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From the first day I walked into Bodwell, I felt something shift in my life. I was nervous coming from Kazakhstan, with Korean roots, and unsure how I'd fit in. But the school’s diversity and openness quickly proved I had nothing to fear. Orientation week was especially helpful as it gave me the time and space to understand my surroundings and get my bearings. What stood out the most about Bodwell was how it fostered unity across cultures. One unique thing was the school’s “house system,” where students were sorted into houses like Gandhi and Mandela, not only for friendly competition but to promote leadership and shared values. That system made school spirit feel real and alive.

The best thing that happened to me at Bodwell was building life-long friendships. I’m still in touch with people I met on my first day. I also gained the confidence to speak up, something I struggled with before. If I could do something differently, I would have joined more clubs earlier instead of waiting until my second term. My advice for new students: Don’t wait—jump in. Try new things, even if you feel unsure.

Looking back, I wish I had asked for help more often in my first few weeks. I tried to handle everything myself that is academics, homesickness, cultural adjustment but Bodwell had so many resources and people ready to support me. Once I opened up, things got a lot easier. If I could do it over, I’d remind myself that being vulnerable isn't a weakness but it's how you grow. My advice for anyone heading to boarding school is use your voice. Speak up when you're struggling, say yes to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to stand out.

What I liked most about Bodwell was how it gave everyone a chance. No matter where you were from or what your background was, you felt included. The school really lives its motto of “Education for a Changing World.”

If you’re visiting Bodwell, check out the viewpoint near the shore—it’s peaceful and great for reflection. Also, try the chocolate bubble tea from Thomas Haas it’s elite. For dorms, I personally liked the main building because of the central location and vibe. And always say hi to the dorm staff, they make a huge difference in your day.

What I liked most about the academics at Bodwell was how balanced the system was. There was rigor you could take AP courses like AP Calculus but there was also support. Teachers like Mr. Hallis made calculus approachable with his dry humor and ability to explain complex ideas clearly. The diversity of classes also made it feel like there was something for everyone. Group work and presentations were common, so you learned from your peers just as much as from the teacher. You felt like you were being prepared for university, not just to memorize facts but to apply knowledge.

The athletics program was really well-rounded. You didn’t need to be a pro athlete to participate. Whether it was swimming, soccer, volleyball, or basketball, everyone had a chance to play and improve. The coaches were committed and not just to performance but to character-building. I remember when we lost a tournament in volleyball and our coach sat us down to reflect on teamwork, not just stats. There was a clear emphasis on health, sportsmanship, and community bonding.

While I wasn’t deeply involved in the arts, I saw how much the school valued them. The theatre productions were impressive and showcased just how multicultural the student body was. Some plays were multilingual, others tackled social issues, which was inspiring. The music program had students from all over playing together. I remember we had Korean drummers, Chinese violinists, and singers from Africa and Europe all on one stage. That fusion of cultures was something really unique.

There were so many extracurriculars that it was sometimes hard to choose. We had a Model UN club, Robotics, cultural nights, and even yoga. Volunteer opportunities were always available from beach cleanups to food drives. The school encouraged us to log our service hours, not for credit, but to build character. I liked that there was something for both introverts and extroverts. You could find your place.

Dorm life was one of my favorite parts of Bodwell. I had roommates from Zimbabwe and Japan at different times. That taught me tolerance, patience, and how to communicate across cultures. The rooms were clean and well-managed, and the dorm staff were like second family. We had dorm nights with pizza, FIFA tournaments, and movie marathons. I also appreciated the curfew system and how it taught us discipline. Some students found it strict at first, but later it made sense all because it helped us focus.

The food was surprisingly diverse. We had Korean BBQ days which, pasta bars, and sometimes even samosas. I remember my favorite was when they served tteokbokki and that it reminded me of my Korean roots even though that was once. The cafeteria was open for long hours, which was helpful for late sleepers or athletes coming back from practice. The dining staff were friendly, and sometimes they’d surprise us with off-menu treats.

Bodwell is in North Vancouver, and the location is perfect. There’s Capilano Mall nearby, a scenic shoreline, and a great bubble tea spot tourists love. Public transportation made it easy to get to downtown Vancouver. On weekends, we’d go on hikes or explore Lonsdale Quay. The balance between urban access and nature was something I really appreciated.

The social life at Bodwell was somewhat busy as most students were not Canadian citizens. With students from so many countries, you’d always be learning something new, new phrases, new dances, new food. Events like Culture Night and Halloween dances brought us all together. I never felt left out. There were quiet students and party-goers, and everyone found their tribe. For me, the social life was most rewarding in the dorms and during house competitions, where everyone got involved.