Students come to John Cabot University from over 80 countries around the world. As a result, prospective students who want to earn a competitive degree, develop practical skills, and become part of a global community arrive with varying levels of English proficiency.
At JCU, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength - not a barrier. That’s why we offer the English Language for University Studies (ENLUS) program, designed to help students reach C1-level English proficiency before beginning their degree.
The ENLUS program is ideal for students who meet academic admission requirements but want to strengthen their English skills to fully succeed in an English-speaking academic environment in Rome.
ENLUS provides rigorous preparation for university-level coursework through a structured 15-week program. Students develop essential academic and language skills, including:
Across ENLUS I and ENLUS II, the program hosts an average of 60 students per semester in small classes, with a 15:1 student-to-professor ratio. This personalized approach ensures that students gain confidence, fluency, and the tools needed to succeed in their degree programs.
For undergraduate student Paola Stasi, ENLUS became the foundation of her academic journey at John Cabot University.
How did you first hear about John Cabot University? What made you realize that JCU was the right university for you, instead of an Italian university?
I first learned about John Cabot University at the Salone dello Studente in Bari, a city near my hometown. From the very beginning, I understood that it was the university that suited me best, as it offered the opportunity to study in an international and stimulating environment while still remaining in Italy—combining a globally oriented academic experience with proximity to my home country.
Tell us about your journey to becoming an undergraduate student at John Cabot University. What was your application process like? Did you apply to ENLUS right away, or were you placed into the program after a placement test?
My journey in the ENLUS program began after taking a placement test, which showed that I had a B2 level of English proficiency. ENLUS allowed me to further strengthen my preparation, improving my English and proving particularly useful for developing academic skills, especially in writing and vocabulary expansion.
What was it like to be in the ENLUS program? How do you feel ENLUS helped prepare you for your courses at John Cabot? Were there any parts of the curriculum that were especially helpful?
Attending the ENLUS program was initially challenging and required a lot of dedication, but thanks to consistency and perseverance, I was able to complete it with excellent results. The program provided essential tools for developing an appropriate academic writing style. In particular, the writing module was crucial and continues to support me during my first semester at the university.
What advice would you give a future student who is worried their English proficiency isn’t university-level?
To future students who are worried that their English may not be strong enough for university, I would advise them not to be overwhelmed by anxiety and to approach the program with daily effort. The course is designed to guide students step by step, and professors provide constant support, making the learning process accessible and effective.
Why would you recommend JCU to a prospective college student?
I would recommend John Cabot University to any prospective student because it offers the opportunity to study in English while remaining in Italy, within a highly international environment. Daily interaction with students from around the world is an incredibly valuable experience, allowing students to continuously improve their language skills and grow both academically and personally.
Paola’s experience highlights how, with the right support, students can successfully transition into an English-speaking academic environment and thrive. The ENLUS program not only strengthens language proficiency but also equips students with the academic skills needed for long-term success.
At John Cabot University, students don’t just improve their English—they gain the confidence to actively participate, think critically, and engage in a global classroom.
Learn more about the ENLUS program and how it can prepare you for university at JCU.
Visit our ENLUS page or email admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call and explore your opportunities in Rome.