Columbia International College - Review #1

When I started at Columbia International College, I was drawn to the promise that this school truly prepares its students for a life of purpose. What sets CIC apart is its Total Care Education System, they don’t treat students as mere test-takers, but as whole people. Academic excellence matters, yes, but so do mental wellbeing, cultural adjustment, and learning how to lead. Another feature that felt unique was how competitive global achievement is encouraged. For example, I was proud that CIC’s Iranian graduates, including myself, frequently earned high honors such as winning scholarship offers and strong placements in Canadian universities. Mix that with a daily environment of students from dozens of countries, it taught me early on how to navigate diverse perspectives and excel amid challenge.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was becoming someone I didn’t expect I'd become and that is being confident in my ideas, resilient in face of obstacles, proud of my heritage while ambitious about my future. Being part of scholarship-winning cohorts, having doors open to universities like McMaster for Biotechnology, and knowing I had accomplished something meaningful gave me momentum.

If I could do anything differently, I’d have pushed myself earlier into leadership roles maybe in Grade 10 or 11 instead of later. Also, I wish I had taken more risks like picked challenging electives, spoken more, asked more. My advice to new students is seek discomfort, it’s often where growth happens.

If I had to pick one thing I loved most, it was that CIC treated me like more than a student. I felt like a person with dreams, fears, and potential. And they supported all of that. That kind of environment built confidence, purpose, and clarity about what I want in my life.

Don’t be shy. When you arrive, say hello even to strangers. Say yes to opportunities, even ones that seem small. Find a mentor (teacher or peer). Find your quiet corner to reflect (for me, a bench behind the library or a spot in the study halls). Sleep, eat well, laugh, make friends, and don’t forget to check in with yourself.

Academically, CIC demands high standards, especially from students aiming for top universities. I took rigorous coursework including advanced sciences and mathematics. What I appreciated most was how even in tough subjects, teachers and supervisors were always willing to break down difficult concepts, provide extra help, and tie what we were learning to real-world relevance (for example, in science projects, biotech or lab simulation work). There were moments of pressure, exams were challenging, timelines strict but that pressure came with support, from study sessions, feedback from instructors to collaboration with peers. I feel better prepared than many entering university because I was used to pushing myself, seeking help, and learning how to recover from missteps.

While athletics wasn’t my focus, being part of the intramural sports teams gave me balance. I played volleyball and badminton with friends. The competitive teams were there, but even casual play was supported. It was important to have this outlet, all the fresh air, movement, laughter energized me and helped me maintain focus. Coaches and staff treated sport not just as physical activity but as character building through teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship. That was something I carried forward beyond school.

Though not my main domain, the arts programs were meaningful pivots in my life. I attended many performances like school concerts, plays and was always impressed by how many students stepped forward, sometimes in languages or styles that were new to them. Also, creative expression was encouraged through designing event posters, participating in cultural shows, or helping with sound / tech for school theatre. These roles taught me creativity, humility, and helped me see that academic life doesn’t have to be all logic and facts but there’s beauty in expression.

Volunteering and clubs were where I got to try things nobody pressed me into. I joined groups, cultural committees, and took part in mentoring programs. Seeing newer students adjust, helping with orientation or academic help, I felt fulfilled. One of my favorite moments was when I collaborated with a club to raise awareness about mental health among students, working with guidance counsellors, planning a small talk, making posters, inviting speakers. It made me proud to contribute to improving life for others, not just focusing on my own trajectory.

Living with peers from different cultural backgrounds taught me empathy and adaptability. Night study sessions, night conversations, shared challenges of being homesick, those built relationships I still value. It also taught me responsibility that managing my own schedule, balancing study and rest, respecting others’ routines. Houseparents / dorm mentors helped a lot bychecking in, ensuring we felt supported, acknowledging when we struggled. Those supports made dorm life more manageable and more meaningful.

Meal times at CIC were more than nutrition, they were rhythms of connection. Food variety was pretty good, often with international dishes or student-requested items, which helped newcomers feel comforted. Lunches or dinners were times to share stories, swap exam strategies, or laugh over small frustrations. Sometimes after intense study days, just sitting with friends over dinner was my reset moment.

CIC is in Hamilton (Ontario area), so I had the benefit of a quieter city environment plus reasonable access to the energy of Toronto. On weekends, exploring Hamilton amenities or going to Toronto for cultural events, university fairs, or just shopping gave me breaks and broadened my worldview. Proximity to bigger cities meant exposure to lectures, workshops, internships outside of school, which added momentum to what I was learning in class.

My social life at CIC was vibrant, sometimes chaotic, always memorable. Because so many students are international, there’s always someone to talk to about the culture shock, the missing food, homesickness. Over time, as I made friends, we created our own support networks. Events like dances, cultural nights, study groups, volunteering trips, weekend outings, and even just hallway chats gave me a sense of belonging. I felt seen and supported, especially when I raised my hand to ask for help. Being part of that network made me stronger.