Luis Johnson
A monthly showcase of the amazing staff who make the International Center a place where the UF community meets all its international goals!
Luis Johnson
“I can be celebrating with someone, and then sorry for someone immediately after—that 180 shift is very much how my days can go,” says Luis Johnson, Director and Responsible Officer for Exchange Visitor Services at the University of Florida. On any given day, Johnson might help a visiting scholar plan their visa paperwork, advise a researcher navigating family immigration questions, or give a presentation about cultural exchange programs. The work can shift quickly—but for Johnson, helping international scholars succeed in the United States is deeply personal. “I’ve worn their shoes, so I know what the feeling is. I understand the need for people in immigration services to be personable and approachable.”
Johnson was born and raised in Brazil, growing up in a small countryside city where exposure to other cultures was limited. “We were deep in the heart of the country. We didn’t have a lot of influence from folks from other countries or cultures.” Even so, he developed an early curiosity about the wider world, particularly learning English and discovering other cultures. “At school, learning English, that’s when the itch to learn and understand different cultures came about.” Travel abroad wasn’t common where he grew up, but that curiosity stayed with him.
At 18, Johnson traveled to the United States for the first time, arriving in New York City—a moment that left a lasting impression, “I remember arriving at JFK at five in the morning. It was a dark, cold December.” For someone who had grown up in a small town, the diversity of people, languages, and cultures was striking. “I had never seen so many different folks in their cultural costumes— yarmulkes and saris—things I had only seen on TV. I was enamored by it!” The trip expanded his understanding of what international life and cross-cultural exchange could look like.
Johnson initially pursued law in Brazil, earning his degree from Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC-Goiás) and beginning his career as an attorney. But over time, he found himself reconsidering that path, “I was just tired of the craziness of attorney life—I had been interning at a law firm since my third year at college.” Inspired by his interest in international perspectives, Johnson began researching graduate programs abroad—though finding information about studying law overseas wasn’t easy, “There was no one at my law school who knew anything about studying abroad.” He applied to several U.S. law schools and was ultimately accepted to multiple programs.
Johnson chose to attend Loyola University New Orleans, drawn by the welcoming environment and the scholarship support offered by the university. “At Loyola, I would have a closer connection to the people that worked there than at the 4 other schools I applied to.” While completing his Master of Laws (LL.M.), he became involved in pro bono work, including asylum cases. “I reached out for help with my own immigration process and realized that I could do it myself. That made me realize that it was something that I liked and where I could have a good impact. “Those experiences deepened his interest in immigration law and advocacy.
After studying in the United States as an F-1 student, Johnson discovered a professional path that combined immigration law with education and international exchange. His first role was at a small liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania, where he worked as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), “It was a very small school, I would do both J and F visas, there were only 3,000 students. “In that role, he helped guide students through complex immigration processes while also supporting their transition to life in the United States.
Johnson later joined the University of Florida, relocating to Gainesville with his husband, Ben, and their dog. Being an only child from Brazil, I always wanted to be closer. I found this job because they were looking for an Assistant Director with J experience.” Today, he serves as Director and Responsible Officer for Exchange Visitor Services, where he oversees immigration compliance and daily operations for the university’s exchange visitor programs. “I deal with different UF Departments, different government entities, different faculty members, all in service of the J-visitors.” His work requires balancing multiple roles at once—advisor, problem-solver, and sometimes enforcer of immigration regulations. “We’re here to help!” impresses Luis, “the bureaucracy, the frustration, all of it is to help them succeed and be in compliance.”
For Johnson, some of the most rewarding parts of the job come from the relationships formed with scholars. “Every day is different!” In fact, every hour can be different, “I had back-to-back appointments, first with a couple getting married and asking about the visa implications,” Luis began, “The very next appointment was with a gentleman getting a divorce, dead set on sending his dependent wife home!”
Over the years, he has experienced many memorable moments and events that make his job rewarding. “I remember one scholar who I hadn’t seen in a while, showing up to the office with a brand-new baby named Selena—I still get pictures of this family from Colombia on my WhatsApp!” Events like the office’s Pie Day celebration near Thanksgiving, where scholars gather to enjoy pie and connect, also help build community. “It’s my favorite time to see the visitors enjoying different pies and asking what they think—the consensus is that pumpkin pie tastes raw!”
Outside of work, Johnson enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with his family—including his husband Ben and their three dogs. “I love my house—I’m a homebody. Hanging out with friends, playing games, watching series.” Travel remains one of his favorite ways to experience new cultures, especially cruises, which have taken him to most of the Caribbean islands, the Mediterranean, and Alaska. One of his most memorable trips was a cruise to St. Lucia, “Ben and I had so much fun—we did an 8-hour tour and interacted with many locals.”
From growing up in a small town in Brazil to helping scholars from around the world navigate life in the United States, Johnson’s career has come full circle. “I wish I could tell every prospective visa holder, don’t let fear or the obstacles get in your way, because the reward is going to be great!” Today, he continues to ensure that the scholars who arrive at the University of Florida not only navigate the complexities of immigration but also find opportunities to share their stories and build connections across cultures.
Story by: Terrence Funke
UF Photos by: Christina Cozart and Luis Johnson