Residence move-in dates and the first day of class are just around the corner. It’s an exciting time at John Cabot University, as students from all over the world arrive to embark on a new learning experience - and a new adventure studying abroad in Rome!
While students will be busy getting settled in, orienting themselves on campus, and sorting out their class schedules, many newcomers will want to start planning their exploration of Rome, one of the world’s most visited and beloved destinations.
Many courses will incorporate trips to iconic Roman landmarks into the curriculum, but for students who would like to go further and see more, be sure to check out what trips and activities the JCU Cultural Center has to offer this September.
It’s the perfect way to explore the city, try new things, and make new friends! But choose quickly, because spots are filling up fast. Here are a few highlights.
Free Guided Tour of Ancient Rome: August 28
Look down upon the city of Rome like the ancients did from Capitoline Hill, a historic symbol of power that was both a sacred place and a site of execution! Pursuing an art history degree? Capitoline Hill is also home to a world-class museum of ancient Roman artifacts.
View from Capitoline HillDescend Capitoline Hill and immerse yourself in Piazza Venezia, the place where four major roads meet and one of Rome’s busiest, most magnificent squares.
Piazza Venezia in RomeProceed on to Foro di Traiano, Ancient Rome’s last enormous forum that once housed a giant basilica, markets, libraries, a temple, and a 130-foot column that still stands today as one of Rome’s most well preserved ancient relics.
This guided tour includes several more fascinating stops as students walk the very routes Ancient Romans trod on a trip through time through the Eternal City’s most renowned landmarks.
When: August 28 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: FREE (a €10 deposit to secure your spot will be returned on the day of the tour)
Learn to Cook a Three-Course Italian Meal: September 10
If you’ve chosen to study abroad in Italy, than you probably already know just how important food is here. From bartering at the market, to lovingly preparing and slowly savoring a delicious meal - food is a pivotal part of each day in Italy.
Get involved in the fun, make new friends, and sharpen your skills by joining our Italian cooking class, hosted by the amazing chef Andrea Consoli at his new culinary school "Cooking Classes in Rome".
JCU students make pasta at a cooking classStudents will learn to make a three course Italian meal from scratch, using organic seasonal ingredients. You can even take home chef Consoli’s recipes to treat your friends and family!
When: September 10th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost: €20 (deadline to sign up is September 8)
Savor Local Wines on a Day Trip in Tuscany: September 11
Why not follow up your cooking class with a wine-tasting in the rolling hills of beautiful Montalcino in Tuscany?
Montalcino is one of Italy’s most renowned wine-producing cities and offers visitors stunning views over the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valleys.
Montalcino in TuscanyThis day trip includes a guided tour of Montalcino, a lunch, and the opportunity to taste a series of wines, including one made right there at the local winery. It’s hard to imagine a more inspired way to start off the school year!
When: September 11th from 7:45am - 8:00pm
Cost: €60 (Deadline to sign-up and pay is by 5:00pm Monday, August 31st)
Spend the Weekend Boating and Swimming in Sapri: September 25-26
Travel by train to Sapri, a picturesque port town on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Students will enjoy a boat tour along the coast, swimming, and a hike up the "Apprezzami L'Asino" trail.
Students tour the coast at SapriJCU’s Cultural Center will take care of accommodations (B&B), book train tickets, arrange for meals, and local guides.
This is the ideal way to explore Italy outside of Rome, get some exercise, and bond with your study abroad classmates.
When: September 25-26
Cost: €120 all inclusive (Deadline to sign-up and pay is by Friday, September 11th at 5:00PM)
There are even more JCU-hosted trips and activities happening in Rome this September, so be sure to keep an eye on the schedule for details, dates, and deadlines.
Which activity would you choose first while you study abroad in Rome this fall?
