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With a rich history spanning 2,777 years, Rome stands as an ancient city marked by diversity throughout its many eras. Today, the Eternal City remains a vibrant hub, extending a warm welcome to all – especially those who seek to expand their horizons.
This is what awaits you at John Cabot University (JCU), an independent, four-year liberal arts institution in the heart of Rome. Here, English-speaking students from all over the world take on undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and study abroad programme.
Karla Santillana, a Mexican-American, is one of them. Originally planning a gap year in Paris, her plans took a turn after a trip to Rome, where the city’s art, architecture, and local approach to life captivated her. A few new friends introduced her to JCU, and she instantly felt she had found her academic home.
“I realized I was meant to attend JCU because of the friendly vibes, the close-knit community, and, of course, meeting my Italian bestie, Francesca,” she says. “Not to mention the insane variety of art and communication classes that the school offers! I was immediately sold!”
Karla Santillana loves Rome’s balance of studying and enjoying life. She believes the city’s slower pace has benefited her both physically and emotionally. Source: John Cabot University
JCU offers 14 majors and 23 minors across diverse fields. From Art History and International Affairs, to Political Science, Business, Psychology, and more, you will discover a programme tailored to your interests and career goals. Each programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience like internships, hands-on activities, and workshops, preparing students to navigate the complexities of today’s world.
When you study at JCU, you’ll learn from professors with degrees from top universities like Brown, Columbia, Oxford, and Harvard, where their expertise and real-world experience enhance your education. They bring the best practices in teaching and learning from prominent research universities in the US and UK.
No wonder graduates, like Tatiana Tondini (BA in Classical Studies, minor in History), have gone on to excel. Today she is working as an ancient DNA lab technician at the University of Tübingen and publishing research in Frontiers in Medicine on oncological care in ancient Egypt.
Enriching student life and extracurricular activities
Beyond academics, students have endless opportunities for personal and academic growth. With a wide range of activities available on campus, from clubs and organisations to cultural events and trips, you’ll constantly discover and develop new passions.
American liberal arts universities are renowned for encouraging students to explore ideas from diverse perspectives, providing an environment where they can broaden their horizons while developing skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration. JCU is no different — something Santillana can attest to.
“At first, I studied Classical Studies, but the beauty of this school is that it follows the American education system, so changing majors is quite simple,” she says. “I decided to switch to Communications because it suited me better. I loved being able to take both a film class and a journalism class simultaneously.”
With an average class size of 18 students, you’ll never just be another number here. You’ll get to work closely with experienced professors who encourage open dialogue and use Rome as a living classroom.
Francesca Visconti, a Psychology student from Naples, loves this approach. “I am very fortunate to have passionate and knowledgeable professors teaching Psychology here,” she says. “They are open to discussions, which can help deepen everyone’s understanding of a topic, and it is a safe place to share new ideas. I’ve even developed professional relationships with visiting professors, which has been crucial for finding new opportunities for my graduate studies abroad.”
John Cabot University is dedicated to building a supportive community that upholds the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Source: John Cabot University
Diverse campus, global perspectives
One of the biggest perks of attending an American university is its multicultural environment. JCU students come from over 75 countries, each adding to the community’s richness in cultures and perspectives.
“I’ve met people from all over the globe with different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints,” Visconti says. “These interactions have sparked many engaging discussions both in class and during breaks. I live with a Mexican roommate, and she has taught me much about her culture and language, which I truly value.”
The same can be said for Santillana, who has picked up multiple languages, embraced various traditions, and tasted many cuisines. “I’ve learned so much both in the classroom and from my friends,” she says. “We have Italians, Pakistanis, Russians, Mexicans, and Germans in our group, and despite our different backgrounds, we are like one big family.”
This cross-cultural competence serves them well when they start their internships.
Internship and career support
The Center for Career Services helps students secure internships with multinational companies, international organisations, NGOs, consulates, government offices, and museums. It offers valuable resources like resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.
With connections to over 700 companies and organisations, JCU has helped open many doors for students, including Bersabeh Mergia, an International Affairs student who obtained an internship at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). “My main tasks were editing, formatting, and going through various policy and proposal documents,” she says. “These experiences not only enabled me to improve my technical skills, but they also provided me with invaluable people skills and a greater understanding of how international organizations are structured.”
Santillana, who is approaching her junior year, will soon benefit from such an opportunity. “I plan to attend the Career Fair at the end of this year because I have friends who’ve been offered internships and have worked with major companies in Rome, like Deloitte,” she says.
Upon completing their studies, JCU graduates often go on to work at top companies, including Bloomberg, the World Bank, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Others continue their studies at institutions like Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Ready to start your journey at one of the world’s most inspiring academic institutions? Discover how John Cabot University can shape your future in the heart of Rome.
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