What if you could earn an American degree while living in Europe? An American university in Europe combines the academic model of a U.S. university with the experience of studying and living abroad. Students can pursue an American-style liberal arts education, in English, while becoming part of an international community and experiencing European culture firsthand.
For international students considering their university options, this model offers a different path to earning a degree abroad. Instead of choosing between an American-style education and an international experience, students can have both.
John Cabot University is an American liberal arts university in Rome, Italy, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in English. With campuses located in the center of Rome, JCU gives students the opportunity to earn an American degree while studying in a city that serves as an extension of the classroom.
But what exactly makes a university “American” when it is located in Europe? And how is studying at an American university in Europe different from attending a traditional European university?
An American university in Europe is a university located outside the United States that follows an American-style approach to higher education.
While every institution is different, this can include features commonly associated with the American university model, such as a liberal arts education, a broad curriculum, majors and minors, English-language instruction, smaller classes, and an emphasis on discussion, participation, and interdisciplinary learning.
The location adds another dimension to the experience. Students can pursue their degree within an American-style academic environment while living in another country and engaging with its language, history, culture, and communities.
At JCU, for example, students study at an accredited American university in Rome while learning alongside classmates from around the world. The result is an educational experience that combines an American academic foundation with the opportunities that come from living in Italy.
One of the defining characteristics of the American university model is its emphasis on a broad education alongside specialization in a chosen field.
At JCU, undergraduate students choose from 16 majors and 25 minors, allowing them to develop expertise in one area while exploring other academic interests. A student might major in International Affairs and minor in Italian Studies, combine Business Administration with Marketing, or study Computer and Information Science while exploring another discipline.
This flexibility is part of the liberal arts approach. Rather than treating different subjects as completely separate, students are encouraged to make connections between fields and consider questions from multiple perspectives.
The classroom experience is also an important part of the model. Rather than simply listening to lectures, students may participate in discussions, presentations, group projects, research, and other forms of active learning.
This approach encourages students to ask questions, communicate their ideas, consider different viewpoints, and take an active role in their education.
Yes. Students can earn an American degree while studying at an American university located in Europe.
At JCU, students earn U.S. degrees while completing their studies in Rome. This allows students to experience an American-style university education without spending four years in the United States.
For international students, this can offer an alternative to choosing between studying in the U.S. and studying in Europe. Students can pursue an American academic experience while living abroad and becoming part of an international community.
Many American universities in Europe offer programs taught in English, making them accessible to students from a wide range of countries.
At JCU, classes are taught in English. Students can therefore pursue their degree without needing to become fluent in Italian, while still having the opportunity to learn Italian and experience life in Italy.
For international students, this combination can provide the opportunity to study in a language they are comfortable using academically while developing the cultural awareness and adaptability that come from living abroad.
For students who want an international university experience without giving up an American-style education, studying at an American university in Europe can offer several advantages.
Earn an American Degree While Living Abroad
Students can pursue an American degree while spending their university years in another country. For someone interested in international education, this creates an opportunity to experience another culture as part of everyday life rather than simply visiting it.
Study in an International Community
An international university can bring together students from different countries, cultures, and educational backgrounds.
At JCU, students from more than 80 countries form part of the university community. This diversity extends beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to develop friendships and learn from people with experiences different from their own.
Experience Europe as a Student
Living in Europe means that cultural experiences are part of everyday life. At JCU, students can explore Rome's history and cultural heritage, participate in Cultural Programs, join clubs and organizations, take part in athletics and performing arts, and travel throughout Italy.
JCU's Cultural Programs organize weekend trips and hands-on activities that introduce students to Italy's history and culture. Other student activities include community service, clubs and organizations, athletics, performing arts, and leadership programs.
Learn in a City That Becomes Part of Your Education
Studying at an American university in Europe also changes what “campus” can mean.
At JCU, Rome is more than the location of the university. Students can connect what they learn in class with the city around them, whether they are studying art history in one of the world's great cultural centers, exploring international affairs in a city at the heart of European politics and diplomacy, or studying business in a major European capital. The city becomes a resource for learning, exploration, and personal growth.
Prepare for Your Future
At JCU, students also have access to career development opportunities through the Center for Career Services. Students can participate in internships, career workshops, company visits, career fairs, and professional development programs designed to help them connect their academic experience with future career goals.
One of the biggest advantages of studying at JCU is the opportunity to gain international experience while living in Rome — an experience that can help students stand out in today’s competitive job market.
John Cabot University offers a particularly distinctive version of the American university-in-Europe experience.
Located in Rome's historic Trastevere neighborhood, JCU combines an American liberal arts education with life in the Italian capital. Students study in English, choose from a range of undergraduate majors and minors, and become part of a community representing more than 80 countries.
Outside the classroom, students can participate in Cultural Programs, athletics, clubs and organizations, performing arts, community service, and leadership programs. They can also pursue internships and professional experiences in Rome, giving them opportunities to connect their academic interests with the professional world.
An American university in Europe may be a good fit for students who:
Choosing where to attend university is about more than deciding what you want to study. It is also about deciding how and where you want to learn.
For some students, the American university model offers the flexibility, interdisciplinary education, and classroom experience they are looking for. Studying in Europe adds the opportunity to experience a new culture, build an international network, and develop a broader perspective.
At John Cabot University, students can bring these two experiences together: an American liberal arts education and life in Rome.
JCU has also recently been recognized by international publications including Forbes and Town & Country as an option for students considering universities outside the United States. These recognitions reflect growing interest in universities that combine an international setting with an American-style educational experience.
What is an American university in Europe? An American university in Europe is a university located in Europe that follows an American-style approach to higher education. Depending on the institution, this may include a liberal arts curriculum, majors and minors, English-language instruction, interdisciplinary study, and an emphasis on active classroom participation.
Can I earn an American degree in Europe? Yes. Accredited American universities located in Europe can award American degrees to students who complete their degree requirements. John Cabot University, for example, awards U.S. degrees while students complete their studies in Rome.
Are American universities in Europe taught in English? Many American universities in Europe offer programs in English. At John Cabot University, classes are taught in English, allowing students from around the world to pursue their degrees in an international academic environment.
What is the difference between an American and European university? There is no single American or European university model, and approaches vary between institutions. In general, American-style universities often emphasize breadth, majors and minors, interdisciplinary study, classroom participation, and continuous assessment, while some European systems emphasize earlier specialization and final examinations.
Can international students attend an American university in Europe? Yes. American universities in Europe can welcome students from many different countries. At JCU, students from more than 80 countries contribute to an international campus community.
Is studying at an American university in Europe the same as studying in the United States? Not exactly. While the academic model may share characteristics with U.S. universities, the experience of living and studying in another country creates a different environment. Students can experience a different culture, build international relationships, and use their location as part of their education.
Interested in earning an American degree while studying in Europe? Discover John Cabot University's undergraduate programs, explore student life in Rome, and learn how you can make Rome part of your university experience.
Ready to learn more? Connect with JCU Admissions by scheduling a campus tour, joining an online information session, or speaking with a JCU Admissions Counselor. You can also email us at admissions@johncabot.edu.