Columbia International College - Review #1

One thing that made Columbia International College unique was how they brought students from all over the world together under one roof. With people from over 70 countries, every day felt like a cultural exchange. The Total Care Education System also stood out becayse it wasn’t just about academics, but also helping students grow socially, emotionally, and mentally. Staff genuinely cared, and it showed in how they checked in with us, offered support, and guided us through the challenges of living and learning abroad.

One of the best things that happened to me at CIC was finding the courage to apply to McMaster for Software Engineering and actually getting in with a scholarship. That moment felt surreal. Looking back, I’ve changed a lot. I became more independent, more intentional with my time, and more comfortable asking for help. I used to think I had to do everything alone, but people like Mr. Fernando (my math teacher) and Ms. Andrea (university guidance) showed me the value of support. If I could go back, I would’ve joined clubs earlier and made more effort to connect with students outside my circle. My advice to new students: take risks early, speak up, and don't be afraid to fail—you’ll learn more from trying than from waiting.

What I liked most about CIC was the mix of freedom and structure. You’re treated like a young adult, you get a lot of independence but the support system is still there when you need it. That balance helped me grow into someone who can now manage life on a university campus with confidence. The school’s diversity also played a huge role. Being surrounded by people from every continent taught me empathy, curiosity, and communication skills that don’t show up on report cards but matter so much in life.

What I liked most about Columbia International College was how it helped me grow not just academically, but also personally. The teachers genuinely cared about our progress, and the diversity of the student body made everyday interactions feel meaningful. It was a place where I learned how to adapt, lead, and ask questions without feeling judged. I also loved the freedom we had to make our own schedules and take responsibility for our choices. That sense of trust really helped prepare me for university life.

To anyone visiting CIC or planning to enroll, take a walk around the Bark Lake outdoor camp if you get the chance, and say yes to every weird or new experience. You never know what you’ll take away from it. Also: shoutout to the basement snack bar in Pine Hall, get the cookies early, they run out fast. My favorite hangout spot was the lounge on the top floor of the dorm; it had the best view of Hamilton sunsets and became the place where a lot of real conversations happened.

What I appreciated most about academics at CIC was the structure and clarity. The teachers were very approachable and willing to help us understand not just the "what," but the "why" behind each topic. There was a wide range of courses and electives, which allowed students to really explore their interests. I took advanced computer science, calculus, and data management—all of which prepared me well for studying software engineering at McMaster. The academic environment encouraged discipline, but also curiosity.

Athletics at CIC were flexible but encouraged. I wasn’t a serious athlete, but I still found ways to stay active through intramural sports like badminton and weekend basketball tournaments. Mr. Jeremiah (P.E. teacher) made fitness fun rather than stressful, even for people like me who weren’t super into competitive sports. What I liked most was that you could enjoy physical activity without the pressure to win. There were also lots of off-campus trips like hiking and skating that kept things interesting and low-pressure.

While I wasn’t heavily involved in the arts, I really admired how passionate the teachers were. Ms. Brown, the visual arts teacher, created such a peaceful and welcoming studio atmosphere sometimes I’d just walk by and peek in during her classes because it looked so relaxing. Friends of mine in music and theatre always said Mr. Doherty was one of the most supportive and lively teachers. Even if you weren’t naturally “artsy,” CIC made space for you to explore those sides of yourself.

There were so many extracurriculars at CIC, and they weren’t just for your résumé they helped you grow. I volunteered for the Terry Fox Run and participated in the Leadership Camp at Bark Lake, which was honestly one of my favorite experiences. Mr. Dan from Student Development always encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones and apply for things we didn’t think we were “ready” for. I appreciated how even the quieter students were supported in getting involved and stepping up.

Dorm life was a huge part of my experience, and it honestly helped me mature the most. I stayed at Pine Hall, where I shared a room with someone from a completely different culture. That in itself taught me patience, communication, and compromise. There was always support Ms. Lorna (one of the residence staff) was like a second mom to many of us. Late-night chats, study sessions in the lounges, and even dorm events made it feel more like a home than just a place to sleep.

Dining at CIC was surprisingly decent for a high school. What stood out to me was the variety there were options for every diet, and they always tried to include dishes from different cultures, which I appreciated as an international student. The staff were friendly, and we often joked around with them during breakfast. I won’t lie, the chicken shawarma wrap days were elite. Also, having a snack bar downstairs in the residence building saved me during late-night study sessions more times than I can count.

CIC is located in Hamilton, which at first felt quiet compared to big cities but that quickly became something I loved. Jackson Square, the nearby mall, became our go-to hangout spot on weekends. There were plenty of cafes, parks, and quiet places to study or chill. We also had easy access to trails and waterfalls, which made for great day trips with friends. I started to appreciate how peaceful and student-friendly Hamilton was it felt like a good place to grow without distractions.

The social life at CIC was what you made of it. With so many nationalities in one place, you could always find someone with a different story to tell. We had floor movie nights, birthday celebrations, and spontaneous karaoke sessions in the dorm lounges. There were also organized events like International Night and Winter Formal that helped everyone connect. Some of my closest friendships were formed not in class, but during walks to Tim Hortons or late-night life chats with roommates and dorm mates.