In recent years, St. Olaf welcomed students from more than 90 countries! The college’s emphasis on languages, international and off-campus study, and a global perspective makes this an excellent place for international students to live and learn. International students are an important and growing part of the student body.
Meet some of our students!
Simisiwe Maziya ’27
Home: Kingdom of Eswatini
Major: Nursing
St Olaf is a beautiful place filled with beautiful, friendly and helpful people, a really helpful source for someone who’s in a different country for the first time ever. I have found a home at St Olaf, and not only has it offered me a home, but it has graced me with the best life experiences yet, with so many opportunities to explore and experience. I have made the most meaningful connections here, most which have become family, making bonds will last forever. It has by far been a wonderful and worthwhile experience.
Fortress Okorie ’27
Home: Nigeria
Major/s: Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science
More than anything else, when I think about St. Olaf, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. This place has given me the best friends a person could ask for, a community that isn’t perfect but is willing to do work to improve, opportunities to lead and make meaningful contributions to student life, great professors, and challenging but rewarding academics, to name a few things. Home is where the hill is!
Rasmey Eav ’27
Home: Cambodia
Major/s: Mathematics, Business Management, Statistics & Data Science
I initially chose to attend St. Olaf because of its strong reputation for fostering a caring and welcoming community. I was looking for more than just academic rigor; I wanted a place where I could feel supported, challenged, and genuinely connected. After spending two transformative years on the Hill, I can confidently say that St. Olaf has become more than just a college; it has become a home. The friendships I’ve formed, the mentorship I’ve received from professors, and the opportunities I’ve had to grow both inside and outside the classroom have shaped me in ways I never imagined. St. Olaf’s commitment to community, reflection, and purpose has not only deepened my academic interests but also helped me find my voice and direction.
Oindrela Das ’28
Home: Bangladesh
Major/s: Psychology & Quantitative Economics
What I love most about St. Olaf is how welcoming and lively the international community is. The Taylor Center and International Student Organization (ISO) make campus feel like home with events like Omkara, International Night, and Viva La Vida—celebrations that bring people from all over the world together. These experiences don’t just entertain; they educate, connect, and create space for friendships that cross borders.
Academically, the professors are inspiring and approachable. They challenge us while offering support, and resources like the Academic Success Center and the Disability and Access Center ensure every student has the help they need to succeed.
One of the most exciting parts of St. Olaf is its study abroad programs. The school works hard to ensure that financial barriers don’t keep students from exploring the world and gaining global experience. That commitment means a lot to me and so many others.
St. Olaf isn’t just where I study—it’s where I belong, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.