Welcome
Visit campus and see what we mean. Join a class discussion about contemporary Caribbean history, French language, and the link between politics and economics in international affairs. Enjoy the cafeteria's authentic tostones and yucca con mojo for Latino Heritage Week. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with ribbon dancing and sweet oranges. Play salsa, bhangra and J-pop in your residence hall room. Play a pick-up fútbol game by campus' peaceful Lake Jovita.
Saint Leo truly is a university of international consequence. Located in the lush, rolling hills of Central Florida, Saint Leo is home to approximately 600 international students from around the world-that's more than 22% of our undergraduate campus community.
Visit our International Student Admissions page to learn more about becoming part of the Saint Leo University community.
International Student Services
Even if you have lived and traveled abroad before, you may find Saint Leo and the United States higher education system a bit different from your home country. To help you adjust and achieve success in all aspects of your new life, Saint Leo offers a variety of programs, clubs and events specially tailored to the needs of our international students.
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office is dedicated to helping international students throughout your entire time at Saint Leo. We start with pre-arrival advising, and continue to offer guidance on everything from academic support and immigration to American slang and holiday customs.
A primary role of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office is to serve as an intermediary between international students and the U.S. government.
Got questions? We are here to assist, nurture and support:
- Obtain and maintain visa status
- Prepare for your F-1 or J-1 visa interview
- Find on-campus employment
- Get vaccinations required for on-campus housing (in conjunction with the Health Services office)
- Obtain a U.S. driver's license
Contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) Office at (352) 588-8442.
International Clubs & Programs
- International Student Orientation: A special introduction to Saint Leo and U.S. university life before the general first-year orientation. Academic, cultural and immigration issues are discussed in detail. Learn more about International Student Orientation.
- Intercultural Student Association (ISA): Open to all international students and U.S. students with an interest in international issues, ISA promotes international diversity and cultural awareness. Events include speakers, film screenings and trips to Florida tourist attractions.
- International Education Week: An annual joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, the national week-long program—localized at Saint Leo—celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
- Feast for the World: Saint Leo's annual international food night (spearheaded by ISA) is held each November during International Education Week. International students prepare and share dishes from their home countries. In past years, we’ve had a variety ranging from Austrian apple cake, to Indian curry and Irish stew, to Spanish flan. See recipes from International Education Week 2020.
- Student Organizations: Includes the Intercultural Student Association, Caribbean Student Association, Saudi Students Club at Saint Leo, Spanish Club, BSU (Black Student Union), SISTUHS, Inc. and Goizueta Scholars for Latino and Hispanic students. Don't see a club for your culture? Saint Leo makes it easy to start your own.
- Food for Thought: Monthly faculty-and-staff-led trips to area ethnic restaurants expose students to a wide variety of cuisines and cultures, including Ethiopian, Thai and Vietnamese.
International Handbook
Please access our International Handbook for information about life and customs in the US and the Saint Leo, FL community.
Contents found in the International Handbook:
- Introduction
- First & Foremost
- Life at Saint Leo University
- Living in The Area
- Living in The United States
- Adjustments & Culture Shock
- Banking & Money Matters
- Immigration Matters
- Arrests, Convictions, & Immigration Consequences
- Other Helpful Hints