestly, and grow into themselves. For prospective participants, RSIS India offers a clear message: this is an experience that challenges you, supports you, and leaves you changed in ways that matter.