We asked our International Students some questions about our program and schools. Check out their answers below!
Question #1 What was your favourite experience while attending school at the HCDSB?
Question #2 Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
Question #3 Would you recommend the HCDSB to other potential International Students?
Question #4 Do you have any other comments related to your experience at the HCDSB?
What was your favourite experience while attending school at the HCDSB?
Jamie
“Having a chance to live and study in a new environment, learning about different cultures and meeting new friends from different countries, trying different kinds of new food, learning to be independent, etc.”
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
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.”
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: Iran
Kerry
“I have met a lot of great friends and teachers. I was an immature student back in Grade 9, but after four years experience at Loyola, I became an independent, self-regulated and outgoing person. Loyola has not only developed my skills but also made me become a better person.”
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: China
Victoria
“My favourite experiences are two field trips to go to University of Waterloo and Western University. Those are two amazing experiences and through that I finally knew what I want to do in university.”
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
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.”
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: Vietnam
Emily
“The variety of courses. The Business courses brought me into the world of business and enabled me to realize that it is what I want to [study] in the future.”
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: China
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
Emily
“I joined the L2L Tutor Program. With the help of my tutors, I managed to achieve very satisfying marks in English and later on I became a Math Tutor which provided me with a chance to pay back to the program and the school society.”
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas 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.”
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
Keyas
“I [joined] the STEAM Club and luckily became an executive. I enjoyed the STEAM events, we hung out with elementary students and showed them how things work and explained things to them. I also enjoy the L2L Program, teaching others and also made friends there. I feel happy when I share what I have learned.”
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
Kyle
“The biggest part of my extra-curricular activities in high school was my involvement in academic contests. Through preparing and competing in the contests, I could improve my learning skills and academic capabilities beyond the school curriculum. Also, being part of sports teams, such as badminton and track & field, allowed me to enjoy my school life even after all the classes are over.”
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: South Korea
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.”
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
Keyas
“I [joined] the STEAM Club and luckily became an executive. I enjoyed the STEAM events, we hung out with elementary students and showed them how things work and explained things to them. I also enjoy the L2L Program, teaching others and also made friends there. I feel happy when I share what I have learned.”
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
Would you recommend the HCDSB to other International Students?
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.”
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
Shaojie
“I would recommend other international students to attend school at HCDSB because of the physical location of schools and class sizes.”
HCDSB School: St. Francis Xavier CSS
Home Country: China
Emily
“For sure. All the school staff I have met are so nice and helpful. And because of the fact that the proportion of international students in our school board is not large, we have a better chance to communicate with the locals and get to know about Canadian culture.”
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas CSS
Home Country: China
Do you have any other comments related to your experience at the HCDSB?
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.”
HCDSB School: St. Francis Xavier CSS
Home Country: Vietnam
Sarah
“The school community is very welcoming and supportive, definitely going to recommend to other students to reach out for the extra help provided by the school and the HCDSB youth and settlement workers.”
HCDSB School: Corpus Christi CSS
Home Country: China
Harry
“It is just amazing. One of the best parts of my life.”
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas CSS
Home Country: China
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.