REVIEW OF Columbia International College BY Alum, Elif Abdishurikova

(5) Overall Experience

Columbia International College was a pretty big shift for me, but in a good way. What really stood out was how global everything felt. I met people from places I had never imagined I'd connect with. It made everyday life feel like a cultural exchange. One thing I really came to value was the way teachers like Mr. Kwan in Business and Ms. Lee in English took time to connect with students. They weren’t just there to teach, but they actually cared if you understood and kept up. I won’t say everything was perfect, as sometimes the rules felt a bit strict, but in the long run, that structure helped me stay on track and made the jump to university much easier. CIC helped me build confidence, especially when it came to managing time and setting priorities.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at Columbia International College always struck me as professional and organized. While students didn’t always agree with every rule, there was a sense that the administration genuinely cared about keeping things running smoothly. I remember Mr. Doyle, one of the heads of student development, as someone who actually took time to listen when students had concerns. Communication with students and parents was usually clear and timely, especially around big academic deadlines. Overall, the administration worked hard to create a safe and goal-oriented environment.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Columbia International College felt very intentional. Most of my teachers didn’t just go through the curriculum; instead, they tried to connect it to something meaningful. I still remember Mr. Bashir’s world issues class, where we’d have intense discussions that made me think critically about real global events. Ms. Lee, who taught math, had a way of breaking down complex topics into something that actually stuck. The dynamic between students and teachers was respectful, but not overly formal; you could approach them easily outside class, especially during extra help sessions. Feedback was always clear, and I felt that most teachers wanted to see you grow beyond the classroom. Their encouragement made me more confident going into university, especially in classes that demand critical thinking and strong communication.

(5) Academics

CIC’s academics were balanced, structured, but flexible enough to allow personal growth. As someone heading into economics, I appreciated the emphasis on analytical and writing skills across subjects. Courses like International Business and Canadian & World Politics helped me build a foundation for understanding systems and decision-making, which directly applies to my university work. Teachers encouraged open discussions, which made classes more engaging. The environment wasn’t cutthroat; students were more supportive than competitive, which made group work and study sessions less stressful and more productive. The workload could be demanding, especially when assignments across subjects overlapped, but I left CIC feeling prepared for university-level expectations. Overall, the academic culture was serious but not overwhelming, with the right support systems in place if you reached out.

(5) Extracurriculars

Columbia International College offered a wide range of extracurriculars, from academic clubs to sports and creative activities. I enjoyed the low-pressure environment, but there were options to compete, and also many ways to just explore new interests for fun. Being part of the Business Club and Model UN gave me valuable soft skills I still use in university. CIC definitely emphasized building well-rounded students beyond academics, and that made a lasting impact.

(5) Students

One of the first things I noticed at Columbia International College was how international the student body really was. You’d walk into the cafeteria and hear five different languages being spoken around you. That diversity made the experience a lot more interesting, both in and out of class. Students came from a wide range of backgrounds, some from big cities, others from smaller towns, and that mix created a really unique vibe. Most people were pretty driven and focused on their future, but not in a cutthroat way. What people respected most was when someone was kind, helpful, and mature, especially in group projects or residence life. There was definitely a sense of community, especially among people who were living away from home for the first time. It wasn’t hard to find your people.

(5) School Life

Life at Columbia International College almost had a rhythm to it. At first, the structure felt a bit intense with set meal times, sign-ins, and curfews, but over time, it actually helped keep things balanced. What stood out the most was how many little systems were in place to make sure students didn’t fall through the cracks, especially for those of us living far from home. Some days were definitely stressful, especially during exams, but the school did try to create moments to relax on movie nights, weekend trips, and even late-night chats in residence lounges. There were always people studying hard, but also people who wanted to chill and connect. If anything could improve, maybe more casual hangouts or common spaces would have helped boost the day-to-day vibe.

(5) Community

One of the biggest surprises about CIC was how quickly it started to feel like a global community. Everyone came from different corners of the world, that is, from Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, but we all found ways to connect. You’d hear four or five languages in the cafeteria at any given lunch. What stood out was how open people were to learning about each other’s cultures. We celebrated holidays from different countries, shared food in the residence, and supported each other during tough times. Even now, I still keep in touch with friends I met there, and we check in from time to time, even though we’ve scattered across different universities. While parents weren’t too involved day-to-day, the school made an effort to keep them updated and informed throughout the year.

(5) School Location

Columbia International College is in Hamilton, which is a pretty quiet city, not as hectic as Toronto, but not isolated either. The school is located in a safe neighbourhood with parks, small restaurants, and grocery stores nearby, so you could walk out and grab food or just get some fresh air. A lot of students went downtown on weekends, and there were organized trips to Niagara Falls and Toronto, too, which made things feel less confined.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at Columbia International College was smooth for me. I remember the staff being pretty responsive, and they took the time to answer questions and helped my family understand the whole process, especially since we were applying from the beginning. It didn’t feel like a high-pressure situation, which made it easier to focus on preparing documents and submitting everything on time. If you're thinking of applying, just be honest in your application and don’t be afraid to ask questions—they’re there to help.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling at Columbia International College was one of the most useful parts of my final year. The guidance team was knowledgeable about both Canadian and international universities, and they were always willing to help with things like refining personal statements or choosing the right programs. I had several one-on-one meetings where I could ask specific questions about McMaster and other options. I also appreciated how they kept us on schedule with reminders and support during key application periods. One area for improvement would be more detailed, earlier guidance during Grade 10. I know that's quite early, but it's so that students could start preparing even sooner. That said, I felt well-supported and confident when applying to university, and I ended up exactly where I hoped to be—at McMaster University studying Economics.