The following International Student testimonials were gathered through voluntary end of the school year surveys.
Share your own HCDSB experience with us by email at isp@hcdsb.org.
What was your favourite experience while attending school at the HCDSB?
Andres
“I can recall many favourite things/experiences that I lived while attending Loyola. One of them is being able to meet people from all around the world, such as Europeans, Asians, among other people that speak Spanish like me. Furthermore, the fact that I got to learn English and other subjects that I personally wanted, had amazing teachers and small things like having my own locker, made my whole experience very good.”
Student Name: Andres
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: Venezuela
Amir
“My favourite part about Notre Dame was the ability to take part in extra-curricular activities, such as STEAM and L2L Tutoring. The extra-curriculars allow me to develop my communication skills outside the classroom as well as being educated.”
Student Name: Amir K.
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: Iran
Thomas
“My favourite thing while attending school at the Halton Catholic DSB is the uniform. Uniforms makes everyone look the same. Students are more confident and not shy about “poor or rich” and how expensive your clothes are.”
Student Name: Thomas N.
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: Vietnam
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
Kevin
“I joined the Computer Club. Computer Club is more academic that prepares me for the competition [of university]. In contrast, I enjoy the music courses here, they offer me great opportunities learning different instruments.”
Student Name: Kevin Z.
HCDSB School: Corpus Christi CSS
Home Country: China
Kerry
“I was a School Leadership Team Leader during the 2018-19 school year. What I enjoyed most was getting to develop my leadership and communication skills. I wanted to become a leader since I was little; I want to help as many people as I can. The Leadership Team not only helped me improve my communication skills, but also allowed me to help a lot of people.”
Student Name: Kerry X.
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: China
Richard
“I joined the badminton club. There, I found people who enjoy badminton and also some worthy players. It made me bring back my passion about sports again.”
Student Name: Richard Z.
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
Would you recommend the HCDSB to other potential International Students?
Yibo
“Yes, the school is very nice. The environment in Halton Region is also good.”
Student Name: Yibo F.
HCDSB School: Corpus Christi CSS
Home Country: China
Kelly
“Yes, because it is such a wonderful experience studying here. I got to know some wonderful individuals at this school, and also had the time and opportunity to try things I never experienced before. We also get the chance to get involved in some interesting classes such as repertoire and arts to find our own potential.”
Student Name: Kelly Y.
HCDSB School: Corpus Christi CSS
Home Country: China
Alisa
“Yes. I strongly recommend our school to International Students if they are more academic, our schools have great teachers. You will be able to learn university courses in advance.”
Student Name: Alisa (Xuefei) Z.
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
Do you have any other comments related to your experience at the HCDSB?
Harry
“It is just amazing. One of the best parts of my life.”
Student Name: Harry Y.
HCDSB School: Holy Trinity CSS
Home Country: China
Ryan
“It is a great experience to study in HCDSB and be an International Student at Notre Dame. I really highly recommend other international students come to join the greatest school board – HCDSB! I really enjoyed all the memories in my two high school years!”
Student Name: Ryan L.
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
Linh
“Before I came to Canada, I was very nervous about a new country and a new school. However, [my choice] to be an HCDSB International Student was a good experience in every area in the school community. I feel very happy that I chose this.”
Student Name: Linh N.
HCDSB School: Jean Vanier CSS
Home Country: Vietnam
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.