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
Crystal
“My favorite experience of attending school at the Halton Catholic DSB is that the school provided me an environment with multicultural diversity and everyone is equally respected. We created a club called Multicultural Club and had many activities. We held two Multicultural Spring Festivals which were very successful.”
Student Name: Crystal
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola 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
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
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
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.”
Student Name: Kyle H.
HCDSB School: St. Ignatius of Loyola CSS
Home Country: South Korea
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
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
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
Do you have any other comments related to your experience at the HCDSB?
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
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
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.