REVIEW OF Columbia International College BY Alum, Nataly Rodriguez

(5) Overall Experience

My time at Columbia International College was a mix of academic challenge, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. I spent two years there before starting Commerce at McMaster, and I can honestly say CIC helped prepare me well, especially in terms of discipline and time management. What I remember most is playing on the basketball team. We weren’t a top-tier squad, but the team spirit and routine gave me something to look forward to beyond the classroom. It balanced out the pressure and helped me stay grounded. The teachers were super supportive, Mr. Singh in math and Ms. Foster in English, both really cared, and it showed. I’d say CIC’s biggest strength is how much support they give you, both academically and personally. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at Columbia International College always felt approachable and professional. As students, we respected the administration because they clearly cared about our well-being, not just our grades. They took discipline seriously, but they were also fair and willing to listen. I always felt like we had a voice, especially when it came to things like residence life or school events. Communication was consistent as my parents were always updated, and we were kept in the loop too. Their presence gave the school a strong, stable atmosphere.

(5) Teaching

One of the things that stood out to me most at Columbia International College was the quality of the teaching. Most of my teachers were genuinely passionate about their subjects, and it showed. Mr. Yu (math) had this calm but confident way of explaining complex ideas, and he always made time for extra help when I was struggling. Ms. D’Amico (English) was probably one of the biggest influences on me because her feedback was honest, thoughtful, and helped me grow so much as a writer. There was a respectful but friendly dynamic between students and teachers, formal enough to feel professional, but not intimidating. What I appreciated most was how teachers tried to make learning feel meaningful. Whether it was through discussions, one-on-one check-ins, or group work, they pushed us to think deeper. They didn't just want us to pass because they wanted us to actually care. I also played on the basketball team, and Coach T (who also teaches PE) really helped me with time management and motivation both on and off the court. That kind of personal connection made a big difference. Overall, I felt supported and challenged, and I think that balance is what made my experience at CIC so positive.

(4.5) Academics

Columbia International College has a pretty solid academic program. I think it does a great job of getting students ready for university, especially with how structured everything is. I personally found the math and science classes really strong—Mr. Yu and Ms. Li were super helpful and explained things in a way that actually made sense. The academic vibe was serious, but not super intense or competitive. Most students were motivated, but we still helped each other out a lot. I always felt supported, whether it was through extra help sessions or just being able to talk to teachers when I was stuck. By the time I graduated, I felt prepared and not just with content, but also with study habits, time management, and how to stay on top of things. CIC definitely helped set me up for what came next.

(5) Extracurriculars

CIC offers a lot of extracurricular activities, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, clubs, music, or volunteering. I was part of the basketball team, and it was one of the best parts of my experience. It was competitive, but in a good way, and it helped me build confidence and leadership skills. There were also plenty of clubs where you could just join for fun without pressure. The school definitely encourages students to get involved outside the classroom, and I think it really helps you grow as a well-rounded person.

(5) Students

The student body at CIC is super diverse because people come from all over the world, which really shapes the atmosphere. It’s a pretty big school, so at first it can feel a bit overwhelming, but you quickly find your group. Most students were respectful, driven, and focused on their goals, especially since a lot of us were working toward university admissions. That said, there was also a friendly and supportive vibe overall. There wasn’t really one “type” of student at CIC, which I appreciated. Some were quiet and academic, others were more outgoing or into sports and clubs. I think the students who stood out most were the ones who were kind, helpful, and stayed true to themselves. Respect here wasn’t about popularity—it was about how you treated others. It was cool being part of such an international, ambitious community.

(5) School Life

Overall, school life at Columbia International College was a mix of structure and opportunity. I wouldn’t say every day was amazing (what school is?), but I genuinely enjoyed my time there. The staff did a good job creating a safe and supportive environment, and there were lots of chances to get involved in things outside of class, like sports, clubs, or leadership programs, which helped make school more enjoyable. Like anywhere, some students were stressed, especially around exam time, but most people seemed motivated and focused. I think because so many students were far from home, there was a sense of community that helped people feel connected. That said, I think CIC could improve by offering more mental health support or casual hangout spaces to unwind. Still, the overall vibe was positive, and I felt like I was part of something.

(5) Community

One thing that stands out about Columbia International College is the sense of global community it creates. With students coming from so many different countries, you end up forming friendships that stick even after graduation. I’ve definitely kept in touch with several friends from CIC, even though we’re now in different parts of the world. There’s a shared experience that bonds us, especially for students who lived in residence. Parents weren’t super involved day-to-day, which I think is normal for a school like this, where many students live away from home. But communication with families was always clear and regular. The alumni network isn’t huge or overly active, but I’ve come across former CIC students at university and online. It’s always cool to reconnect and see where everyone’s ended up.

(5) School Location

Columbia International College is located in Hamilton, which is a quieter city compared to Toronto, but it has everything you need. The school feels a bit like its own bubble, especially if you live in residence, but students do venture out mainly for shopping, food, or weekend activities. There are malls, grocery stores, and restaurants nearby, and the area around the school is pretty safe. It’s not super lively, but it’s comfortable and student-friendly.

(4.5) Admissions

Applying to Columbia International College was a pretty straightforward experience for me. The admissions team was friendly and easy to communicate with, which helped take some of the pressure off. They walked me through the steps, explained what documents were needed, and made sure I understood the timeline. It felt more like a supportive process than a stressful one. If you’re planning to apply, I’d suggest starting early and not hesitating to reach out with questions. The staff is approachable, and they genuinely want to help you settle in and succeed at the school.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling at CIC was helpful overall, especially during the final stages of applying. I had a counsellor who guided me through program choices, deadlines, and editing my personal statement, which made things feel a lot less overwhelming. They also held sessions on how to apply to schools in Canada, the U.S., and the UK, which was great for those of us who weren’t sure where we were headed yet. That said, it sometimes felt like things kicked into gear a little late, especially for students applying to competitive programs. If I could go back, I’d ask more questions early on. Still, with their help and a bit of my own hustle, I got into my top-choice university. You just have to stay engaged and use the resources they give you.