Columbia International College - Review #16

Columbia didn’t just teach me algebra it taught me how to care deeply, think globally, and stand firmly in my values. What made it unique for me was the inbuilt respect for quiet leadership. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, but teachers like Mr. Graham noticed my steady effort, and Ms. Patel supported me when I proposed a peer study group. The Total Care Education System didn’t feel like a slogan, it felt like someone noticing your potential even when you barely noticed it yourself. That combination of structure and human connection made all the difference.

Leading a thought-provoking discussion on student mental health during a club meeting in front of my peers, with honesty. It wasn’t perfect, but it mattered. CIC gave me the confidence to speak kindly but firmly. I left dinner discussions richer, sleep routines stronger, and my sense of belonging more rooted.

If I could redo my first few months at CIC, I would have let myself open up faster. I was so focused on getting everything right from grades, routines, even how I said hello to people such that I missed a lot of spontaneous moments at the start. I wish I’d joined the International Film Club right away instead of just peeking through the lounge windows the first few weeks. My advice? Don’t wait, you’ll never be 100% ready, and that’s fine. Say yes to the small invitations to a late-night snack run, a casual soccer game, helping someone with a tricky assignment because that’s how friendships grow here. Also, learn the names of the residence staff early on. They can be lifesavers in more ways than one, whether you’re locked out of your room or just need to talk. Boarding school moves fast, but the best memories come from slowing down and being present in the little things.

CIC taught me to listen, to lead softly, and to connect across borders. Whether I was preparing for university or collaborating on student projects, I carried a sense of grace and ambition. CIC didn’t just equip me for college but it helped me find my own voice.

New to CIC? Track down the courtyard bench bathed in late-afternoon sunshine also bring a friend, a book, and let ideas come. Say hi to your floor-residence staff, they’re something like guardians who’ve been students, mentors, friends. And grab a momo from the cafeteria before it disappears during exams. Welcome, you’re about to discover how good it feels to find a place that sees you.

Academically, CIC demanded attention but rewarded curiosity. I’ll never forget when Mr. Singh helped me reframe a confusing chemistry concept using food and suddenly, it clicked. Teachers genuinely listened and cared. Higher-level Math and English taught me to articulate thought with precision. Support for university prep from essay clinics to personal coaching felt tailored, just like my future.

I wasn’t on a competitive team, but I always showed up for weekend hikes and beach volleyball games with friends, that was my vibe. It was more about shared laughter than scores. Ms. Thompson, who led our yoga sessions, instilled a sense of calm that balanced out the busyness of academics. It wasn’t about winning, it was about being active and grounded

Though I wasn’t a performer, I helped organize the annual Cultural Night curating student performances and coordinating sound cues. I loved watching my friend Lena from South Korea perform a traditional dance. Teachers encouraged this kind of cross-pollination and gave us the tools to celebrate diverse talents. CIC felt like a canvas where every student’s expression was part of a bigger picture.

Between book club, Eco Club, and the Community Outreach Team I joined, there was always room to serve with heart. My favorite memory is organizing a literacy drive and sorting books with a team including Rina, Mei, and Ahmad . We didn’t just donate books, we shared stories and laughter, too.

Living in Pine Girls Residence meant cozy study nights and sharing headphones for music from home. My roommate Mei and I had this nightly routine of hot chocolate, guest performances of our favorite songs, and confession-laughs far past curfew. Dorm life was where vulnerability met trust.

I loved trying the international meal offerings especially the afternoon dumplings and samosas. A lived-in snack ritual was the spicy noodles hidden near the cafeteria entrance and two packs lasted through midterms. Food at CIC was fuel and comfort rolled into one.

Hamilton for me was a quiet thrill with city with pockets of green. I’d spend weekends wandering through the water tower trails or grabbing boba downtown with friends. We’d visit independent bookstores or take spontaneous ice cream runs. It felt like home outside of school, but just beyond our doorstep.

Friendships formed in simple routines like late-night study circles, lounge jam sessions, weekend brunches. Cultural Night, movie marathons, or just chatting over bubble tea. Those were the moments that stitched diverse lives together. There was room to introvert or inspire as well, both were welcome.