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?
Kyle
“The best part of the high school system here was that I could plan out my own high school life according to my dreams, goals, and personal interests. After filling in my time table with courses related to my post-secondary goals, the rest of the space was for me to take whatever I’m interested in, such as foods, personal fiance, and weight training.”
Student Name: Kyle H.
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: South Korea
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
Peter
“The variety of classes, and the friendly studying atmosphere. I enjoy learning history, and religion class is my favourite subject.”
Student Name: Peter S.
HCDSB School: Assumption 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
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
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
Would you recommend the HCDSB to other potential 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.”
Student Name: Alisa (Xuefei) Z.
HCDSB School: Assumption 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
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
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
Andres
“Attending Loyola has prepared me greatly for my post-secondary success. When I first arrived to Canada, it was a whole new culture for me, and I was able to adapt to it. Now I am going to study in Argentina, a place that I have never been before and it is going to be easier now because of my experience in Canada. Besides, nowadays globalized companies look for people that speak English fluently, and for this reason I feel happy that I got the chance to learn the language.”
Student Name: Andres
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: Venezuela
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
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.