Columbia International College - Review #9

When I first came, I thought I was just coming for academics. What I didn’t expect was how much CIC would change the way I saw myself and the world. CIC wasn’t simply about classes and grades; it was about learning how to live away from home, manage your own responsibilities, and figure out who you want to become. The TOTAL CARE EDUCATION SYSTEM made a big difference in every detail of student life, from health and wellness to leadership opportunities, was thought through. That structure gave me the safety and confidence I needed in those first overwhelming months. Looking back, what makes CIC unique is how much the teachers and staff genuinely care about you. They don’t just see you as “another international student,” they see your potential. I remember Mr. Chen, my math teacher, who always took time after class to explain concepts when I was struggling. Those moments gave me the courage to keep pushing myself.

Best thing that happened is receiving my acceptance letter from the University of Toronto while sitting with friends in residence. We celebrated together, and I felt like all the sacrifices and challenges had been worth it.

What I would do differently? I would have spoken up more in my first semester. I was shy, worried about my English, and afraid to make mistakes. Looking back, I wish I had joined even more clubs and asked more questions in class. My advice for new students is don’t be afraid of challenges. Every difficulty you face at CIC whether it’s adjusting to residence, learning a new subject, or speaking a new language, it will prepare you for university and for life.

The diversity. Nowhere else have I met people from so many countries, all living and learning together. That global environment made me more confident, more curious, and more prepared for the world

.If you’re visiting CIC, Be who you are, esse quam videri. My favorite snack was the fresh fruit in the dining hall, especially watermelon on hot days. And if you get the chance to live in residence, embrace it. It may be challenging at first, but it will shape you in ways you can’t imagine.

The academics at CIC gave me the strongest foundation I could ask for before moving on to the University of Toronto. Classes were challenging, but not in a way that left you on your own. Teachers wanted you to succeed, and they pushed you to think critically, not just memorize. My favorite subjects were biology and chemistry because they connected directly to my dream of studying life sciences. In Grade 12 biology, I remember being fascinated by our discussions about genetics. The way the teacher explained concepts like DNA replication made me excited to dig deeper, and that excitement carried into my university studies. CIC taught me how to take notes effectively, prepare for university-style exams, and manage heavy course loads, all skills I use now every single day.

I joined recreational badminton at CIC, and although I wasn’t a competitive athlete before, this gave me a new appreciation for sports. It wasn’t just about winning, it was about stress relief, health, and friendships. Playing after a long day of classes reminded me to take care of my body, not just my grades. I also made friends from different countries on the team, and those bonds made my school life much more enjoyable.

I wasn’t deeply involved in the arts, but I loved attending talent shows and cultural performances. CIC had such a vibrant arts community that even if you weren’t performing, you felt part of it. I remember cheering on my roommate during her piano recital, it was inspiring to see how students could balance academics with creative passions. Events like these brought the whole school together in a way that felt like a big family.

Volunteering through CIC helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I tutored younger students in math and English and joined several community service projects organized through residence. I learned that leadership isn’t always about being the one on stage but it’s about small, consistent acts of service. One of my proudest moments was when a younger student I had been tutoring came to me excited about improving their grades. That showed me the value of patience and mentorship.

Living in residence was the biggest adjustment, but also the most rewarding part of my CIC experience. At first, I found it hard to live with people from so many different cultures, but over time, I began to appreciate the diversity. I learned how to compromise, share, and respect differences. The residence staff were like family. Ms. Kuffour always checked in on us and made sure we felt supported. I also loved the sense of community that developed through movie nights, shared meals, and late evening talks with friends helped me through the homesickness. By the time I left, residence had become one of the most important parts of my life.

The dining hall was another place where CIC stood out. I never expected so much variety but there were always different options, from Canadian-style dishes to meals inspired by Asian cuisine. Having that variety made me feel more at home. Mealtimes became a way to slow down, laugh with friends, and share stories about our backgrounds. Food wasn’t just fuel but it was culture and connection.

Hamilton was a welcoming city for international students. I liked that it wasn’t overwhelming like Toronto, but still had everything you needed like shops, restaurants, parks. Some of my favorite memories were walking by the waterfront with friends after a busy week. Those little breaks outside of school gave me balance and reminded me that there was more to life than academics.

The friendships I made at CIC are some of the strongest I have. Being surrounded by students who were all far from home created an instant bond. We celebrated birthdays together, studied late into the night, and supported each other when things got tough. What I loved most was how much I learned from people about different religions, cultures, and perspectives. It made me more open-minded and empathetic, and those qualities help me every day at university.