If you decide to study at John Cabot University (JCU), you’ll get to join a diverse student body from all over the world. From Italy, to China, to the United States, JCU students come from over 70 countries!
That means that as you meet new people and make new friendships, you’ll likely develop an international group of friends. And while those friendships and memories are their own rewards, there are also many other benefits that come with having friends from all over the planet.
Here’s why having an international circle of friends is a top advantage for today’s students, and why it helps pave the way for future success.
1. International Friendships Help You Discover New Cultures while you Study Abroad in Rome
Studying abroad in Rome helps students discover Italy’s rich culture and history. From exploring ruins through on-site classes to enjoying a weekend trip to Tuscany, studying abroad helps you truly immerse yourself in Italian culture. But that might not be the only culture you become familiar with during your studies.
Universities like JCU help you discover the cultures of your peers as well. Our inclusive international environment celebrates the diversity of our student body through events like the VIP (Very International Persons) event to dinners, cultural nights, and more.
Your friends will also likely share their customs and traditions with you. They might share a favorite dish from home, news about events affecting their country, or tell you about a holiday that they celebrate. From learning about Orthodox Christmas Day celebrations in Russia, to American Thanksgiving, you’ll gain a window into many of the world’s customs through the friends you make while you study abroad in Rome.
2. Develop a Sense of Cultural Awareness When You Study in Italy
As you discover the cultures of your friends and peers, you’ll gain a sense of cultural awareness. Cultural awareness refers to appreciating our own cultural values as well as the values that may differ from ours. It’s about celebrating difference and appreciating the diversity of perspectives from the many cultures across the world.
In today’s global workforce, this skill is a top asset. This is because today, many career paths in fields as diverse as business, fashion, politics, and communications often include working with clients and co-workers from around the world. With study abroad experience under your belt, you’ll be ready to work with peers from diverse backgrounds, and tap into the different views you’ll already be familiar with in order to find innovative new approaches or solutions.
As Evan M. Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs observes,
“International education promotes the relationship building and knowledge exchange between people and communities in the United States and around the world that are necessary to solve global challenges.”
3. Study Abroad Students Develop an International Network
Whether you are studying business or plan to take art classes in Italy, networking is now an important part of many career paths. Like yourself, the friends you make at university will become experienced professionals in their chosen fields after graduation.
That network will be a top asset throughout your career. You might be able to consult with friends about a potential new opportunity abroad, or even work together to start your own business—as did JCU alumni Maryann Klucevsek and Emily Salm. The duo worked together to create their app Ubumm, which connects study abroad students with job and internship opportunities and information about local events.
Having an international network also comes with another top advantage: you’ll have plenty of friends to visit all over the world.
Do you want to study in Italy and make new friends from all over the world?
Discover how you can study abroad at John Cabot University by visiting our website or speaking with one of our friendly admissions counselors.
