Read some of the great testimonials our alumni wrote . . .
“I heard about JCU from Study Abroad Italy and my undergraduate university, The University of Florida. I decided to enroll because JCU offered all of the classes I needed in order to keep me on track to graduate on time. JCU also provided many extracurricular activities, so I knew that I would get the most out of my study abroad experience. Ms. Capoferri was a great teacher of the Italian language, and she also provided insight on things to do in and around Rome. My finance teacher, Prof. Marshall Langer, also helped me adjust to life in Italy by providing first hand knowledge of how he was able to get accustomed to living in a new country and speaking a new language. This was very helpful, as my study abroad experience was the longest time I had ever spent overseas. Prior to arriving in Rome, [The Colosseum] was the landmark I was most looking forward to seeing because of all the history that took place inside. Upon arrival, I found out my apartment would be located directly behind the Colosseum. This was an amazing experience because I was able to go to my rooftop anytime and enjoy the view of the Colosseum. I never would have imagined being so close to this piece of history! Take full advantage of the long weekends and travel across Europe as much as you are able. When I attended JCU, the curriculum was formatted where we attended classes on Monday through Thursday only. This allowed my roommates and me to travel all over Italy and beyond. Oddly enough, I have been more places in the country of Italy than in my home state of Michigan. Over John Cabot’s spring break, one of my roommates and I decided to visit 16 cities in 10 days. We traveled all across Italy, including Sicily, and managed to include a few cities along the French Riviera. This was an adventure that I will never forget. We planned everything perfectly, and it was a time in my life I would love to relive. For me, those 10 days embodied what life is all about: experiencing new things every day and living life to its fullest.”
Brian A. Aquart
JCU Study Abroad, Spring 2005
J.D., Wayne State University Law School
"I encourage each student to value every moment of your education. Knowledge truly determines your ability to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. Take advantage of every educational opportunity that you are offered and never look back with regrets. Consume every bit of knowledge you are provided and work hard to make every goal and dream you have come true. Travel often to foreign places and talk to locals everywhere you go."
Alexandra Bartholomew
JCU Study Abroad, Summer 2008
University of Michigan, 2010
“My studies led me to John Cabot University in Roma, Italy last spring, and it was an experience that I will not soon forget. JCU has two separate campuses located along the Tiber River in the magnificent neighborhood of Trastevere, literally meaning beyond the Tiber. The school life was intellectually stimulating and a great change of pace from going to the campus is the middle of nowhere, Ohio. My Professors were very helpful with course work, telling the students of great places to visit, and informing us of things we must do before our departure. The student body is very diverse, with students enrolling form all over the world. John Cabot enrolls about 1000 students, half of which are study abroad.
It is impossible to ink an Italian experience without mentioning the food. I am quite sure I will never be able to eat at an Italian restaurant state side again. In Italy, food is what the day is prepared around. Breakfast is small and tasty; you will pick up a cappuccino habit. Lunch is very large and often the majority of the city will close down between 3-5pm while people eat. This was siesta, and the wine and marinara would flow like the mighty waters of the Tiber. Dinner is commonly eaten at 9 or 10 pm. Italians love to go out so the streets would flood with people who would move gaily about the brick streets of Trastevere smoking a cigarette fuming over Burlusconi’s latest gaffe. We commonly ate at a family restaurant called Miraggio’s and quickly became well liked by the owner. This place had a melanzane parmigiana to die for, mussels that would melt out of the shell, exquisite vino, pasta carbonara that tasted like the recipe was blessed from the heavens, and a rigatoni arrabiata that would bring tears to your mother’s eye. The cuisine in Italy would leave one insatiable with hunger.
John Cabot was very good about giving students tours of all the Ancient ruins and sights that Roma had to offer. It would be impossible for me to tell you about all of them, but I will go over some of my favorites. First, Ponte Sisto was located by JCU campus, which was a great place to hang at night. One might mind themselves in a deep philosophical conversation with an old Roman who looked gauche and disheveled but whose knowledge and experience would be unequalled by Sarte, or in a cultural exchange with some young Italian gadabouts. Campo de’Fiori is a popular spot for American students as the bars are curtailed to our norm, but it is also a fabulous farmers market during the day. Piazza Navonna is breathtaking and is a must see for anyone who goes. My favorite spot in all of Roma is the ancient fountain on Via Garibaldi. It is located near the park and on a bluff that looks out over the entire city. I highly recommend an experience such as this”
Sean Callahan
JCU Study Abroad, Spring 2009
Hiram College
“I had a choice between Paris and Rome for the one year study abroad programme. I chose John Cabot University because I had a special interest in the political set up of Italy. My terms at JCU were very enjoyable back in 1984 and the dynamics of students from all over the world was extremely educational. I had a fabulous time in Rome and much of it been due to the JCU lecturers and of course fellow students. I’m still in touch with them. Twenty-five years on, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending any student to enroll at JCU for an experience you will never forget.”
