At John Cabot University, diversity is more than a statistic — it’s a daily experience that shapes how students learn, grow, and connect with one another. Located in the heart of Rome, our international campus brings together students from around the world to study in an American liberal arts environment while building lifelong friendships across cultures.
In this article, Psychology major Antonella Papaianni shares her experience as an undergraduate student at JCU and reflects on how studying in a multicultural community influenced her academic journey and personal growth.
Meet Antonella
Hi everyone, my name is Antonella Papaianni. I was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, surrounded by nature, family, and friends. Growing up, I loved playing soccer, spending time with loved ones, and reading about psychology.
I am now in my last semester at JCU, completing my major in Psychology with minors in Business and Sociology. I enjoy living in Rome and having the opportunity to experience such a diverse community while learning about different cultures and exploring the amazing sites of the city. This journey has helped me grow both personally and academically, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to my future career. In my free time, I love traveling, meeting new people, and discovering new perspectives on the world.
Leaving Home and Finding a New Community
When I first left Costa Rica at 18 to study at John Cabot University, I knew I was stepping into a different world; nonetheless, I never imagined just how profoundly it would shape me. Now, four years later, graduating at 23, I can look back and say with total confidence that studying at JCU has been one of the most transformative and enriching experiences of my life.
What stands out most isn’t just the academics, the travel opportunities, or the thrill of living abroad - it’s the culture of openness, acceptance, and diversity that defines the university.
Celebrating Cultural Identity on Campus
From the moment I arrived on campus, I felt something unique. JCU isn’t the type of institution where you fade into the background because you come from another country. Instead, it’s the opposite: your nationality becomes a point of connection, curiosity, and celebration.
As a Costa Rican, I never had negative experiences related to my background. Instead, I was welcomed with genuine interest. People wanted to know about my culture, traditions, and even my Spanish slang. That curiosity isn’t superficial - it’s built into the DNA of the university.
Friendships Across Borders
One of the most beautiful parts of my experience has been the friendships I’ve formed. Today, I can proudly say I have close friends from the United States, Spain, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, and Italy.
These aren’t just acquaintances; they are people who shared classrooms with me, explored Rome with me, traveled across Europe with me, and helped me grow in ways I didn’t know I needed. Because of JCU, I created a family away from home.
Learning Through Diversity
Diversity at JCU isn’t just about having people from different countries in the same room. It’s about learning to understand one another, communicating across cultures, and celebrating what makes us unique.
Conversations at JCU feel like mini cultural exchanges. One day you’re comparing holiday traditions; the next, you’re learning how to cook a dish from a friend’s home country. Being surrounded by such an international community helped me see the world through a lens of active inclusion.
Living and Studying in Rome
Having the university in such a rich, historic, and international city means your learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Whether you're grabbing a cappuccino before class or studying near a fountain, you’re surrounded by an environment that encourages openness and curiosity.
Rome teaches you to embrace difference, to be adaptable, and to appreciate beauty in all its forms - and JCU magnifies that lesson through its welcoming community.
What JCU Gave Me
Looking back, JCU gave me much more than a degree. It taught me that nationality is something to be proud of, not something that divides us. It showed me that diversity isn’t a challenge - it’s a gift. And most importantly, it gave me friendships and experiences that shaped who I am today.
As a Costa Rican who found a home in Rome, I can say without hesitation that JCU is a place where everyone is welcome. It’s a community that celebrates the world and invites you to be part of it.
At John Cabot University, diversity is part of everyday student life - from classroom discussions to friendships across cultures. Students like Antonella show how studying in an international environment in Rome prepares graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.
If you’re looking for an American university experience abroad where you can grow academically and personally, learn more about our undergraduate programs, student life, and admissions process on our website or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call and discover how you can start your journey at JCU in Rome.
