Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions a family will make together. While students often focus on the excitement of living abroad, parents naturally have a different set of questions.
Will my student be safe? Will they receive the support they need? Will studying abroad prepare them for their future? How will they adjust to living in another country?
These are all important questions - and ones we hear often from families considering John Cabot University.
Located in the heart of Rome, JCU combines the academic experience of an American university with the opportunity to live and learn in one of Europe's most historic and internationally connected cities. From academic advising and career development to housing, wellness services, and a close-knit international community, JCU is committed to supporting students throughout every stage of their university journey.
Here's what parents can expect when their student chooses to study at John Cabot University.
One of the biggest concerns for many families is whether students will have the guidance and support they need to succeed academically in a new country.
At JCU, personalized support is part of the student experience from the very beginning. Unlike large universities where students can easily feel anonymous, JCU's small classes (averaging around 15 students) allow professors to get to know each student individually. Faculty serve not only as instructors but also as mentors, encouraging discussion, critical thinking, and meaningful relationships inside and outside the classroom.
Beyond the classroom, students have access to Academic Advising, tutoring services, the Writing Center, Math Center, Foreign Language Center, the Frohring Library, and Counseling Services. Whether students need help adjusting to university life, preparing for exams, or planning future semesters, there is always someone available to guide them.
Safety is naturally one of the first questions families ask when considering studying abroad.
Rome is one of Europe's most popular student destinations, welcoming thousands of international students every year. Like any major city, learning how to navigate a new environment responsibly is an important part of the experience, and JCU helps students do exactly that.
JCU provides a range of resources designed to help students navigate life in Rome with confidence, including:
JCU also partners with International SOS, giving students access to global health, safety, and emergency support while abroad.
For many parents, one of the biggest worries is whether their student will feel at home.
At JCU, students join an international community representing more than 80 countries, creating friendships that often last long after graduation.
Orientation activities, student clubs, varsity athletics, volunteer opportunities, Cultural Programs, cooking classes, weekend trips throughout Italy, and campus events make it easy to meet classmates who share similar interests.
Because JCU is a relatively small university, students quickly become familiar faces around campus. Professors know their students by name, classmates become friends, and many students describe JCU as feeling more like a close-knit community than a traditional university.
Parents want to know that their student's university experience will lead to meaningful opportunities after graduation.
Career preparation begins long before senior year at JCU. Through the Center for Career Services, students receive individualized career advising, resume and interview workshops, internship support, networking opportunities, and professional development programming throughout their academic journey.
Students also have access to internships with multinational companies, international organizations, NGOs, museums, luxury brands, startups, and other organizations throughout Rome.
Perhaps even more importantly, students develop transferable skills that employers increasingly value, including critical thinking, communication, adaptability, collaboration, and intercultural competence.
As artificial intelligence continues transforming industries, employers are placing greater value on graduates who can think independently, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and adapt to change. These are precisely the skills developed through JCU's American liberal arts education.
Rome offers far more than a beautiful backdrop for university life - it becomes part of the educational experience itself.
Students studying Art History examine masterpieces in the museums and churches where they were created. International Affairs students benefit from Rome's role as a center for diplomacy and international organizations. Business students gain exposure to global companies and Italy's entrepreneurial culture. History, Classical Studies, Communications, and Italian Studies students all benefit from learning within one of the world's richest cultural environments.
Outside the classroom, Rome offers countless opportunities for exploration, from world-famous landmarks to local markets and weekend travel throughout Italy and Europe. For many students, the city itself becomes one of their greatest teachers.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of studying abroad is often the personal growth that happens beyond the classroom.
Living in another country encourages students to become more independent, adaptable, and confident. They learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultures, manage responsibilities, and solve everyday challenges on their own.
Many parents tell us they notice remarkable growth when their student returns home, not only academically, but personally. Students often come back with greater confidence, stronger problem-solving abilities, a broader global perspective, and lifelong friendships from around the world.
Families appreciate JCU because students benefit from:
Is Rome safe for international students? Rome is home to thousands of international students each year. At JCU student safety is a priority. Our residence halls feature 24/7 staffed security at the entrances, and all university campuses are monitored and staffed during operating hours. Students also benefit from a dedicated Residence Life team, orientation programs, emergency procedures, and ongoing support throughout the semester.
Will my student receive academic support? Yes. Students benefit from academic advising, tutoring centers, writing support, counseling services, faculty mentorship, and small class sizes that encourage personalized learning.
Will studying abroad help my student's career? Absolutely. In addition to internships and Career Services, studying abroad helps students develop communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and intercultural skills that employers consistently value in today's global workforce.
Can students travel while studying at JCU? Yes. One of the advantages of studying in Rome is its central location within Europe. Through JCU's Cultural Programs, students can participate in organized day trips, weekend excursions, and cultural activities throughout Italy while balancing their academic responsibilities.
How does JCU prepare students for their future careers? Students gain valuable experience through internships, Career Services, professional workshops, networking events, and faculty mentorship. The university's international environment also helps students develop communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-cultural skills that employers increasingly seek in today's global workforce.
Why choose an American university in Italy? John Cabot University combines an American-accredited liberal arts education with the opportunity to live and learn in Rome. Students receive the academic experience of an American university while gaining the international perspective, cultural immersion, and independence that come from studying abroad.
Sending your student abroad is a significant milestone. While it comes with understandable questions, it also offers extraordinary opportunities for academic achievement, personal growth, and career preparation.
At John Cabot University, students earn an American-accredited education while becoming part of a welcoming international community that supports them every step of the way. They graduate not only with the knowledge and skills needed for their careers, but also with the confidence, global perspective, and lifelong friendships that come from living and learning in one of the world's most remarkable cities.
Whether your student is considering a full degree or a semester abroad, JCU provides an experience that prepares them for success in the classroom, in their future careers, and in life.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact the JCU Admissions Office at admissions@johncabot.edu to learn more about studying in Rome and get answers to any questions you or your family may have.