Columbia International College - Review #5

Moving to Canada and enrolling at CIC was one of the best decisions I ever made. CIC isn’t just about preparing students for university, it’s about equipping them to think globally, act with confidence, and respond with empathy. What really made CIC special for me was the seamless mix of structure and flexibility. There was expect academic discipline, predictable schedules, and high standards and yet plenty of room to explore what you are passionate about. One thing that stood out was CIC’s diversity. In my classroom, I was surrounded by students from so many different countries, each bringing a different perspective. That exposed me to real world views long before stepping into university, teaching me adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and how to collaborate with people very different from myself.

The best thing that happened to me at CIC was discovering and trusting my own voice, academically and personally. Earning recognition, helping others, pushing beyond academic comfort zones, all of that built confidence I didn’t know I had.

If I could do something differently, I would have started exploring leadership roles earlier. Maybe join student council or mentor younger students sooner. Also, ask for help even when I felt I could manage because help doesn’t mean weakness, it means growth. For new students, don’t wait to belong; reach out, volunteer, be curious, you’ll find your place.

What I liked most was that CIC allowed me to grow in full. Not just academically, but socially, culturally, and emotionally. The academics, support, friendships, and extracurriculars all interwove to help me become more confident, more capable, more ready for what comes next.

To anyone beginning at CIC: bring an open mind, but also make time for rest. Choose your friends well, find mentors, and don’t neglect self care. A quiet spot in the library or a bench outside during golden hour became my reset space, maybe find yours. Also, eat well, sleep, balance those fundamentals carry you through.

Academics at CIC are strong—rigorous, challenging, and fair. What I liked most is that courses were not just about passing tests; teachers really emphasized understanding concepts, applying them, not simply memorizing. In subjects like computer science and mathematics, we did problem-solving that required creativity and logic, assignments that pushed you to think differently. Teachers were accessible. I remember Mr. Lee holding extra help sessions after class, even staying late to go over difficult topics with students who asked. That kind of support made a big difference when I was struggling. Because of that, I felt ready for university: confident I could handle tougher work, unfamiliar styles of teaching, and demanding expectations.

Sports at CIC were more than physical activity, they were part of the rhythm of school life. I wasn’t aiming to become a top athlete, but participating in soccer and fitness helped reset my mind. The intramural games were fun, not overly competitive, but enough to instill discipline: showing up, working as a team, balancing sports with studies. Facilities and coaches were supportive. Even when I had to juggle athletics and academics, the school encouraged me to find that balance rather than forcing me to choose one or the other.

Although my focus was academic/tech, I deeply appreciated the arts culture at CIC. There were performances, concerts, cultural nights, and student-led theatre that highlighted creative voices. Watching friends perform, helping with backstage or promoting those events made me see that expression and creativity matter just as much as logic and numbers. These artistic options weren’t just extras but they were considered part of the full student experience. It helped me understand that well-roundedness isn’t optional.

Clubs and volunteering rounded out my journey. I was involved with tech/IT clubs, peer tutoring, and school-wide service activities. Contributing to those helped me sharpen organizational and communication skills. Working with younger students helping them with math or computers was especially meaningful because I saw myself in them. Volunteer hours, project leadership, assisting teachers, all helped me build a portfolio of experiences I’m proud of. Also, those activities provided something grounding during stressful academic periods: helping others brought satisfaction and perspective.

Although I didn’t board full-time, I spent enough time in residence or during school evening functions to appreciate what dorm life added: friendship, shared responsibility, late night study sessions, spontaneous conversations. These shaped my social confidence and ability to live independently. When you live with people from all over the world and work together through daily routines (schedules, chores, group study), you learn resilience, communication, and kindness.

Dining at CIC was more than meals, it was community. Breakfast or lunch with friends was when jokes were shared, study tactics swapped, and ideas sparked. The variety of food helped with feeling at home, especially dishes that reminded me of home. Also, in busy times before exams, small gestures by the dining staff (extra snacks, extended hours, thoughtful service) made a big difference. It felt like the school cared about student wellbeing, not just performance.

Being in the region where CIC is located gave access to both tranquil neighborhoods and city resources. On weekends, friends and I would explore local shops, parks and cafes as little escapes from routine. Field trips, cultural outings, or even lectures/college fairs in nearby cities enriched my experience. Having access to urban amenities while still studying in a more calm and focused atmosphere was helpful. It let me recharge when necessary and also broaden my horizons.

My social life at CIC was vibrant and active. I made friends from many countries, which meant I learned different languages, cultural norms, and perspectives. We supported each other when we had academic stress, homesickness, cultural adjustment. Being able to lean on that support helped me grow emotionally. Events like student fairs, sports tournaments, dorm nights, social clubs, and study groups offered many opportunities to connect. I felt included and seen, not isolated partly because I made the effort, partly because CIC’s environment encouraged inclusion.