Columbia International College - Review #14

Hey there! Columbia International College was like this constant swirl of global energy, walking the halls felt like touring the world. What really stood out? The character-building rituals we had like “Character Awards” each semester; I was once lauded for greeting newcomers and guiding them through a biology lab demo, talk about starting the day with a shine

My proudest moment was winning a Character Award for being helpful and upbeat. No big trophy but it reminded me small kindnesses matter. CIC taught me to speak up, lean in, and believe my voice counts.

Honestly? I would’ve jumped in faster. I spent my first month sticking to the same table at lunch, waiting for people to come to me. Big mistake, CIC is full of fascinating people from all over the world, and the moment you start chatting, you find friends in the most unexpected places (like the person who taught me to eat soup with chopsticks… don’t ask). My advice? Say yes to every invitation, be it basketball, karaoke, even if you’re terrible. Boarding school is like a buffet: the more you try, the better the experience.

What I loved most was how CIC made me feel capable and curious, always. It didn’t just prep me for university; it helped me step into the world with all my quirks, strengths, and a willingness to begin.

When you arrive, scope out the lounge couches you might get an idea from them. Say yes to things you wouldn’t normally try. Also, try share everything, everyone wants a bite!

Academics were rigorous but fair. I remember being gripped by a physics instructor who turned a lesson about levers into a messy, hands-on building project. Yes, it was heavy, but the way they cheered when our creations stood up? Wonderful. Teachers were less about textbooks and more about curious breakthroughs and I soaked it all in.

Sports weren’t my turf haha, but intramurals were honestly fun. Whether I tripped in volleyball or cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines, the vibe was inclusive. Coaches high fived effort, not skills. You get the picture, Columbia believed “give it a go” was the best kind of motto.

I wasn’t center stage, but I was always in the audience drawn by the energy. The art and music nights had DIY vibes, sometimes messy, often brilliant. And student led, they made you want to pick up a brush or script, even if you didn’t think you could.

With clubs from debate to eco-action, CIC pulsed with things happening. I volunteered at a local senior home and chatted my way through expectations and those visits felt like heart injections, not service hours. Even suggestions for new clubs were welcomed; that’s bold trust in students.

Roommates? A global mash up. I still giggle remembering our midnight snack runs and confessions beneath bunk beds. Structure existed cos we had curfew, study hours but we breathed growth, stories, and midnight laughter into those walls.

Daily meals? Honestly decent with flair. We would have curry one day, pastas the next. Breakfast was my jam. it was warm and social. And yes, hot chocolate machine = best invention.

Hamilton had parks, cafés, and trails perfect for breaks. Transit runs downtown were routine escapes. We went for shopping, exploring, just breathing outside the school bubble. Freedom with trust gives a solid combo.

You made what you wanted. From movie nights to impromptu performances in the lounge, friendships weren’t forced rather they evolved through shared talks, food, and late night humor.