Columbia International College - Review #13

At Columbia International College, I found more than just a pathway to university as I found a place that sharpened my skills and forced me to aim higher. As a student coming from abroad, I saw how CIC values both academic excellence and personal integrity. It’s rare to be at a school where efforts are recognized globally, in my case, being awarded Outstanding Cambridge Learner for Top in Indonesia in IGCSE Computer was not just a prize, but one sign of how seriously CIC prepares students for international competition. What makes CIC special is its dual focus on global academic standards and personal growth. I wasn’t just learning the curriculum; I was learning how to compete on world-stage benchmarks, handle pressure, and balance ambitions with a support system that cared.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was earning the Outstanding Cambridge Learner award in IGCSE Computer, it was proof that all late nights, coding mistakes, and peer feedback mattered. It affirmed that I could compete on global standards.

If I could go back, I’d engage more in leadership roles earlier or maybe start or co-lead a tech club or mentor younger students sooner. For new CIC students, seek help early, ask questions, take up opportunities even small ones because they often have the biggest impact.

What I valued most was that CIC didn’t just teach me facts; it taught me how to think, compete, and believe in myself. The combination of international curriculum, support for students from many parts of the world, and recognition on global exams gave me confidence and trajectory.

Don’t be afraid to push your limits. Compete, yes but also collaborate. Be patient with yourself in the process. And remember, success in tech competitions or exams is great, but how much you learn, grow, and help others matters too. Favorite spot to reset is late afternoons in the library after everyone else has left.

Academics at CIC was intense. The Cambridge IGCSE and high school curriculum demanded not only understanding core theories but also applying them practically. Taking IGCSE Computer and working till I achieved the Outstanding Cambridge Learner distinction in that subject made me confront tough challenges, algorithms, logic, optimization while under real exam pressure. CIC’s teachers pushed me to think beyond textbook problems. They encouraged me to explore deeper, why something works, what happens when it fails, and how I can make it better. That mindset has given me a strong foundation for whatever comes next, academically and professionally.

While tech and academics were my primary focus, CIC’s sports and physical activities helped balance my life. Participating in light athletics, or just physical fitness sessions, provided a mental break from coding and screen work. I believe CIC understands that athletic or physical activity isn’t just for those who compete but it’s for everyone’s well-being.

I wasn’t deeply involved in theatre or music myself, but I always enjoyed attending performances. Seeing friends perform or participate in creative arts reminded me that the school values expression and creativity just as much as logic and mathematics. These moments offered perspective and relief when academic pressure was high.

Clubs were where I grew the most. Joining computer/tech clubs gave me not just skills, but community. Volunteering to help peers with computer basics, organizing coding workshops, and participating in school competitions all contributed to building leadership and collaboration skills. These activities made me more than just a student who studies but they made me someone who contributes.

Living in residence at CIC was a transformative experience. Sharing space with students from many countries taught me cultural awareness, patience, empathy, and how to coexist in shared environments. Those study sessions, discussions about home, and mutual encouragement helped make CIC feel like a second home.

Mealtimes at CIC weren’t just fuel times; they were social hubs. Between classes, clubs, or exam-review sessions, the dining hall or cafeterias became places to catch up with friends, exchange tips, and decompress. Also, having a variety in food options and culturally inclusive meals meant I didn’t feel disconnected from home.

CIC is located in Ontario (Hamilton area), which made weekend access to Toronto and local amenities possible. Exploring the city, attending events, visiting tech meetups, or just going out with friends provided balance to school life. Having that urban proximity expanded opportunities academically and socially.

My social life at CIC was vibrant and international. I met people from many countries, shared late-night projects, helped each other with coursework, and supported each other during exam seasons. Those friendships offered both academic collaboration and emotional refuge, especially when I felt homesick or pressured.