John Cabot University

John Cabot University is not your typical university. Not by any stretch of the imagination. The facilities are limited, the students (for the most part) don’t like to get involved, and chances are if you don’t come here with an open mind, you’ll be disappointed.
For those of us however who know how to adventure with an open mind, John Cabot University, lovingly referred to as JCU, will change you for the better. it certainly did for me. As I write this, I am in the first month of my sophomore (and final) year as I plan on transferring. Reasons aside for my intent to transfer, I’ve grown so much in my time at JCU. Being from Orange County, CA, Rome was obviously a major change in lifestyle for me. But it was a welcome change. In a foreign country you truly learn how to live on your own, how to take care of yourself — it’s a rewarding feeling. I’ve gained an appreciation for the things I normally took for granted at home.
One of the things I love most about JCU is how you quickly become part of a second family. If there is one thing I can recommend, it’s to get involved! Join a club, volunteer, participate in work-​study. Just get involved, because you quickly get adjusted to the Roman lifestyle when there’s people you can share the experience with.
Classes at JCU are not the most difficult, granted I’m only in my second year. On the whole, most of the professors are really great. They are accomplished, some with a boatload of degrees from prestigious schools, and they are understanding of your situation as a student in a foreign country. There are things you can get away with at JCU that wouldn’t fly at any other school. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a professor who shares the most interesting life stories, and who creates a bond with you in and outside of the classroom. I can say that I have not been disappointed with any of my professors so far.
Another cool thing about being at a school in a foreign country are the travel opportunities. JCU, through the Student Services Department, offers trips throughout Italy during both Fall and Spring semester. By the end of this Fall semester I will have traveled to Pompeii, Siena, Perugia (EuroChocolate Festival FTW!) and Florence. Exciting stuff.
I’m not saying there aren’t things that you might be disappointed in when it comes to JCU. But I’ve learned how to put aside those few points, and instead focus on being in the most historical city in the world, and learning to love JCU — all quirks included.