Naveed A Chaudhuri (Rikki)
JCU Study Abroad, January 1984-December 1984
Richmond College, UK
Head of Sector – Outsourcing at Arena International Group, London, England
“I attended John Cabot University as a Study Abroad student for the Academic Year of 2008/2009. In one of my Political Science courses at JCU I learned about several U.N. organizations headquartered in Rome or with offices in Rome. I was particularly interested in an organization called UNICRI or United Nations Crime and Justice Research Institute. I never thought I would be able to intern in such a prestigious organization but after an interview with Professor Silvia Pulino, Co-ordinator of the Career Services Center at JCU and through my professor’s encouragement I was at work at UNICRI from July to September 2009. This internship at UNICRI allowed me to further and enhance the knowledge I gained from Professor Schepisi’s UN and Diplomacy class at JCU and to see a branch of the UN in action. I gained valuable workplace skills, enriching me personally, culturally, and professionally. I was also able to learn more in depth about international relations and the structure and functions of the United Nations. It was a great way to extend and utilize my time in Rome to the fullest, and I was also able to improve my Italian, which I am personally thrilled about.”
Jessica Connelly
JCU Study Abroad, 2008-2009
University of Rhode Island
“My days at John Cabot University were and are still like living in a dream; a dream that was filled with amazing culture, food, history, authenticity, and people. I explain it as 'colpo di fulmine,' or a bolt of lightning that re-awoke my soul and once again given me the lust for life. The rush of enlightenment and knowledge I was experiencing was because of John Cabot University and the city of Rome working together in perfect harmony. Being an Italian-American I was able for the first time to be surrounded by true Italians, my professors as well as peers giving me a deeper appreciation for my heritage. We do not really grow until we challenge the way in which we see the world, and during my time at JCU I was able to reach that level though studying Philosophy, Italian Cinema, and Media Studies from a refreshing European perspective. A journal entry of mine during my time there said, "For my mind has never been more open, I have never felt more creative; I am surrounded by beauty in all of its forms." I would say that fate brought me to John Cabot and to Rome, and I hope that fate will bring me back one day. My memories, photographs, and friends that I made during my time there is my everlasting connection to the greatest four months of my life.”
Kyle Carlo Diorio
JCU Study Abroad, Fall 2009
Coastal Carolina University
“I would like all of you at JCU to know what an extraordinary experience I had while attending your Italian summer language program. As a high school student I was not sure how well I would fit into the university atmosphere. However the friendly welcoming environment and positive support that I received made me feel immediately at home. Studying Italian in Rome was very special and along with the excellent program offered I was able to accomplish my foreign language goals and sharpen my communication skills. Beyond the academics I found the extracurricular activities a lot of fun and interesting. Interacting with the other students allowed me to grow personally. Group visits to Rome`s famous landmarks and trips to other areas in Italy along with a great cooking class were eye opening. I look forward to attending JCU again during this summer session for more of the same. Grazie JCU!”
Nicholas Gambino
JCU Study Abroad, Summer 2009
Kamehemeha High School
“Don't let one weekend go by where you don't go out into the city or elsewhere in the country. Don't be afraid to use what Italian you know and ask for help with it from people who have spoken it their whole lives. It is very likely that many of us will never get to go back, so make everyday count. Get to know a few locals in the cafe next to your apartment or on the bus you take every morning. This will create a real depth to your entire experience at John Cabot. If you are a study abroad student, don't just hang out with other study abroad students. You will learn so much more from the students that call John Cabot their home and you will feel more at home yourself. I will say it again, LEARN ITALIAN! It will open doors to you that a normal tourist can not enter.”
Elle Griswold
Study Abroad, Spring 2008
Biola University, 2009
Starbucks Customer Service Specialist, Seattle, Washington
Brian A. Aquart
JCU Study Abroad, Spring 2005
J.D., Wayne State University Law School
"I encourage each student to value every moment of your education. Knowledge truly determines your ability to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. Take advantage of every educational opportunity that you are offered and never look back with regrets. Consume every bit of knowledge you are provided and work hard to make every goal and dream you have come true. Travel often to foreign places and talk to locals everywhere you go."
