Columbia International College - Review #1

What made Columbia International College truly stand out to me was the Total Care Education System and I don’t say that lightly. As a student living thousands of miles from home, I always felt supported, whether academically or personally. The structure of the school, from the first-day orientation to the regular meetings with liaison officers, made it feel less like a typical boarding school and more like a second home. I wasn’t just one of many students becuase i really felt my progress was genuinely tracked and supported. Even more unique was the Bark Lake leadership campus, where we got to push ourselves physically and mentally in the outdoors. It was there I realized how much CIC cared about shaping students beyond just academics.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was discovering my passion for public speaking. I never imagined I’d stand confidently in front of a crowd, let alone lead discussions or debates. If I could go back, I think I would get involved even sooner. My only regret is not joining those clubs in my first semester. My advice to future students? Jump in early. Try things outside your comfort zone. CIC is full of opportunities—but you have to reach out and take them.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was discovering that I had leadership potential. Whether it was leading a discussion in debate club or mentoring younger students in the dorm, I started to see myself differently. If I could go back, I would take even more initiative early on. My advice to new students is: Don’t hold back. This is your chance to explore, learn, and grow not just academically, but personally. I learned a lot from my siblings’ experiences, but I also made my own path and CIC made that possible.

If you’re visiting CIC or just starting out, don’t miss out on the Bark Lake campus it’s not just fun, it’s unforgettable. Also, grab the fried rice from the cafeteria when it’s available surprisingly legit. And if you’re choosing a dorm, I personally recommend Pine Hall: close to the cafeteria, quiet enough to study, but social enough to meet people easily. And remember—ask questions, make friends, and don’t be afraid to speak up. You’ll be amazed how far that can take you.

What I liked most about CIC was how complete and consistent the support system was for me and my siblings alike. The Total Care Education System was more than just a slogan. From medical checkups to university counseling, we always felt taken care of. My parents were regularly updated, which gave them peace of mind. And we all walked away from CIC not only prepared for university, but more confident, mature, and independent. If you're new to CIC, my advice is this: Take the leap and get involved right away. Try new clubs, connect with your dorm staff, and talk to people from other cultures. Also—go to Bark Lake if you get the chance. It's more than just a trip; it’s where you’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect. And one last tip: if you have siblings thinking about coming here too—bring them. CIC truly gave all three of us a solid foundation, and for that, we’ll always be grateful.

CIC’s academic system helped me find balance and purpose. Coming in as a new student from Vietnam, I wasn’t sure how I’d adjust but thanks to the GO Higher® Program and CIC’s flexible semester system, I was able to progress at a pace that worked for me. I took 10 credits over the two years I was there, choosing computer science-focused courses with support from incredibly dedicated teachers. It was especially helpful for my siblings, who were also also going through the same system. Their encouragement and the consistency they experienced convinced me that CIC would help them reach their university goals, just as it had done for me.

Though I wasn’t a competitive athlete, I admired how much CIC invested in student well-being through sports and outdoor challenges. I remember going to Bark Lake, where our class pushed ourselves in team-based physical activities, and I came back with not just sore muscles, but a better understanding of teamwork and self-discipline. One of my brothers was more active in school sports, and he told me those experiences helped him with leadership and time management—something I appreciated even from the sidelines.

Although I didn’t take part in music or theatre productions directly, I often attended CIC’s student showcases and events. The talent and diversity in those performances were impressive. Whether it was a cultural talent show or an art exhibition, there was a clear effort by the school to highlight creativity and expression. I especially liked how students were encouraged to mix their cultural heritage into their work bringing a personal touch to every painting, play, or performance. It made the community feel even more inclusive.

In addition to debate and public speaking, I participated in community service opportunities organized by the Student Development Office. These included volunteering at local events in Hamilton, which helped me connect with the broader Canadian community. The school made it easy to track hours and encouraged leadership, not just participation. These activities helped me build confidence, make friends, and strengthen my university applications.

The dorms were clean, secure, and always supervised by supportive staff. I appreciated how there were quiet hours, study zones, and common lounges to socialize. We even had access to late-night snacks from vending machines and microwave areas, which were lifesavers during study sessions. The dorm advisors were approachable and often checked in—not just about rules but about how we were doing personally.

CIC’s dining hall had surprisingly diverse food options. I remember how excited we’d get on “International Food Days,” especially when dishes from Vietnam, Korea, or Nigeria were served. The cafeteria was buffet-style, and the hours were flexible enough to accommodate different schedules. There was no assigned seating, so meals were always a social time. I appreciated that they always had vegetarian and halal options too, showing their awareness of student needs from different cultures.

Hamilton isn’t a huge city, but it has everything a student needs. We were just a short ride away from grocery stores, bubble tea spots, and parks. The school organized outings to places like Niagara Falls and Toronto, which helped us explore Canada safely and comfortably. I especially liked taking walks near Chedoke Falls or grabbing a coffee downtown on weekends. It gave us a sense of freedom without feeling overwhelmed.

CIC had one of the most diverse student communities I’ve ever experienced. Because everyone was from a different part of the world, it created an environment where cultural exchange and curiosity were part of everyday life. Social events like cultural nights, movie screenings, and dorm parties made it easy to meet people. I never felt alone even in a foreign country because the school made real effort to build a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.