REVIEW OF Columbia International College BY Alum, Hediyeh Zohourian

(4.5) Overall Experience

When I first got to Columbia International College, I thought I was mostly coming for the academics. What ended up standing out wasn’t just classes or exams, but all the little moments that made me feel at home, even though I was far from my family. The dorm staff remembering what kind of tea I liked, teachers stopping me in the hallway to ask how I was settling in, and the peer-mentors who’d stay late helping us decode tricky assignments, all those things meant more than I expected. What I liked best was that despite the structure and rules, there was always someone there to listen. If I could change one thing, I’d wish for more weekend activities (even small ones) to break the routine. But yes, I feel CIC prepared me well for my next steps — university felt less scary because I’d already pushed past a lot of what I thought I couldn’t do. Prospective students should expect challenge, yes, but also genuine care.

Looking Back

What I remember most vividly are the nights in residence when my roommate and I would review notes by lamplight, and the quiet halls after curfew when someone played soft guitar in the lounge. Also, pop quizzes I bombed, which taught me more than the ones I aced.

Current Perspective

Now that I’m out of CIC and into university, I see some things clearly that I didn’t then. The structured feedback from teachers, the Total Care check-ins, even the early morning routines, all of it felt strict back then, but now I see they built stamina. On the flip side, sometimes I think I wish CIC had pushed a bit more for creativity through projects that let us choose our own topics, not always ones set by the curriculum.

Your Advice

If I could give one honest piece of advice, it would be to get as much support from day one. Don’t wait till you’re overwhelmed. Use tutors, peer mentors, and dorm staff. Also, be patient with yourself because everyone’s adjusting, and many people are homesick or stressed, so don’t feel like you have to be perfect.

(4.5) School Leadership

The leadership at CIC surprised me. I expected principals and directors to feel remote, but many times they would be present in student-life events, checking how things were going. When a roommate had trouble adjusting, leadership staff responded swiftly and not by scolding, but by setting up mentoring and counselling. The code of conduct is enforced strictly, yes, but in a way that felt fair and consistent rather than arbitrary. I felt like the administration respected the fact that most of us came from different countries and needed different kinds of help.

(4.5) Teaching

Some of the best teachers I had were the ones who joked a little in class but took after-class seriously. One thing that stood out to me at CIC was how approachable most teachers were. Some had very formal classroom styles, but outside of class they were easy to talk to. I remember my math teacher who noticed I was struggling and would stay behind after lessons to go over questions step by step until I actually understood, not just memorized. Ms. Davis, who taught English, had this habit of asking us to share stories from our backgrounds, and it made the class feel alive and personal, not just about essays and grammar rules. The feedback was usually detailed, and even when it stung, you knew it came from a place of wanting you to improve. I honestly think the teachers’ patience and extra time made a big difference in how confident I felt later at university.

(4.5) Academics

The academics at CIC were demanding in the sense that you had to stay on top of things, but what I appreciated most was how structured everything was. You weren’t just thrown into a pile of work, but you had advisors and teachers checking in on your progress, which helped you stay accountable. Students had different attitudes; some were very competitive, while others were just trying to pass and get to the next step. I usually found classmates were willing to help each other, like swapping notes before tests or forming small study groups in the dorm lounges. The academic strength of CIC, in my opinion, is how it prepares you for university habits such as time management, research skills, and essay writing. A weakness might be that sometimes classes felt a little too focused on exams rather than creativity. Still, by the time I got to university, I felt prepared, not shocked by the workload.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

CIC had a surprisingly wide range of extracurriculars, even though academics always came first. I joined the debate club for a while, and while I wasn’t the strongest speaker, it gave me the confidence to argue my ideas in front of a group. Friends of mine played intramural soccer just for fun, while others took part in cultural clubs like the International Students’ Association, which hosted food nights where you could taste dishes from different countries. The best part was that you didn’t have to be the best at something to join because there were options for fun and for personal growth. It was less about competition and more about creating a sense of community and balance outside of studying.

(4.5) Students

The student body at CIC is one of the things I’ll never forget. Walking into the cafeteria felt like stepping into the world, there were students from everywhere: Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and South America. It was such a mix that you couldn’t really point to a “typical” CIC student. Some were outgoing leaders, others were quieter and more reserved, but what people respected most were kindness and effort. I remember a classmate named Anthony, who always organized group study nights in the residence before big exams. People admired him not because he was the smartest, but because he cared about others. For me, that atmosphere of support made a big difference, and yes, there was stress, but also this unspoken agreement that we were all in it together.

(4.5) School Life

Life at CIC could feel busy, but never dull. Days were filled with classes, then evenings with homework, tutoring, or hanging out in the dorm lounges. What made the experience bearable during stressful times were the friendships you built, sharing snacks in someone’s room while cramming for tests, or celebrating little wins like passing a tough chemistry quiz. Of course, there were moments I felt homesick at times or overwhelmed, but the dorm staff and friends really looked out for each other. I’d say most students were happy most of the time, even if they were stressed. CIC could probably improve by giving students a few more opportunities to just relax and recharge, but overall, life there taught me how to balance hard work with community.

(5) Community

The sense of community at CIC extends beyond graduation. Parents were definitely included right from the start—especially mine, who were overseas—but they still received updates and even had virtual meetings with staff, which gave them peace of mind. I have also stayed connected with alumni through social media and WhatsApp groups. Even now, I can reach out to former classmates who are scattered across different universities and countries each time I'm in their area, just to link up. What stood out to me most while I was at CIC was how international the community really felt; every event was like a cultural exchange, and you learned quickly to appreciate different backgrounds. That kind of environment has stayed with me, and I still carry some of those friendships today.

(4.5) School Location

Hamilton isn’t Toronto, but that’s part of what made it feel right for me. The neighbourhood around CIC felt safe, and there were grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance. On weekends, a lot of us would take the bus downtown or to the mall just to break the routine. I liked that the school wasn’t isolated, as you could get out and see the city, but at the same time, it had its own sense of campus life, so you didn’t feel lost in a big city

(4.5) Admissions

The admissions process was smoother than I expected. I was nervous at first, especially about whether my English would be strong enough, but the staff were clear and patient. They guided me through what documents I needed and explained what to expect when I arrived. My advice for anyone applying is don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they’re small. CIC really does try to make sure you’ll fit, not just academically but also in terms of life away from home. I’d also say start the paperwork early, especially getting transcripts and visas sorted, which can take longer than you think

(4.5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling program at CIC was one of the things that really helped me transition smoothly. We had sessions where counsellors explained the Canadian university system, helped us with essay writing, and even reviewed drafts line by line. I worked with Ms. Taylor, who patiently went through my personal statement several times until it actually sounded like me and not just a list of achievements. The guidance started early enough that I didn’t feel rushed when application deadlines came. If there was one thing that could’ve been stronger, maybe it would be more one-on-one time during the busiest season, since counsellors had so many students to support. Still, I ended up getting into my top-choice program, and I know the preparation at CIC played a big role in that.