Diversity Festival 2026 - Beyond Borders

AIESEC in UNSW

From culture shock to connection: stories, panel & discussion building real cross-cultural understanding.

John Niland Scientia Building (G19)

<h3>Summary:</h3>Every time someone moves to a new country, they carry their culture with them, and every community they land in has its own. That gap is where culture shock, homesickness, and misunderstanding live. This event uses real, personal stories as a starting point for something bigger: building genuine cross-cultural understanding between exchange students, international students, host families, UNSW staff, and the wider local community.Through storytelling and panel discussion, our speakers will unpack:<ul><li>The moment culture shock hit hardest, and what it revealed about the differences between cultures</li><li>How they adapted, and what that process taught them about their own culture as well as their host culture</li><li>What genuine inclusion looked like when it worked — and where it fell short</li></ul>The event then opens into group discussion, where attendees explore what cross-cultural understanding actually requires: not just tolerance, but curiosity, communication, and effort on both sides. We'll talk through what deeper, ongoing inclusion could look like for exchange students, international staff, and newcomers in our own community — beyond a single event.Whether you're navigating a new culture yourself, hosting a family or student from abroad, working alongside international colleagues, or are simply curious about how culture shapes the way we see the world, this event is built for you to listen, question, and contribute.<h3>What to expect:</h3>Personal storytelling from AIESEC exchange participants, international students and professionals on real cross-cultural experiences<ul><li>A moderated panel discussion with audience Q&amp;A</li><li>Interactive activities on building lasting cross-cultural understanding and inclusion</li><li>A relaxed, welcoming space for honest conversation across backgrounds and cultures</li></ul><h3>Visitor Safety Information</h3>The health and safety of our patrons is our top priority, and this event will abide by the Public Health Order prevailing at the time. Please follow our conditions of entry, and check back here for updated information prior to the event.Do not attend the event if you feel unwell, have recently experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.<h3>Live Event &amp; Venue</h3>The Gonski Room, John Niland Scientia Building is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus (<a href="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Kensington%20Campus%20Map%202024.pdf" title="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Kensington%20Campus%20Map%202024.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">G19 on map</a>).<h3>Access</h3>Wheelchair Accessible The John Niland Scientia Building is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus (<a href="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Kensington%20Campus%20Map%202024.pdf" title="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Kensington%20Campus%20Map%202024.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">G19 on map</a>). The closest accessible drop off point to the Scientia Building is the east entrance (<a href="https://events.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/UNSW%20Kensington-%20Accessibility%20Access%20Paths%20and%20Bathrooms.pdf" title="https://events.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/UNSW%20Kensington-%20Accessibility%20Access%20Paths%20and%20Bathrooms.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">F22 on map</a>). Vehicles need to arrive via Gate 11 on Botany Street. The closest accessible parking is available in the Botany Street Parking Station (<a href="https://events.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/UNSW%20Kensington-%20Accessibility%20Access%20Paths%20and%20Bathrooms.pdf" title="https://events.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/UNSW%20Kensington-%20Accessibility%20Access%20Paths%20and%20Bathrooms.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">H23 on map</a>).Assisted Listening Assisted listening like hearing loop can be provided upon request.Auslan interpreters Available on request to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees.<h3>Parking &amp; Public Transport</h3>UNSW is easily accessible via public transport. Call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.Paid casual and visitor parking is offered via the CellOPark App and 'pay by plate meters'.<a href="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/getting-here/parking-campus" title="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/getting-here/parking-campus" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> For more information head here</a>.<h3>About UNSW Diversity Festival</h3>UNSW Diversity Festival is an annual celebration, this year taking place 21–25 September 2026. Diversity Festival brings students and staff together to embrace the diversity of our community and ignite conversations about how we can foster a more inclusive society.Proudly hosted by<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi" title="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> EDI in the Division of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement</a>, the 2026 program features events and activities on themes and topics that include cultural diversity, neurodiversity, accessibility, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, sustainability and societal impact.<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/get-involved/diversity-festival/diversity-festival-2026" title="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/get-involved/diversity-festival/diversity-festival-2026" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Find out what's on at Diversity Festival 2026 and register for events</a>.For event enquiries or to discuss your access requirements, please contact afaf.firhat@aiesec.net.

Diversity Festival 2026 - Beyond Borders

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Diversity Festival 2026 - Beyond Borders

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