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?
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.”
Student Name: Victoria C.
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
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.”
Student Name: Jamie
HCDSB School: Assumption CSS
Home Country: China
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.”
Student Name: Kerry X.
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: China
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
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
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.”
Student Name: Emily (Aijia) Y.
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas 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.”
Student Name: Keyas L.
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: China
Would you recommend the HCDSB to other potential International Students?
Vivian
“It’s my first time in my life that I have an equal and friendly relationship with my teachers. They always help me and accept me even though I’m not a Canadian student.”
Student Name: Vivian Z.
HCDSB School: Holy Trinity CSS
Home Country: China
Kevin
“I would recommend other international students here since the courses, especially English, are quite challenging [and lay] a solid basis for future university as well as other relaxing curriculum including music, arts, and sports with dedicated teachers.”
Student Name: Kevin Z.
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
Do you have any other comments related to your experience at the HCDSB?
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.”
Student Name: Sarah Z.
HCDSB School: Corpus Christi 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
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
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.