Program Reviews

Trastevere is beautiful but John Cabot is not. Here are the biggest problems I encountered:

1) Housing Department: JCU has a regressive drinking policy, checking even students' trash for alcohol containers that exceed its per person limit. Further, we were not allowed to have any guests over past 11:30pm. I suppose JCU would prefer that we go to bars after curfew because we can't hang out with our friends in the comfort of our own safe homes (this is what most students resorted to)...

I was sent home after one month at JCU due to the coronavirus, and JCU refused to even partially refund housing. My home university, along with the majority of schools in the US, refunded housing without question. This was a grossly unethical decision on JCU's part.

The wifi also NEVER worked in our apartment, so I couldn't complete any homework at home. JCU housing is so expensive that students should at least be able to expect wifi.

2) Career Department: I was offered an internship in Rome before I arrived, facilitated by the career department, and they essentially forced me into the decision. Within 12 hours of receiving the offer, JCU Career Services demanded that I accept. Later on, they urged me to work more hours than I initially agreed to, at the expense of my coursework. It is very clear that this university prioritizes their industry reputation above the academic success of their students.

There are also issues with faculty responsiveness, but these are more difficult to manage. I once had a professor tell the class that he simply "doesn't check his email," so we shouldn't expect him to respond to questions about the course.

Overall, I loved Rome but I wish I had chosen a different university. I've talked to many full-time students at JCU and they also dislike much about the university.

I am Eleonora, a Communication student at John Cabot University. I'm from Rome but every time I enter in th JCU's buildings it's like entering in another world. There's a truly international atmosphere that is exactly what entices students to travel and study at JCU. Here, we get to know and discover new cultures and traditions. JCU abounds of extracurricular activities such as Clubs, that attract students making them an active part of the student life. Last year, I joined the Fashion Club where I had the opportunity to travel around Italy to visit and get to know the brands that have made the "Made in Italy" a business model appreciated all over the world. In short, a truly unique experience for those cannot stand still. Another experience to try here at JCU is the Athletics department. You can be part of the sports teams, compete at national and international level, always travelling in the name of sport and fun. I'm grateful to be a John Cabot student, I really couldn't have made a better choice than this.

What makes JCU such an academically and culturally rich university is its student body and professors. Additionally, JCU combined the best qualities of an American liberal arts college with the history and culture of the Eternal City, which have challenged me both personally and professionally. Another unique characteristic of JCU is the small clasroom size, which allows you to study the topics in depth. Rome is also a great city to travel from. Countless opportunities for students who would like to be challenged, such as doing an internship or travel every week.

Well-Rounded University with helpful professors and a diversified student body. Expect to study to avoid any surprisingly complicated assignments and you'll be fine for the academics.
Academics are well balanced between courses that require a much-needed level of rigor and others that do not require rigor at all. It depends on your program and bachelor. Financial Accounting is complicated while the intro to Office Applications is not, for example...
Studying at JCU is a personal and cultural experience. The time I've spent here in Rome has definitely been worth the money. In addition, JCU tuition is cheaper than US private school tuition fees. Life in Europe is also pretty cool from the aspect of being able to afford traveling, as its much cheaper than in any other economic region.

John Cabot University was the key that opened many doors such as: life experiences, internships and great friendships. I have been studying at JCU in Rome for two years now,
I was born and raised in Sicily but I lived in the States for a year where I finished my high school, and right after I fell in love with the American School System, right after I decided to pursue my education in an American University and that's how I found JCU, honestly I could not have wished for something better. Thanks to the Career Service Center I got an internship at the American Embassy of Rome, which is truly changing my life, especially since my biggest dream is being a diplomat. Professors are very competent and always available for any kind of problem you might have in Rome, in your life or, of course, academically. I think I'll remember most of my lectures for life because professors at JCU have something special, they are "humans" and really get you. Moreover, John Cabot is where I met people from all over the world, that truly showed me how to look at the world from different points of view, it's great to interact with people that have very different background or stories. I could not have wished to study in any other place, if not, in the heart of Rome.

The overall experience is positive, and here is why: professors do their best so that one could succeed, the university is very multicultural, campuses are just gorgeous as well as the area they are located in (lots of cool places one could go to, party), the food on campus is way better than in any school in the US (personal experience). JCU offers a bunch of housing options some of them fairly better than others (Gianicolo - amazing, Lungara - feels like a 4star hotel), The university is the process of constant renewal: every semester they improve lots of things, even open new study areas.

As a history buff, I loved being in Rome for my junior year! John Cabot offers a variety of on-site classes, which further enhances any study abroad experience. There is truly nothing like meeting at the Roman Forum for your history class!! The professors expect you to be in class so make sure you know their attendance policy. It's a great opportunity to meet friends from all over the US, Italy, and the world in your classes at JCU. Also, JCU plans activities for students to participate in-- you simply, aren't "on your own". The housing provided by the university was updated and clean. Trastevere is a great neighborhood in Rome to take classes and live. Around every corner you will find something new- a church, a restaurant, or cafe- you can really never stop exploring this city. Overall it was fabulous experience!

John Cabot gave me the academic challenge I wanted, while also allowing me to travel frequently. I felt like I was learning in multiple aspects. In the classroom and in the city, I enjoyed an incredibly enrichening experience. John Cabot aided me with all the resources I needed to feel safe and confident while abroad. Whether it was asking for directions or getting my washing machine fixed, John Cabot was always there for support. The apartment housing is in a prime location and a terrific neighborhood suited for an authentic experience.

Could not have had a better semester abroad in Rome at JCU. The students,staff, and apartments we're amazing.

The administration strives to make your experience as easy as possible. When you arrive they provide an extensive orientation program. The professors are experts in their field and provided me the best possible education abroad. My apartment was a 5 minute walk from the campus. It was also close to many shops and restaurants as well as the center of Rome. The apartment was spacious and clean.

Would highly recommend!

Overall I had some mishaps being in a new country, however, all struggles I had were worth it. The language isn't as much of an issue as people claim it to me. I had a worse time adjusting to relaxed scheduling of Europeans. They are almost accustomed to things going wrong so people are often late. No one seems to get angered as easily about messing another's routine up either. The academics could be enhanced by giving more attention to students who wish to seek it. However, a lot of this program encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and to find my own answers.