Choosing a university is one of the most challenging decisions in a young person’s life. The increased accessibility of travel has made the choice even more difficult, as you have the opportunity to choose between the universities in your home state or country, as well as between universities abroad. This is an exciting choice that many students before you did not have, and many now are not aware of.
More often than not, the students who come across John Cabot University are those who are not completely happy with the "standard" choices laid out before them. Maybe there's something missing in the options they see. Maybe they're itching for something bigger - an adventure.
Choosing a university is ultimately about you. It's about finding which university fits you.
There is no such thing as the perfect university - but that doesn’t mean that all universities will give you the same experience. Below I've outlined some of the main aspects of the John Cabot University experience and education. Does JCU fit you?
International, urban location
A city unlike any other, Rome is abundant with countless museums and churches that are home to world-renowned art, from paintings to frescoes and sculptures. Each and every cobblestone street and piazza is an architectural masterpiece in itself. The city is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the magnificent Colosseum, which stands as one of the finest examples of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. Rome holds some of the world’s most extraordinary artistic masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s frescoes in the Vatican Museums.
Beyond its historic and artistic importance, Rome is a place of inspiration and discovery. In Rome, you are living in history. Every corner leads to to unexpected adventures.
When you live in a city like Rome, you can take the time to explore, to absorb the beauty, to learn the customs and a bit of the language, and ultimately, open yourself up to new ways of thinking and doing things. You will grow into a different, more open-minded person.
Life at JCU means that there is always something new to taste, learn, discover, and explore. Rome is a stepping stone to Europe, and to the rest of the world. Travel is a large part of life at JCU, with clubs organizing trips to European cities such as Warsaw and Budapest, and the academic calendar that allows for 3-day weekends to encourage travel and exploration.
Liberal arts academics
A liberal arts education is so much more than the major you choose. An American liberal arts education challenges students to think and learn across various disciplines, leading them to free their minds to their fullest potential. It is not just about what you study, but the result: developing the ability to think critically and independently and to write and communicate clearly and effectively. These skills are ultimately the foundations for all professions.
Beyond that, a liberal arts education prepares you to be a world citizen. Today's world is full of adventures that are there for the taking. A John Cabot University education instills in students the values, goals, skills, and knowledge necessary to pursue inspiring work, to find joy in lifelong learning, and to lead successful and meaningful lives. Obtaining a liberal arts education from John Cabot University will not only prepare you for the world after college, but it will open up an abundance of opportunities that you may never have known existed.
Check out these recent graduates who have all chosen very different paths:
Samantha, from Illinois, after studying for four years at JCU is now working at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome.
Giuseppe, from Palermo, will be starting the University of Oxford's International Relations MPhil program.
Adam, from New York City, is now working as a Health, Hygiene, and Water Sanitation Specialist in Vanuatu as part of the the Peace Corps.
Nadeem, from Lebanon, is now working as an audio engineer at a recording studio in Dubai.
Diverse student body
With students coming from over 70 countries around the world, JCU is a particularly diverse university. At JCU, differences are encouraged and celebrated.
JCU also enjoys a unique diversity among these international students, as around 50% of them are degree-seeking students who will spend 3-4 years at the university, while 50% are study abroad students who will spend only a semester or a year at the school.
While this mix of students creates a diverse student body, it also brings them together with a similar purpose. These are all students who, no matter their country of origin or life story, have found themselves at JCU because they were looking for something different. They have come together at JCU to find adventures, explore the world, and find out who they are.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Entrepreneurial spirit is a mindset. It’s an attitude and approach to thinking that actively seeks out change, rather than waiting to adapt to change. It’s a mindset that embraces critical questioning, innovation, service, and continuous improvement. John Cabot University instills and encourages this mindset in its students - the drive to seek out new experiences and push their own boundaries.
Living and studying in a foreign city forces you to learn, reflect, and adapt. In the end, it allows you to thrive. Life at JCU teaches you to be curious, to go out and learn about the world and about yourself.
Small university
Attending courses in small classrooms rather than large lecture halls enables everyone, even those who might be afraid to speak up, to ask questions and spark discussion. This type of interaction within the classroom makes learning more effective and enjoyable. It leads to greater opportunities to participate and discover new ideas and ways of thinking.
JCU professors come from all corners of the world, and are very often leaders in their fields. The
direct interaction that students have with each of their professors opens the door for engaging discussions and endless opportunities, with the input of diverse personal experiences and backgrounds.
Beyond the classroom, the advantages of a small university are many. One of the biggest benefits is that courses are rarely full, meaning that students will usually be able to get into the course they need as long as they register on time. That means each semester is yours entirely to design and enjoy. This kind of freedom is not typically found in larger schools.
For those of you who are in the process of deciding which university is the right fit for you, Lydia Smith, a recent graduate with a degree in Communications from John Cabot University, has some advice for you:
"My best piece of advice is that your first choice might not end up being your final choice.The school you choose does not have to be perfect. Don’t worry if you change your mind —we are allowed to do that as college students. Never feel the pressure to stay at one school because it will 'look bad' to transfer or because 'this school sounds better on my resume'. Go to the school that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to take a gap year, get a job, travel, gain some real life experience, and then attend college. If you don’t feel confident about a particular school, then don’t waste your time or money by getting into debt and going somewhere where you might be miserable. Explore the world and find what interests you and gives you passion. Eventually the right college will come along when you are ready."
If you find yourself looking for something more, check out the video below about the world John Cabot University has to offer!
