Columbia International College - Review #11

When I think about Columbia International College, the first word that comes to mind is foundation. CIC gave me the platform to stand on when I wasn’t sure of my own footing. Coming here as a teenager, I knew what I wanted to get into one of Canada’s top universities for computer science but I didn’t fully understand what it would take. CIC’s “Total Care” system, though sometimes demanding, made the path clearer. The balance of independence and structured support shaped me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It wasn’t just about academic preparation; it was about learning how to take responsibility for my choices, organize my time, and keep moving forward even when I didn’t feel motivated.

Best thing that happened to me: earning admission to the University of Waterloo’s Computer Science program plus multiple scholarship offers from various schools, something I once doubted was possible. CIC gave me the tools to make it happen. How I’ve grown: I came here focused only on results; I left with discipline, patience, and a belief in myself that I didn’t have before.

What I’d do differently: I would have joined more activities earlier instead of holding back. Waiting for the “right time” meant missing out on opportunities. Advice for new students: Don’t waste time looking for shortcuts. Focus on building strong habits. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline carries you through.

The people. CIC is full of teachers, staff, and classmates who genuinely want to see you succeed. That environment made me push harder, even when I doubted myself.

Take advantage of every opportunity CIC gives you whether its academics, volunteering, friendships. These moments are what prepare you for life beyond high school. My favorite spot was the residence lounge, where serious discussions and laughter coexisted. That balance of hard work and connection is what makes CIC unforgettable.

The courses were structured to mirror university-level expectations. Teachers pushed us beyond memorization, encouraging us to actually understand the material and explain it clearly. I’ll never forget evenings spent going over physics problems with my teacher, who refused to let me take shortcuts. That kind of persistence from my instructors rubbed off on me. What I appreciated most was that they treated us like capable adults, we were expected to manage our time, ask for clarification, and build habits that would carry into university.

I wasn’t on a varsity-level team, but athletics still played a role in my life at CIC. Casual games of soccer or basketball with friends in the gym became a much-needed release. Sports weren’t about winning trophies for me they were about having fun, staying active, and building camaraderie. For many of my friends, joining sports teams also became a way to learn leadership and teamwork, and even though I wasn’t heavily involved, I valued that culture.

I didn’t spend much time in the arts, but I admired classmates who did. Watching performances during school events or seeing friends show their artwork reminded me of how diverse talent at CIC really is. It gave me perspective that while I was grinding through math problems, someone else was perfecting a piece of music. That environment pushed me to appreciate creativity as much as logic.

Volunteer opportunities were plentiful, and I took part in some that fit around my schedule. What stood out was how CIC encouraged us to give back in ways that matched our strengths. For me, that often meant tutoring and peer support. For others, it was community service outside of school. I appreciated that the school made it clear that success isn’t just measured by grades, but also by what you contribute to the people around you.

Residence life was a big adjustment at first. Living away from home meant learning how to be responsible for everything, my time, my meals, my studies, my social life. It wasn’t always easy, but that’s where I grew the most. Sharing space with people from different countries forced me to become more flexible and understanding. I built close friendships with my roommates, and those conversations in the common area (whether about assignments or life in general) are memories I’ll never forget. CIC residence taught me independence in the truest sense.

The cafeteria was an anchor in my routine. Having regular, balanced meals gave me the energy to keep up with demanding days. I also enjoyed that meals became a social time. Sitting down at a table with friends from across the globe meant every dinner was also a lesson in culture. Those conversations often taught me more about the world than any textbook could.

Hamilton may not be as big as Toronto, but it turned out to be a perfect fit for students. On weekends, I’d walk down to the waterfront with friends, grab coffee, or just explore. The city had enough to keep us engaged without being overwhelming. It gave me a sense of independence to navigate a Canadian city on my own, and that made the transition to university life smoother.

The social life at CIC is unique because of the diversity. In one week, I might have shared a meal with students from five different continents. At first, the cultural differences felt huge, but eventually, they became the best part of my experience. My closest friends ended up being people I never would have met otherwise. The social connections here went beyond casual friendships as they gave me resilience during stressful times and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.