Columbia International College - Review #3

At CIC, I discovered more than a school, it was a pivot point that shaped how I see challenges and opportunities. What made CIC unique to me was how seriously it treats its mission of Total Care Education and not just pushing for academic excellence, but making sure every student feels supported, heard, and equipped. From orientation week to mentorship, there was always someone checking in on and not just on grades, but on how I was doing personally. Also, coming from Kazakhstan, the cultural diversity at CIC stood out. You’re surrounded by classmates from many countries, with different languages, experiences, and viewpoints. It’s not just toleration, but celebration of differences. That diversity enriched discussions in class and helped me build empathy and global insight early on.

The most significant growth I experienced was learning to believe in myself. Realizing that coming to a new country, adapting to a demanding system, maintaining good grades, and participating outside academics all at once was possible and that gave me confidence I carry forward. Also, achievements like Merit award reinforced that persistence pays off.

If I could change anything, I would try to step more boldly into involvement in school activities earlier (Grade 10 perhaps), engage more with public speaking, ask more questions even when afraid. Advice for new students is don’t wait for perfect timing just Do it . Even small roles or moments matter.

What I liked most about CIC was that it treated me as more than a student. CIC cared about who I was, my fears, ambitions, identity and not just my grades. It provided structure and support, but also encouraged me to explore, lead, express, make mistakes, and grow.

If you’re beginning at CIC please bring your authentic self. Let your curiosity lead you. Seek help early. Find friends outside your comfort zone. Find a quiet corner to think (library / garden / bench) that space will help you stay grounded. And remember, the skills you build are not just the marks but will shape your future.

The academic environment at CIC pushed me to raise my standards. What I liked most was how teachers didn’t just lecture; they challenged students to think, to question assumptions, to dive deeper, and to apply learning to real-world scenarios. In my English class, I remember teachers giving feedback that forced me to reflect and to improve beyond what I thought I could do. Even though the workload was often heavy, what made it manageable was how structured the curriculum was, with supports from extra help sessions, study groups, clear milestones. That structure made the rigor feel purposeful rather than just pressure.

While I wasn’t competing at the top varsity level, participating in intramural sports / fitness classes / whatever school sports offerings there were was crucial for me. It served as a mental reset during busy exam periods. The coaches and staff were encouraging and they emphasized effort and improvement more than just winning. These sports also served a social purpose: making friends outside my academic circle, learning teamwork, building resilience, things you carry forward beyond school.

Although not my major focus, I appreciated the arts & creative side of CIC. I attended school plays, musical performances, cultural showcases, and sometimes helped with planning or content. Those moments reminded me that learning is not only about logic and logic-based subjects but it includes creativity, expression, and risk. It's uplifting to see classmates share poems, art, music even languages and cultural traditions in a supportive setting. Those events often felt like a breath of fresh air in the middle of intense academic routines.

Joining clubs and volunteering was a cornerstone of my growth. I helped with peer tutoring, helping younger or newly arrived students with English / coursework, took part in school service initiatives, and contributed to cultural exchange programs/events. Each volunteer experience was also a leadership opportunity, even in ways I didn’t expect: organizing, speaking, planning, coordinating. These roles built skills I now use daily in organization, empathy, communication, confidence.

Dorm life was a space of both growth and challenge. Sharing rooms, communal study sessions, late-night discussions, learning others' schedules and customs, living together meant developing patience, respect, and adaptability. Mentors and dorm staff played a big role. They didn’t just enforce rules but they supported us during homesickness, academic stress, and transition. That added layer of care made dorm life less of a burden and more of an opportunity to grow as a person.

Meal times at CIC were more than eating but they were gathering. Between classes or after exams, dining halls or cafeterias were places to relax, catch up, exchange ideas, share laughter. Having food that reflects different cultures or special meals helped me feel more grounded, especially being far from home. Also, during intense weeks, having access to healthy and comforting options mattered. I also appreciated informal conversations with teachers or mentors during meals, they humanized the school in a way that classrooms couldn’t always.

CIC’s location offered a nice balance. Close enough to urban amenities for university fairs, cultural events, libraries, workshops; but also quiet enough to focus, reflect, and not feel constantly hurried. Weekends with friends exploring local parks, cafes, exhibitions, or just walking somewhere calm gave me space to recharge. Those breaks outside campus were essential to keep perspective and well-being.

My social life at CIC was rich: it was a mix of shared study groups, friendships across many nationalities, informal hangouts, and school-organized events. Because students came from so many places, you often found someone who understood homesickness, cultural adjustment, or academic stress, shared experiences built strong bonds. Events, clubs, intramurals and volunteering were all social anchors. Even when I felt shy or unsure, I found that people reached out; the environment encouraged inclusion.