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?
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.”
Student Name: Emily (Aijia) Y.
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas 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.”
Student Name: Amir K.
HCDSB School: Notre Dame CSS
Home Country: Iran
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
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?
Bill
“Yes, since it has been a great experience and the teachers are responsible, kind and knowledgeable.”
Student Name: Bill L.
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
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.”
Student Name: Emily (Aijia) Y.
HCDSB School: St. Thomas Aquinas 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
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
Some student testimonials have been edited for clarity.