Supporting your students to Thrive at the RSIC

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As accompanying educators, you play a vital role in helping students gain the full benefit of the Round Square International Conference. While your duty of care remains paramount, your influence extends far beyond student welfare. You are also helping young people develop independence, courage, global understanding, and lifelong friendships.

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The most successful conferences are those where adults actively encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the opportunities that international experiences provide.

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Helping Students Build Global Connections

The greatest growth often occurs when students engage with people they do not already know. We encourage you to support students in:

• sitting with delegates from other schools during meals, travel, and activities;

• introducing themselves to new people and being open to different perspectives;

• participating fully in Baraza discussions and conference activities;

• using English as the common language wherever possible so that everyone can be included in conversations;

• seeing themselves as global citizens who have both the privilege and responsibility of learning from others.

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Modelling the Round Square Spirit

Students learn as much from what we do as from what we say. As delegates, you can help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere by:

• demonstrating curiosity, openness, and respect in your own interactions;

• building connections with educators and students from around the world;

• supporting student leaders while allowing them the space to lead;

• encouraging students to take ownership of their belongings, responsibilities, and daily routines;

• being attentive to students who may need encouragement, whether they are from your school or another delegation.

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Balancing Support and Independence

Students benefit most when they know their teachers are available while also being given the freedom to grow. Consider:

• checking in regularly with your students while encouraging them to spend most of their time engaged with the wider conference community;

• celebrating examples of courage, initiative, and positive participation;

• helping students reflect on their experiences throughout the week and during the journey home;

• providing guidance that helps them make meaning of what they have seen, heard, and experienced.

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Looking After Wellbeing

A successful conference experience depends on students being healthy, rested, and ready to participate. Please help students maintain good habits by ensuring they:

• get adequate rest each night;

• stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day;

• carry any necessary snacks if they are prone to low energy levels between meals.

 

Above all, please remind students that attending the RSIC is a remarkable opportunity. The more fully they engage with the people, ideas, and experiences around them, the more they will gain from the journey. Together, we can create an experience that is challenging, memorable, and genuinely life-changing for every delegate