REVIEW OF Columbia International College BY Alum, Harry Gao

(5) Overall Experience

My years at Columbia International College (CIC) were transformative. What sticks out most are the people: teachers like Ms. Foster (English) and Mr. Singh (Math) who went above and beyond, and friends, who made late-night study sessions and weekend trips to Bark Lake unforgettable. The Total Care system really came through; it wasn't just about grades, but ensuring we were mentally and socially ready for university. I especially enjoyed casual evenings in Pine Hall’s common room, where conversations ranged from coding projects to future dreams. If I could change something, I’d give students a few more chill spaces, but honestly, CIC’s structured environment set me up perfectly. It’s the place that helped me land a scholarship to McMaster’s Software Engineering program.

(5) School Leadership

What really stood out about CIC’s administration was how they balanced discipline with genuine care. Principal Diana Reid and the residence team held us to high standards, but they were approachable, especially during student council meetings. I remember emailing questions late at night and getting thoughtful replies first thing in the morning. There was mutual respect: students generally trusted leaders, and leaders trusted us. They managed tough situations fairly. Once, when a dorm-wide conflict arose, they held a listen-in session that helped us feel seen. It didn’t feel like a hierarchy, but more like a support network.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at CIC was top-notch. Ms. Foster’s English class never felt like homework; it was like storytelling time, full of energy and eye-opening discussions. Mr. Singh in Math and Computer Science was relentless but patient. I remember coding with him after class, debugging a tricky loop until it clicked. The relationship between students and teachers was casual yet respectful. We joked, but we also appreciated how much they cared. Constructive feedback was the norm. Ms. Chen, my Chemistry teacher, gave feedback so clear that I actually started to love labs. Their passion helped foster my own love of learning and built the confidence I needed for university-level work. They pushed us, but they were also patient. I can’t count how many times I stayed after class just to go over something, and the teachers always made time.

(5) Academics

CIC’s academic program is hectic but balanced. The semester-based structure allowed us to focus deeply and not be overwhelmed. Classes from all disciplines had depth. Science was strong, but the humanities were equally engaging. Study culture was collaborative: my group often spent evenings quizzing each other before exams. Student competition wasn’t cutthroat; we pushed each other to excel while cheering on peers. The academic support system, peer tutors, after-class sessions, and residence tutoring programs meant I never felt alone, even during hard weeks. All this prepared me well, and I feel I moved into McMaster with academic discipline, confidence, and a scholarship. CIC’s academic program is no joke; it’s structured, fast-paced, and designed to prepare students for university-level work. The school kept us on our toes with regular assessments, but there were also support systems like tutoring and extra help.

(5) Extracurriculars

CIC offered a wide range of extracurriculars from DECA, Model UN, Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh, Basketball, and more. I joined the Robotics Club with Leo and the Duke of Edinburgh leadership retreat at Bark Lake, where we built skills that went far beyond classroom learning. These activities were inclusive, not just for high achievers; I remember coding workshops where beginners felt welcomed and supported.

(5) Students

The student body at Columbia International College was incredibly diverse, both culturally and socio-economically. I had friends from Nigeria, South Korea, Vietnam, and Colombia, and our dorm and class conversations felt like a cultural exchange every day. Though CIC is a large school, it felt like a family because of how much time we spent together in dorms, clubs, and study groups. A typical student was ambitious, respectful, and open-minded. The students most respected were those who were helpful, consistent, and kind, whether that meant tutoring classmates or supporting others during tough times. Everyone shared a mindset of growth and independence. Even with different backgrounds, we all understood what it meant to adapt, which made us more compassionate. That sense of mutual understanding and curiosity really defined the student atmosphere at CIC.

(5) School Life

Life at CIC was a blend of structure and community. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the schedule, but over time, I realized how much it helped me stay focused. The dorms were always full with conversation, sometimes about exams, sometimes about who was cooking what in the common room microwave. Students came from all over the world, so I got to learn so much just by hanging out with friends. Sure, there were moments of stress (especially during exam season), but there were also chill movie nights, club activities, and spontaneous soccer matches on the field. The school could improve by adding more informal spaces for students to relax. But overall, most students I knew were pretty happy and focused, but not burned out.

(5) Community

What really stood out about CIC was how international and tight-knit the community was. Coming from different countries, we all bonded over shared experiences, especially living in residence. My closest friends at CIC are people I still talk to weekly, even though we’ve all moved on to different universities. The alumni network is low-key, but powerful since I’ve already met a few CIC grads at McMaster, and there's this unspoken connection. Alumni events and informal meetups like the CIC club at McMaster keep the connection alive. While I didn’t see much parental involvement (since many of us were international), the school still kept families informed, especially through emails and reports. CIC has this way of making you feel like you’re not just passing through, but you’re part of something that lasts beyond graduation.

(5) School Location

CIC is located in Hamilton, and while it’s not a big city like Toronto, it has everything we need: malls, restaurants, and parks. Most of us didn’t venture out too often during weekdays, but weekends were a different story. The school provided trips and shuttles, which made it easy to explore. It was a safe, student-friendly area that felt like home after a while.

(5) Admissions

My admissions process was smoother than I expected. Applying from abroad felt daunting, but the admissions team, like Ms. Gray, made it easier. Flexible intake dates and clear communication meant I was never in the dark. The process wasn’t stressful, just thorough. Be honest about your goals because CIC values a growth mindset and readiness to step outside your comfort zone. Show them your goals, even if you’re still figuring things out they’re looking for students who are ready to grow.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling team at CIC played a huge part in helping me get into McMaster’s Software Engineering program and with a scholarship, no less. They were on top of things when it came to deadlines, essays, and course selection. I appreciated how early they started working with us, even in Grade 11. My counsellor took the time to understand what I wanted and made sure I was aiming high but realistically. That said, the process can still be stressful just because of how competitive admissions are these days. I do wish there were a bit more focus on interviews or entrance tests for specific programs, but overall, I felt very supported. They believed in me even when I wasn’t sure I’d get in, and that made all the difference.