At John Cabot University’s Frank J. Guarini School of Business, diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s the heart and soul of how we educate future business leaders. As an AACSB-accredited business school nestled in the vibrant city of Rome, we believe cultural diversity isn’t just important for business; it’s essential to building a better, more inclusive world.
This blog post explains why diversity is a key part of our work and how it shapes the experience for our study abroad students.
Why Cultural Diversity Is at the Core of Our Business Philosophy
We live in a globalized world, and successful businesses thrive when they understand and embrace cultural differences. Here’s how we make cultural diversity a core part of the student experience:
1. Representing the Real World of Business
The business world is global, and so are our classrooms. With students and faculty from more than 75 countries, every discussion is enriched by various cultural perspectives. This mirrors the real-world challenges our students will face as business leaders and gives them a head start in navigating international markets and relationships.
2. Unlocking Creativity and Innovation
Different perspectives lead to fresh ideas. Diverse teams are better problem-solvers because they bring many experiences and viewpoints. Our students work on group projects that challenge them to think outside the box and approach problems innovatively.
As JCU’s Assistant Professor of History, Gene Ogle puts it, “To a much greater degree than anywhere else I’ve taught or studied, students here come from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds. This diversity challenges us all, both students and professors, to rethink our basic assumptions, to be more creative in how we think about the problems we’re addressing, and, as such, to explore ideas and solutions that we otherwise never would have come to.”
Students at our University in Rome tackle group projects with creative, innovative approaches.
3. Building Skills for Cross-Cultural Communication
Effective cross-cultural communication is essential for today’s business leaders. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is key in negotiating or managing a team. At our university in Rome, students develop these skills naturally through collaboration, internships, and community engagement.
4. Shaping Ethical, Inclusive Leaders
Diversity also teaches compassion. By learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes, our students develop a sense of empathy that helps them make ethical decisions. We believe businesses should be forces for good, and we’re proud to prepare leaders who prioritize inclusivity and sustainability.
Study Abroad in Rome: A Global Classroom
Rome isn’t just our location, it becomes your classroom. When you study abroad in Rome, you’ll be immersed in centuries of history, art, and culture while engaging with local businesses, international organizations, and entrepreneurial communities. This makes your learning both practical and inspiring.
As an AACSB-accredited business school, we meet the highest standards in business education—a distinction held by only a small percentage of schools worldwide. For you, this means joining a program built on academic rigor, real-world relevance, and continuous improvement.
Being AACSB-accredited means we meet the highest standards in business education.
Preparing for a Global Future At Our AACSB-Accredited Business School
As Professor Ogle so beautifully put it, what sets JCU apart is our “true cultural diversity.” This diversity challenges and inspires students and faculty alike to think differently, collaborate meaningfully, and explore solutions that might never have been discovered otherwise.
At the Frank J. Guarini School of Business, diversity isn’t just a talking point—it’s how we create future business leaders who are ethical, compassionate, and innovative. If you’re looking for an AACSB-accredited business school that offers a truly global education in the heart of Rome, we invite you to join us. Should you choose to study abroad in Italy at JCU, you’ll experience firsthand how diversity transforms business education—and how it can transform your future.
Do you want to study at our American university in Italy?
Contact JCU for more information.
