At John Cabot University, studying International Affairs in Rome offers students the opportunity to engage directly with global politics, diplomacy, and international institutions in one of the world’s most historically and politically significant cities.
For students interested in careers in diplomacy, international organizations, or global policy, Rome provides a unique learning environment where academic theory intersects with real-world experience.
To better understand what studying International Affairs at JCU looks like in practice, we spoke with Gemma Granato, an Italian student majoring in International Affairs. In addition to her academic studies, Gemma is an active member of the university community, serving as a Student Ambassador and participating in the Model United Nations (MUN) Club and the International Relations Club, where she engages in debates, simulations, and discussions on contemporary global issues.
In this article, Gemma shares what it is like to study International Affairs at an American university in Rome and how real-world encounters with diplomats and policymakers shape the learning experience.
Studying International Affairs often sounds abstract to people outside the field. Many imagine complex theoretical textbooks, distant geopolitical debates. While those elements are certainly part of the experience, my life as an International Affairs student at John Cabot University has proven to be far more dynamic and practical.
Living and studying in Rome already places you at the crossroads of history, politics, and diplomacy. But what truly defines the experience is how frequently classroom concepts come alive through real encounters, real voices, and real-world discussions.
In lectures, we analyze international systems and power dynamics. We debate realism versus liberalism, discuss sovereignty, and unpack the complexity of global governance. Yet no amount of theory fully prepares you for hearing diplomatic reasoning directly from those who operate within it.
One of the most memorable moments of my academic journey occurred during an event hosted by the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Italy and Germany, the Institute organized a high-level debate titled “2026: un anno di opportunità per Germania e Italia.”
The guest of honor was the German Ambassador to Italy, Thomas Bagger.
Listening to an ambassador speak is profoundly different from reading diplomatic statements in a textbook. His words carried not only analysis but lived experience, institutional awareness, and political nuance.
What struck me most was his emphasis on political stability as a prerequisite for effective dialogue. He described the current phase of Italy–Germany relations as one of renewed “familiarity,” highlighting how continuity within the Italian government enables stronger cooperation between Rome and Berlin.
Suddenly, concepts we study—stability, institutional trust, diplomatic continuity—ceased to be theoretical constructs and became tangible realities shaping international relations.
As students, we often study political figures as distant actors. Ministers, diplomats, and international representatives can feel like abstract entities rather than individuals.
That perception changes dramatically when you meet them.
During another university event, I had the opportunity to attend a discussion featuring Luigi Di Maio. Observing someone who has operated at the highest levels of government offered a rare perspective on how policy decisions, negotiations, and political pressures unfold behind the scenes.
What surprised me was not just the political discussion itself, but the human dimension of it. Diplomacy is frequently portrayed as rigid and procedural. In reality, it involves judgment, adaptation, and constant balancing between ideals and constraints.
These encounters reveal something essential: international relations are not driven solely by structures or institutions. They are shaped by charismatic personalities, communication styles, and individual decision-making.
One aspect of my experience that I did not fully appreciate at the beginning is how strongly the American academic model shapes daily learning at John Cabot University. The system is inherently practical: classes emphasize discussion, critical analysis, presentations, and engagement with current events rather than passive memorization.
Even so, these diplomatic encounters exceeded anything I would have expected.
As an Italian student, this contrast feels particularly striking. Many of my peers in traditional Italian universities often describe a learning environment dominated by endless manuals. Their academic journey is rigorous, but frequently detached from the unfolding realities of contemporary politics.
At JCU, by contrast, we are constantly encouraged to interpret, with critical thinking, the “story of today.” Theory becomes a tool rather than the final objective. Meeting diplomats, policymakers, and public figures transforms global affairs from static content into lived experience.
What might seem exceptional elsewhere becomes a natural extension of academic life here.
Outside these high-profile events, everyday student life remains intellectually demanding.
International Affairs is not a passive discipline. It requires continuous engagement with current events, critical thinking, and the ability to connect historical context with contemporary developments.
A typical week may involve:
Analyzing conflicts in comparative politics
Debating foreign policy strategies
Discussing international law and human rights frameworks
Examining media narratives and political communication
The workload is not just about memorizing facts. It is about understanding patterns, questioning assumptions, and developing analytical precision.
There is also an unavoidable emotional dimension. Studying global crises, wars, inequality, and instability mean constantly confronting complex and often uncomfortable realities.
Over time, you learn to balance intellectual detachment with ethical awareness.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this field is how it reshapes the way you think.
You begin to notice that international issues rarely have simple explanations. Events are layered, motivations are multifaceted, and outcomes are rarely predictable.
Without realizing it, you develop skills that extend far beyond academia:
Analytical thinking: seeing connections across systems
Perspective-taking: understanding competing viewpoints
Structured argumentation: defending ideas with clarity
Adaptability: navigating ambiguity and uncertainty
Communication: expressing complex ideas concisely
Perhaps most importantly, you learn intellectual humility. The more you study, the more you recognize the limits of certainty.
For anyone considering this path, several lessons stand out from my experience:
Location matters more than I initially imagined.
Rome is not simply a backdrop. It is a living laboratory of politics, diplomacy, and history. Institutions, embassies, international organizations, and political discussions are embedded in the city’s daily rhythm.
I also had the opportunity to work as a volunteer with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), based here, which allowed me to visit the structure and observe firsthand how an international organization functions beyond theoretical descriptions.
Being surrounded by this environment subtly transforms your mindset. International relations no longer feel distant or abstract. They feel immediate and relevant.
Academic discussions begin to echo conversations happening in the world around you.
Looking back, being an International Affairs student has been both intellectually challenging and deeply formative.
Moments like listening to Ambassador Thomas Bagger or attending discussions with figures like Luigi Di Maio serve as reminders that diplomacy is not a distant profession reserved for textbooks. It is a living practice grounded in dialogue, negotiation, and interpretation.
And perhaps, the most defining aspect of this journey is realizing that education in this field is not simply about acquiring knowledge, but about developing the ability to navigate our increasingly interconnected, complex, harsh, and beautiful world.
Interested in studying International Affairs in Rome?
Explore the International Affairs program at John Cabot University or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@johncabot.edu to learn how you can begin your academic journey in one of the world’s most global cities.