--- title: "Going Global Spotlight: Giordana Nicoletti, Class of 2021" description: "Going Global Spotlight: Giordana Nicoletti, Class of 2021" image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/giordana-nicoletti.jpg --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # Going Global Spotlight: Giordana Nicoletti, Class of 2021 March 5, 2020 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/student-travel/going-global-exchange-students/going-global-spotlight-giordana-nicoletti](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/student-travel/going-global-exchange-students/going-global-spotlight-giordana-nicoletti) ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/giordana-nicoletti.jpg) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/student-travel/going-global-exchange-students/going-global-spotlight-giordana-nicoletti](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/italian-life/student-travel/going-global-exchange-students/going-global-spotlight-giordana-nicoletti) ![John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/JCUCrestWhiteonBlue-1.jpg) Written By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) Topic [Student Spotlight](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/student-spotlight), [Direct Exchange](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/direct-exchange) こんにちは！Or Konnichiwa - that's "Hello" in Japanese" My name is Giordana, and I am a **[Marketing](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/marketing-degree.aspx)** student at **[John Cabot University](https://www.johncabot.edu/about-jcu/default.aspx)**. I decided to study at JCU for its great opportunities to study abroad and learn more about international environments. Once you step foot on campus, it feels like you're part of a big global family that you will keep on being part of even after you graduate. Currently, I am doing a [**Going Global Direct Exchange**](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/study-abroad-jcu-degree-students/direct-exchange.aspx) in Japan for one year at Rikkyo University, one of the most important and well-known universities in Japan. When I first became interested in JCU, the opportunity to study abroad was a big plus for me, and the direct exchange program between Rikkyo and John Cabot had just began. Since I had always been a big fan of the Japanese language and culture, I did not hesitate to pursue this new academic experience. ## The Application Process ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5b61b384-e6b4-42ac-82a0-34680e53d19e-225x300.jpg?width=225&height=300&name=5b61b384-e6b4-42ac-82a0-34680e53d19e-225x300.jpg) My intention was always to do the exchange program for a full year because I wanted to completely immerse myself in the Japanese culture. However, before making this decision, I first had to create a plan with my academic advisor at JCU. I must admit, the application process to go to Japan was not the easiest. After I was accepted into JCU's Direct Exchange Program in December 2018, I started the application process with Rikkyo University. They required a lot of documents, and sometimes these weren't all available immediately, so it took me some time to complete everything. Finally, in March 2019, my application was complete. The next thing I needed to do was sort out which classes I should take while still at JCU and which to take during my exchange. I worked with the JCU Registrar's Office and the Dean of Rikkyo University to develop my schedules. ## Living and Studying in Japan ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Unknown-13-225x300.jpeg?width=225&height=300&name=Unknown-13-225x300.jpeg) During my direct exchange, I am taking classes in Japanese language and culture. So far, the most interesting thing that I have learned about is the concept of “Japanese harmony.” As some may know, Japan recently entered a new era called *Reiwa -* this translates to “beautiful harmony.” This is a key concept in Japanese society. It means that they respect group decisions and work to maintain the peace among everyone. Now that my first semester here is over, I plan to travel around Japan for the next month. I hope to practice the language more and also to discover new interesting places. ## My Advice to Future Gladiators To anyone considering studying at JCU, I would encourage you to think about doing a direct exchange. It gives you the chance to further broaden your horizons. So far, my college years have been the most interesting and exciting years of my life. Right now, I am discovering more about myself and the Japanese culture. While it's not always easy living abroad, it teaches you about other ways of living and seeing the world. If I have sparked your interest in doing a direct exchange in Japan specifically, I wish to say to you: がんばります！ Or Ganbarimasu - that's “Do your best!” I challenge you to take the leap of faith. With a lot of passion and determination, everything is possible. ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Unknown-300x225.jpeg?width=177&height=133&name=Unknown-300x225.jpeg) Giordana Nicoletti Marketing major Class of 2021 Hometown: Lecce, Italy [Previous Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/rome-vs-florence-how-to-choose-between-italys-most-popular-study-abroad-destinations?hsLang=en) [View all posts](https://blog.johncabot.edu) [Next Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life/17216?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recommended Reading [Student Spotlight](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-spotlight?hsLang=en) [Direct Exchange](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/direct-exchange?hsLang=en) ##### [What Is It Like to Move Alone to Rome for University? A Student Experience at John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/moving-to-rome-student-university-experience?hsLang=en) By [Larue Furlani](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/larue-furlani) / April 30, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/moving-to-rome-student-university-experience?hsLang=en) [Student Spotlight](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-spotlight?hsLang=en) [Direct Exchange](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/direct-exchange?hsLang=en) ##### [Top 5 Experiences You Can’t Miss While Studying Abroad in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/top-experiences-study-abroad-rome?hsLang=en) By [Elba Maria Peña](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/elba-maria-peña) / April 24, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/top-experiences-study-abroad-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Spotlight](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-spotlight?hsLang=en) [Direct Exchange](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/direct-exchange?hsLang=en) ##### [Studying Abroad in China Through JCU Direct Exchange: Returning to My Roots in Wenzhou](https://blog.johncabot.edu/direct-exchange-study-abroad-china?hsLang=en) By [Mink Goodwin](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/mink-goodwin) / April 17, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/direct-exchange-study-abroad-china?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe and stay up to date ### Subscribe and stay up to date - [Academics](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/default.aspx) - [Admissions](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/default.aspx) - [Student Life](https://www.johncabot.edu/student-life/default.aspx) - [About JCU](https://www.johncabot.edu/about-jcu/default.aspx) - [Studenti Italiani](https://www.johncabot.edu/universita-americana/default.aspx) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JohnCabotRome) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/john-cabot-university/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/johncabotuniversity) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/phone.svg) [+39066819121](tel:+39066819121) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/email.svg) [admissions@johncabot.edu](mailto:admissions@johncabot.edu) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/address.svg) Via della Lungara 233 00165 Rome, Italy [©](https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/11/?skin=oucampus&account=john-cabot&site=www&action=de&path=/default.pcf) 2025 John Cabot University ### Request Info »