Bodwell High School - Review #1

One thing that sets Bodwell apart from other boarding schools is how much it values and fosters internationalism and not just in theory, but in practice. When I first arrived, I was struck by how integrated the global student body was into every aspect of school life. Coming from Kazakhstan, I quickly found myself making friends from Brazil, Nigeria, Japan, and Italy of which some of whom I still talk to today. This melting pot atmosphere made every group project or dorm debate an opportunity to learn something new. Another unique aspect was the trimester system, which gave students more flexibility with their learning journey, especially for those needing to catch up or push ahead academically.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was realizing I could adapt, belong, and even thrive far from home. I came in speaking limited English, clinging to what was familiar. I left with a global mindset, confidence in my ability to lead, and a fluency in both language and cultural adaptability. One personal achievement I’m proud of was helping photograph and document the school’s year-end events (I still have those photos). If I could change anything, it would be to open up sooner. I’d tell incoming students: Don’t hide behind language barriers or fear. Push yourself into the mix. That’s where the growth happens.

What I loved most about Bodwell was its constant invitation to become more than I was. Whether it was through academics, friendships, or late-night talks by the water, every part of my life there contributed to shaping who I am. If you’re visiting, check out the Photography Club room (it’s where a lot of magic happened for me). Grab a cookie from the cafeteria while you’re at it. Dorm-wise, I’d recommend the rooms near the top floor, they’re quieter and have better views of the water.

Overally, what I liked most about Bodwell was how it challenged me to grow—not just academically, but personally and culturally. It was more than just a school; it was a launchpad. The diversity of the student body pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, and the support systems like Mr. Griffin’s mentorship in the Photography Club or the kindness of the dorm and cafeteria staff all made me feel like I belonged even when I was thousands of kilometers from home. Every corner of the school, from the classrooms to the dog park trails nearby, offered a moment for reflection, learning, or connection. That environment is what made Bodwell so transformative for me.

Being an international student was both exciting and scary at first. My biggest struggle was language, but the support system at Bodwell was solid. Teachers were patient, and staff enforced the English-only policy not to punish, but to help. The dorms had reliable Wi-Fi and access to computers, so keeping in touch with family or working on assignments was never an issue. My success story is simple: I came in quiet and unsure, and left speaking confidently, with friends across the globe and a future I’m proud of building.

The academic environment was one of the most personalized I’ve experienced. The class sizes were small enough that teachers genuinely knew your name, your strengths, and how to help you grow. I remember Mr. Chung, who made even the most complex math problems feel solvable with just enough guidance and challenge. Study blocks and evening tutorials were built into our day, and if I needed help after hours, I could often ask a dorm supervisor or peer. The school also encouraged independent learning such that resources were accessible whether you were in the dorm, library, or even outside enjoying the park with a textbook.

I wasn’t on a team myself, but being around Bodwell’s athletic culture was still inspiring. The energy during basketball and volleyball games was electric. Students packed the bleachers to cheer for the Bruins. It wasn’t just the sports but the school spirit that mattered. What I appreciated most was the inclusivity, anyone could try out, regardless of experience or background. Some of my closest friends played competitively, and I often photographed their games for the yearbook or social media, giving me my own role within the team atmosphere.

Though my primary involvement was through photography, I got to interact with the broader arts community a lot. The school regularly showcased student artwork in the hallways, and musical performances were common at assemblies and special events. Bodwell’s arts teachers were deeply passionate; i was once allowed to shadow a class to photograph student pieces in progress. There was a strong commitment to giving every student a creative outlet, whether through acting in a school play or contributing to the yearbook.

I think extracurricular offerings felt limitless. Whether you were into robotics, Model UN, or fashion design, there was something for you. I was part of the Photography Club, but I also occasionally joined Toastmasters-style public speaking events, which really helped me step out of my comfort zone. What stood out to me was the encouragement to explore different interests, not just stick to one thing. The school treated extracurriculars not as distractions but as integral parts of our development.

Dorm life at Bodwell was a huge part of my growth. I shared a room with a student from Brazil, and we ended up learning a lot from each other from language, music, even food. I loved how dorm staff would organize game nights or group study sessions during exams. Night walks to the dog park nearby were my personal form of therapy. The transition wasn’t always easy. Initially, I mostly spoke Russian, which got me into trouble with the English-only policy. But those “warnings” pushed me to start engaging more, and eventually, I became one of the more socially integrated students in my dorm.

The cafeteria staff deserves more love than they get. I still remember Maria and the rest of the crew. They were always cheerful, always ready with an extra scoop if you were polite (wink wink). The food was diverse, catering to the international student body. We had everything from Korean bulgogi to classic spaghetti nights. There were no assigned seats, so meals were very social. You could sit with a new group every day and never feel out of place. I especially appreciated how they catered to dietary restrictions with care, not just as an afterthought.

North Vancouver was the perfect location, It was quiet and safe, but never boring. We were just a ferry ride away from downtown Vancouver, and yet had enough nature around us to decompress when needed. I took a lot of reflective walks by the waterfront. It’s funny how something as simple as throwing stones into the water became my coping mechanism during stressful weeks. The transit system was reliable, and the school organized regular outings to malls, cultural centers, and local attractions.

Social life at Bodwell was rich and inclusive. There weren’t cliques or “cafeteria hierarchies” like in the movies. Everyone mingled. The school’s diversity made it natural to form friendships with people very different from you. I was lucky to be part of a circle that included friends from four different continents. What made it special was how much we bonded not just during school hours, but through shared dorm life, weekend outings, and late-night chats in the common room.