Having never left the country before, it was always a dream of mine to study abroad during my time in college. I wanted to see Europe and experience education in a completely different part of the world.
The JCU Experience
I chose John Cabot University because the location for me was perfect. It’s in the heart of one of the most exciting and lively cities in the world: Rome. I believed that with John Cabot being an American University it would be an easier transition into staying in a foreign country. I heard great things about it and how lots of students have studied abroad there and have really enjoyed it.
The building is safely guarded 24/7 and the apartments are well-equipped with a good sized kitchen, living rooms, and bedrooms.
John Cabot offers many “on-site” classes where you take trips to photograph, sketch, and learn about the history of Rome's landmarks. I took Renaissance Rome and Its Monuments. We toured the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Vatican, and more. The class sizes were small and personal, and there are many other study abroad students so you can all relate on that level. The professors are kind and easy to talk to. Whether it be about classwork, Roman history, or sites that you potentially want to see in the city, they are always open to discussions.
Life Abroad
Living abroad and immersing myself in a new culture was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The food is incredible and the culture is so welcoming and fun, it is really something everyone should experience and see for themselves. The biggest takeaway for me was definitely the friendships I created and the incredible memories I made. I studied abroad for only one summer session, but it sparked friendships with people from all around the world. Rome is a huge melting pot of people from all around the world. Whether it be different parts of Europe, the Americas, etc. you are always hearing people's stories of where they came from. From wine tasting in Tuscany, to cliff jumping in the Amalfi coast, the experiences I had in Italy are fond ones that I will hold onto forever.
The idea of packing your bags and traveling halfway across the world can be scary to some for sure. However, John Cabot does an excellent job of easing you into your new life in Rome. They even offer shuttles to pick you up from the airport and bring you back when it’s time for you to go back home (although once you’ve been there long enough you won’t want to leave). If a college student came to me and wasn’t sure where they wanted to study abroad I would urge them to go to John Cabot, because you are sure to have one of the greatest adventures of your life.
Morgan Tivnan
Study Abroad Summer Session II 2018
Regis College, MA
