Creative writing is an art that expands your mode of thinking and engages you with different perspectives of the world around you. It offers a way to explore new ideas, experiment with language, and structure narratives in new and exciting ways. Studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to engage those faculties.
At John Cabot University, creative writing offers students a unique opportunity to explore their interest amidst the culture of Rome - one that has inspired writers of English literature for centuries. Through courses, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, students have the chance to observe the English language and literature from within another culture.
Whether you’re considering a major in English or simply want to try your hand at creative expression, here’s a look at the opportunities that await during your time abroad!
The Value of Creative Writing When You Study English in Rome
Creative writing develops skills in students that they can apply to nearly every facet of the real world. Those who study English in Rome will learn the value of literature as a discipline that exercises the imagination, encourages intellectual curiosity, and fosters a critical appreciation of human values. Creative writing is a way to enhance your engagement with the literature you study and actively participate in that tradition.
Developing your writing skills not only offers a stimulating creative outlet but also leads to stronger communication. When you practice using precise language to convey meaning, you engage the same skills that are in everyday writing and speaking. This translates well into the professional world, where effective communication and interpersonal skills are key. In reality, almost every job requires some sort of written work, whether that’s simple communication or lengthy pieces. By sharpening your use of style and grammar, you can develop a practical and relevant skillset for the real world.
Develop your communication skills while you study in Rome
Explore Our Summer Courses
JCU’s Institute for Creative Writing and Literary Translation was founded in 2009 and has grown into a lively community that welcomes writers of different styles in Rome. Every year, the Creative Writing Institute holds workshops in the major genres: fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. This is the perfect opportunity for creative writing students choosing to study abroad to spend quality time on their writing projects as they explore the artistic culture of the surrounding city.
During the Summer 2021 season, JCU welcomed students to three undergraduate courses in creative writing, with workshops in fiction, travel writing, and food writing. Whatever your area of interest or ambition, creative writing at JCU offers something for everyone.
Explore our Creative Writing summer courses in the city of Rome
Connect With the Community
There are numerous advantages to learning creative writing as part of the JCU study abroad experience. As an English language university in Italy, JCU belongs to the English-speaking academic tradition, while bringing students from all over the world to an international community. In support of the local community, JCU also hosts the "Italy Writes" program, a national competition designed to engage Italian high school students with their creative writing skills. This program is part of a longstanding tradition of JCU in providing support for English language learning in the Italian community.
Within a global atmosphere in the heart of Europe, the study of creative writing is expanded, as it draws upon the Italian context and the national backgrounds of various students. This is a unique setting to explore how literary imagination can connect people of different cultures through a shared form of self-expression.
Are you interested in the chance to study in Italy?
Contact John Cabot University for more information!
