My name is Emily Matre and I am from Fort Myers, Florida. I attend the University of Kentucky where my major is in Finance and my minor is in International Business. During the Spring of 2019, I decided to study abroad in Italy at John Cabot University in Rome.
My decision to study abroad sparked when my sister came home from her semester abroad and I saw how much of an impact it made on her life.
Staying on Track for Graduation while Abroad
When I saw that JCU had a world-renowned Department of Business Administration and the Frank J. Guarini School of Business with faculty members who are successful business people, entrepreneurs, and scholars who have prepared for their careers at some of the world's most prestigious universities, I knew that studying abroad at JCU would be the place where could enhance my education. JCU provided a wide array of classes to choose from, so I could stay on track for graduation. The months leading up to this adventure were exciting, nerve-racking, and emotional as I said goodbye to my friends and family back home in the United States.
Making New Friends in the Eternal City
Upon my arrival in Rome, I immediately made the most amazing friends in my program. Everyone was in the exact same boat as me in terms of excitement and a little fear. JCU’s orientation made the transition to my academic life in school so simple. This simplicity made it easy for us to feel comfortable in Rome and begin exploring the city. From the Vatican to the Colosseum, to the Pantheon, in Rome you are surround
ed by so much history. Not a day went by that I wasn’t amazed by this beautiful city. Even when we traveled to new countries on the weekends, I was always so ready, on Sunday, to get back to Rome.
Weekend Traveling while Studying Abroad at JCU
Our excitement to be abroad never stopped. We were always finding new gelato shops or new restaurants. Since classes were only four days a week, I was able to travel on the weekends and ended up seeing Paris, Prague, Marrakech, Lisbon, Budapest, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri in Italy as well as Munich and Switzerland. I spent my weeks constantly meeting new people. Every day was an adventure, from navigating the local food markets and currency conversions to trying to get over the language barrier.
Upon my arrival back in the United States, I realized that the most important part of my time abroad wasn’t necessarily the touristy things I got to do, but it was the valuable knowledge I obtained about life. There is not a single job interview I go into today where I do not mention my time at JCU or the skills I learned during my months there.
I learned how to be a team player. From dealing with the needs and wants of my new friends to working in teams to deliver presentations in class, I continually learned to not only work for myself but other people. I learned excellent communication skills because of the constant effort to communicate and fit in with the Italian people and culture. This experience puts you out of your comfort zone and teaches you to take risks.
Studying abroad gave me a new desire for life. I am forever grateful to John Cabot University, my professors, the Italian people, and all the friends from all ends of the earth that I have made along the way.
Emily Matre
Study Abroad Spring 2019
Finance Major, International Business Minor
University of Kentucky
Interested in studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy Contact admissions@johncabot.edu today!
