Columbia International College - Review #10

Coming to CIC was one of the best decisions I ever made. What makes CIC different, to me, is the way it blends caring support and challenge. From the moment I arrived, I felt like the school had built infrastructure not just for students who already succeed, but for those of us trying to find our footing, pushing ourselves, trying, failing, and trying again. Their “Total Care” system isn’t just a name. Support services, residence life, ESL help, academic help, they were all in place when I needed them. What’s more, the multicultural student body meant every day I learned something new—not just from textbooks, but from roommates, friends, teammates. That expanded my horizons.

Best thing that happened to me was winning Mixed Doubles alongside Hayden was unforgettable, not for fame, but for how it showed me that persistence and steady effort count even when you don’t always feel at the front. Also, getting into U of W was a milestone that felt real because CIC had prepared me well, academically and mentally.

I wish I had asked for help sooner in earlier semesters because sometimes I tried to solve everything myself, even when I was lost. Also, I would join more cultural and academic clubs earlier rather than waiting until I had more confidence. My advice for kids is embrace each part of the experience whether the sports, the volunteering, the classroom. Don’t avoid being uncomfortable; growth is often found there. Connect with people from different countries, you’ll learn as much from them as from your classes.

What I cherish most about CIC is the sense that each person’s journey matters, not just the grades, but the person behind them. The teachers, the dorm life, the friendships, the competition, the small achievements all built me into someone more confident, more capable, and more ready for what comes next.

If you come to CIC, find your team (in sports, clubs, dorm). Those people will be your lifeline. Try something you’re scared of maybe it’s performing, or speaking up, or competing. Recognize that everyone is figuring something out. Also, the dining hall at dusk, just after a long day, is one of the best places to reflect.

Academics at CIC provided a solid foundation for what I’m doing now. Courses in math, science, and English challenged me, but more importantly, the teachers were invested. I remember staying after class with teachers to work through tough problems; their patience helped a lot. What I valued most was that academic life wasn’t about being perfect rather it was about making progress. Getting feedback, redoing problems, and being encouraged even when my solutions weren’t perfect was what built my confidence.

Badminton was my sport. I wasn’t always the best, especially in the early days, but I loved the consistency. Practices, matches, sometimes losses, sometimes wins. I remember the intramural mixed doubles tournament, the moment Hayden and I won was huge not because it was about the trophy, but because of how much we improved together. Coaches didn’t only look for the natural talents; they noticed the consistent ones. That kind of recognition meant something. It taught me perseverance, sportsmanship, and how to juggle fatigue, academics, and training.

My involvement in arts was lighter, but the impact was real. I joined in cultural shows and helped out backstage in music nights. Seeing peers perform, watching rehearsals, hearing stories behind their art, it enriched my experience. Those moments offered relief from academic pressure, reminding me that human stories matter. Even helping with lighting or setup made me feel part of something beyond myself.

Helping out became a big part of my CIC story. Whether helping set up intramural matches, supporting the Student Council, doing tutoring, or assisting in organizing the Athletic Banquet, each opportunity taught me something about leadership, humility, giving more than taking. I especially remember helping with the athletic banquet where I accepted recognition (as part of mixed doubles) and also helped backstage. Organizing the logistics helped me learn that recognition feels better when you also contribute behind the scenes.

Living in residence was a mix of challenges and unexpected joys. Roommates from different countries, different background, schedule mismatches, homesickness those were real. But shared meal prep teamwork (when someone forgot something), helping each other with assignments, all of that built strong friendships. Dorm parents always seemed to notice when someone looked down, when someone needed a ride to the common area, or when someone was struggling with English. That care went a long way.

Food was the IT. After a long day, eating together was when I made friends, laughed, decompressed. I appreciated that there was variety, some nights more familiar dishes (comfort foods), other nights something new from other cultures. I remember sitting with roommates from three different countries and comparing food, culture, school experiences. Those moments of sharing over meals were grounding.

Hamilton offered me balance. CIC is close enough to city culture, museums, parks but distant enough to feel calm when needed. On weekends, some friends and I would take transit to explore neighborhoods, go to bookshops, walk by the waterfront, or try tea. Even a small break like a walk under trees, conversation over coffee all helped reset the mind for the coming week.

CIC’s social fabric is woven from diversity, shared struggle, and common goals. Some of my closest friends were people who came from very different places, but we shared late study sessions, shared laughter when sports didn’t go well, helped each other when homesick. Social life wasn’t always easy obviously with cultural differences, missing home, language gaps and all but those are honest challenges, and facing them together made bonds strong.