The Saint Leo University Bridge Program is an academic program designed to provide qualified students with the opportunity to adjust smoothly to the US academic environment. The Program serves the needs and the interests of international students who meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for University admission.
Mission
Following the core values and the mission of Saint Leo University, the Bridge Program at Saint Leo strives to support international students by providing them with high-quality English for academic purposes instruction. The main goal of the program is to maximize students’ opportunities for academic success through assuring their balanced language development, personal and academic growth, and smooth transition and adaptation to their new academic culture. An integral part of the University community, the Bridge Program fosters the spirit of collaboration, respect, responsible stewardship, intercultural understanding, and academic integrity.
Why Choose the Bridge Program at Saint Leo University?
- Study with highly qualified instructors who are dedicated to your success in the new academic culture.
- Our classes are designed to support your academic development through providing opportunities to master your academic communication skills, advance your learning skills, and become familiar with the academic culture in the United States.
- Undergraduate students can earn up to 24 university-level elective academic and 6 university exploration (general education) credits while studying in the Program.
- Enjoy learning at the beautiful state-of-art campus of the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida and one of the top universities in Central Florida.
- Be part of Saint Leo University, an academic community that has a century-long tradition of welcoming students of all faiths.
Note, different majors require a different number of elective credits (from 0 to 39). Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Catalog for more information.
Eligibility Requirements
If you are ready to start your undergraduate studies but your language proficiency test scores are just below the University general admission requirements, our Bridge Program is for you.
Regular track (two semesters): The students whose scores show intermediate proficiency level (45-64 iBT, 5.0-5.5 IELTS, PTE A 35-43, 80 Duolingo) will be enrolled in the regular two-semester track and will follow the full Bridge Program curriculum.
Fast track (one semester): The students whose scores indicate advanced-intermediate level of proficiency
(65-78 iBT, 5.5-6.0 IELTS, PTE A 44-52, 105 Duolingo) will be enrolled in the fast one-semester track which follows a modified curriculum.
Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if their English proficiency scores meet or exceed one of the following: TOEFL 79 iBT (Minimum 19 subscores), IELTS 6.5 (Minimum 6.0 bandscores), PTE A 53 (Minimum 52 bandscores), ELS Level 112, or Duolingo 120.
The university reserves the right to make adjustments to the noted admission criteria.
Course Sequence
Regular Track
Semester 1 (15 credit hours)
ENG 111 – Academic Learning Laboratory I (2 credits)
ENG 114 - Composition and Grammar for Speakers of Other Languages (3 credits)
ENG 115 – College Reading I (3 credits)
ENG 120 – Listening, Lecture Note-Taking, and Speaking (3 credits)
HUM 105 – Introduction to American Culture and University Life (3 credits)
SLU 101 – Introduction to University Experience (1 credit)
Semester 2 (15 credit hours)
ENG 112 – Academic Learning Laboratory II (3 credits)
ENG 118 - Composition for Speakers of Other Languages (3 credits)
ENG 117 – College Reading II (3 credits)
*Approved University Explorations course (3 credits)
*Approved University Explorations course (3 credits)
Fast Track (15 credit hours)
ENG 117 – College Reading II (3 credits)
ENG 112 – Academic Learning Laboratory II (3 credits)
ENG 118- Composition for Speakers of Other Languages (3 credits)
HUM 105 – Introduction to American Culture and University Life (3 credits)
SLU 101 – Introduction to University Experience (1 credit) *Approved University Explorations course (3 credits)
Contact
Iona Sarieva Ph.D.
Bridge Program Director
Assistant Professor
English, Fine Arts, and Humanities Department
School of Arts and Sciences
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL 33574
Phone: (352) 588-8384
Email: Iona.sarieva@saintleo.edu
The Saint Leo University Bridge Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period April 2022 through April 2032 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.
