Columbia International College - Review #2

Something that really sets Columbia International College apart is how structured and supportive the environment is for international students. Unlike most boarding schools, CIC offers a very clear academic and personal development path from regular check-ins with guidance staff to strong academic advising. Another unique aspect is the integration of real-world application in courses like business and economics. I still remember how Mr. Chan made macroeconomics feel incredibly relevant by connecting it to global news and financial trends. That mix of structure and real-world learning really stood out.

One of the most defining moments for me at CIC was realizing I wanted to study Economics and being supported through that process. The teachers and university guidance team made a huge difference. I gained more confidence in public speaking, started managing my time better, and learned how to live away from home. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to speak up more and join clubs earlier. Boarding school can be overwhelming at first, but the growth is real if you lean into it.

Keep at it, learn something new everyday

What I appreciated most about CIC was the balance between structure and freedom. They gave you the space to be independent, but you were never left without support. I also liked how diverse the student body was—there’s something powerful about learning next to people from all over the world. That atmosphere helped prepare me for university life in ways that went beyond textbooks. It wasn’t just about school but it was about learning how to live, think, and connect with others.

If you’re visiting CIC, check out the dorm lounges at night that’s where the best conversations happen. Also, make time to join at least one school trip. I went on the Bark Lake Leadership Camp and it was one of the most unexpectedly fun experiences I had. Favorite snack from the dorm store? The spicy instant noodles, hands down. My advice: take your time adjusting, but don’t wait too long to get involved. That’s where all the memories are made.

The academic program at CIC was well-structured and surprisingly diverse. I enjoyed how the school offered a wide selection of courses beyond just the core subjects especially in economics, business, and world issues. The teachers, like Ms. Nwogu and Mr. Graham, always encouraged deeper thinking instead of just memorizing content. The workload could get intense during midterms and finals, but it prepared me well for university pacing. I appreciated that the school encouraged collaboration rather than unhealthy competition, which made the learning environment more supportive.

Although I wasn’t very involved in organized sports at CIC, I appreciated the open access to the gym and sports facilities. I often played casual basketball or ping pong with friends after class it was a great way to unwind. The school wasn’t overly competitive when it came to athletics, which I liked. Mr. Jeremiah’s PE classes were more about participation and fun than pressure. There was also a variety of weekend activities like skating or hikes that kept things interesting and low-stress.

Even though I wasn’t an arts student, I admired how active the arts community was. Friends who took music classes always had something good to say about Mr. Doherty he was known for making rehearsals enjoyable and meaningful. There were talent shows, theatre productions, and even art exhibitions on campus. Ms. Brown created an environment where students could really express themselves. CIC definitely gave room for creative students to shine without needing to be in a “professional” arts program.

CIC’s extracurriculars were one of the best parts of my experience. I joined the Investment Club and also volunteered during events like International Night and Terry Fox Day. Mr. Dan was one of the staff members who really pushed students to try new things, and he encouraged me to take leadership roles I might’ve avoided otherwise. There was always something happening from academic clubs to cultural nights which made it easy to find a community no matter where your interests were.

Dorm life at CIC taught me how to live independently while still feeling part of a community. I stayed at Cedar Hall and had a roommate from a completely different country, which honestly helped me learn a lot about cultural differences and respect. The residence staff especially Ms. Lorna treated us like family, which made it easier to settle in. We had regular check-ins, fun dorm events, and lots of late-night talks in the lounges that ended up being some of my best memories.

The food at CIC was better than I expected for a school cafeteria. I liked that there were different cultural dishes offered especially during themed food days. The kitchen staff were also really kind, and it felt more personal over time. My go-to was the stir-fried noodles, and I never missed shawarma day. The cafeteria hours were reasonable, and having a small snack bar in the dorm building helped with those late-night hunger moments during study season.

CIC is in Hamilton, and while it’s quieter than Toronto, that’s something I came to appreciate. It gave us enough to do like going to Jackson Square or grabbing bubble tea nearby without too many distractions. There were nature trails, waterfalls, and parks close to campus, which made it a nice change from the usual city vibe. I found it to be a safe and student-friendly environment, and now that I study at McMaster, I’m glad I got to know the city early on.

Social life at CIC was honestly what you made of it. There were so many nationalities represented, and I think that pushed all of us to be more open-minded. I met people I never thought I’d connect with, and we became close through everyday things group projects, dorm hangouts, and even just walks to the nearby Tim Hortons. Events like Cultural Night brought everyone together, and there was always something going on to help us unwind and meet new people in a low-pressure way.