Columbia International College - Review #3

One thing that makes Columbia International College unique is its Total Care Education System. It’s not just about academics rather the school puts equal focus on character building, life skills, emotional wellness, and leadership. That kind of support system really sets CIC apart from other boarding schools. Another standout is the structured university prep program, which helps international students adapt to the Canadian education system and smoothly transition into post-secondary life. They guide you through applications, study skills, and personal development because it felt like more than just school; it was preparation for life.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was gaining independence and learning how to manage my own life from academics to living in a dorm. Being part of the basketball team was a big highlight too. It taught me discipline, and leadership, and gave me a real sense of purpose. Looking back, I think I’ve grown a lot, more confident, more organized, and definitely more self-aware. If I could do anything differently, I would’ve gotten involved earlier. At first, I held back a bit, but once I joined clubs and started participating, everything felt more meaningful. My advice to new students: don’t be afraid to ask for help, get involved early, and take advantage of everything the school offers it’ll make a huge difference.

If I could go back to when I first arrived at CIC, I think I would’ve pushed myself to get involved sooner. In the beginning, I was a bit shy and stuck to what felt familiar and just going to class and back to the dorm. But once I started joining clubs, playing on the basketball team, and saying yes to more activities, everything started to feel more meaningful. My advice to anyone starting boarding school is: don’t wait. Talk to people, ask questions, get involved. It can be scary at first, especially if you’re far from home, but the sooner you open up, the more connected and confident you’ll feel. Boarding school can be an amazing experience if you really lean into it.

What I liked most about CIC was the balance structure with freedom, academics with activities, support with independence. It’s not always easy being far from home, but CIC really tries to make you feel safe and supported. As for fun tips: try the butter chicken at the cafeteria, and if you're looking for a quiet place, the upper floors of the library are usually calm and cozy. If you get a chance to choose your dorm, the Pine or Oak residences were always well-run and had a good vibe. Most importantly, please do enjoy the experience, it goes by faster than you think!

If you’re visiting or about to start at CIC, my biggest advice is to come in with an open mind. Everyone’s from different backgrounds, and that diversity is one of the best parts of the school. Say hi first, join that club, go to that event even if you’re nervous. You’ll thank yourself later.As for some inside tips: don’t sleep on the butter chicken at the cafeteria, it’s a favorite for a reason. The upper floors of the library are great if you want a quiet study spot. And if you’re choosing dorms, Pine and Oak had a great atmosphere, plus the residence staff were always helpful.Honestly, CIC is what you make of it — so get involved, stay curious, and enjoy the ride.

Academically, what I liked most about CIC was the balance between structure and support. The teachers were knowledgeable and approachable, and there was always help available if you needed it whether through extra tutorials, feedback sessions, or just being able to ask questions freely. Classes were fairly rigorous, but not overwhelming. I also appreciated the diversity of course offerings, especially in science and business, which allowed students to try different subjects before choosing a direction. It prepared me well for university, both in terms of content and time management.

The athletics program at CIC was competitive but inclusive. There were a variety of sports offered from basketball and soccer to badminton and volleyball and students were encouraged to participate regardless of skill level. I really appreciated the quality of coaching; our basketball coach not only focused on our performance but also helped us build confidence and teamwork. The facilities were solid, especially the gym and training spaces. Sports gave me a break from academics and helped me stay active and connected.

While I wasn’t heavily involved in the arts scene, I knew a lot of students who were, and CIC had strong visual arts and music programs. There were opportunities for students to display their work in school events, and music students often performed at ceremonies or cultural nights. The facilities were decent, and teachers in those departments seemed passionate and supportive. Even for students not pursuing the arts professionally, the school made room for creativity and expression.

CIC offered a wide range of clubs and volunteer opportunities, from debate club and Model UN to photography, cooking, and community outreach. I liked how easy it was to join something that matched your interests, or even try something totally new. Volunteering was a big focus and we often had chances to participate in local events or school-led initiatives, which helped us connect with the broader community and earn volunteer hours for graduation. It was a great way to build leadership and social skills.

Dorm life at CIC was a huge part of the experience. I stayed in one of the on-campus residences, and the setup was clean, safe, and pretty well-organized. The rooms were shared but comfortable, and we had access to lounges, study spaces, and common kitchens. What I liked most was how the dorms were run by residence staff who were always around to support us, and there were regular check-ins, activities, and quiet study time. It felt structured but also like a second home.

The dining experience at CIC was pretty solid, especially considering how many different cultures the school serves. Meals were provided three times a day, and the cafeteria had a decent variety of options including vegetarian, halal, and international dishes. My favorite thing was “international night,” where the menu reflected a different country’s cuisine. The hours were regular, and while it wasn’t restaurant-level food, it was definitely better than expected for a school cafeteria.

CIC is located in Hamilton, which is quieter compared to bigger cities like Toronto, but still has everything students need such as malls, restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. Students were allowed to go out during approved times, and the area felt safe. A lot of us went out on weekends for shopping or food, and there were bus routes that made it easy to get around. It wasn’t the most exciting place, but it was comfortable and student-friendly.

Social life at CIC was shaped by the fact that most of us were living far from home, which brought everyone closer. People were generally friendly, and there were tons of opportunities to meet others through clubs, dorm life, or sports. There were school dances, cultural nights, talent shows, and group outings so it wasn’t just study all the time. Of course, some students were more social than others, but overall, it was easy to make friends if you put yourself out there.