Alexandra Bartholomew
JCU Study Abroad, Summer 2008
University of Michigan, 2010
“My studies led me to John Cabot University in Roma, Italy last spring, and it was an experience that I will not soon forget. JCU has two separate campuses located along the Tiber River in the magnificent neighborhood of Trastevere, literally meaning beyond the Tiber. The school life was intellectually stimulating and a great change of pace from going to the campus is the middle of nowhere, Ohio. My Professors were very helpful with course work, telling the students of great places to visit, and informing us of things we must do before our departure. The student body is very diverse, with students enrolling form all over the world. John Cabot enrolls about 1000 students, half of which are study abroad.
It is impossible to ink an Italian experience without mentioning the food. I am quite sure I will never be able to eat at an Italian restaurant state side again. In Italy, food is what the day is prepared around. Breakfast is small and tasty; you will pick up a cappuccino habit. Lunch is very large and often the majority of the city will close down between 3-5pm while people eat. This was siesta, and the wine and marinara would flow like the mighty waters of the Tiber. Dinner is commonly eaten at 9 or 10 pm. Italians love to go out so the streets would flood with people who would move gaily about the brick streets of Trastevere smoking a cigarette fuming over Burlusconi’s latest gaffe. We commonly ate at a family restaurant called Miraggio’s and quickly became well liked by the owner. This place had a melanzane parmigiana to die for, mussels that would melt out of the shell, exquisite vino, pasta carbonara that tasted like the recipe was blessed from the heavens, and a rigatoni arrabiata that would bring tears to your mother’s eye. The cuisine in Italy would leave one insatiable with hunger.
John Cabot was very good about giving students tours of all the Ancient ruins and sights that Roma had to offer. It would be impossible for me to tell you about all of them, but I will go over some of my favorites. First, Ponte Sisto was located by JCU campus, which was a great place to hang at night. One might mind themselves in a deep philosophical conversation with an old Roman who looked gauche and disheveled but whose knowledge and experience would be unequalled by Sarte, or in a cultural exchange with some young Italian gadabouts. Campo de’Fiori is a popular spot for American students as the bars are curtailed to our norm, but it is also a fabulous farmers market during the day. Piazza Navonna is breathtaking and is a must see for anyone who goes. My favorite spot in all of Roma is the ancient fountain on Via Garibaldi. It is located near the park and on a bluff that looks out over the entire city. I highly recommend an experience such as this”
Sean Callahan
JCU Study Abroad, Spring 2009
Hiram College
“I had a choice between Paris and Rome for the one year study abroad programme. I chose John Cabot University because I had a special interest in the political set up of Italy. My terms at JCU were very enjoyable back in 1984 and the dynamics of students from all over the world was extremely educational. I had a fabulous time in Rome and much of it been due to the JCU lecturers and of course fellow students. I’m still in touch with them. Twenty-five years on, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending any student to enroll at JCU for an experience you will never forget.”
Naveed A Chaudhuri (Rikki)
JCU Study Abroad, January 1984-December 1984
Richmond College, UK
Head of Sector – Outsourcing at Arena International Group, London, England
“I attended John Cabot University as a Study Abroad student for the Academic Year of 2008/2009. In one of my Political Science courses at JCU I learned about several U.N. organizations headquartered in Rome or with offices in Rome. I was particularly interested in an organization called UNICRI or United Nations Crime and Justice Research Institute. I never thought I would be able to intern in such a prestigious organization but after an interview with Professor Silvia Pulino, Co-ordinator of the Career Services Center at JCU and through my professor’s encouragement I was at work at UNICRI from July to September 2009. This internship at UNICRI allowed me to further and enhance the knowledge I gained from Professor Schepisi’s UN and Diplomacy class at JCU and to see a branch of the UN in action. I gained valuable workplace skills, enriching me personally, culturally, and professionally. I was also able to learn more in depth about international relations and the structure and functions of the United Nations. It was a great way to extend and utilize my time in Rome to the fullest, and I was also able to improve my Italian, which I am personally thrilled about.”
Jessica Connelly
JCU Study Abroad, 2008-2009
University of Rhode Island
“My days at John Cabot University were and are still like living in a dream; a dream that was filled with amazing culture, food, history, authenticity, and people. I explain it as 'colpo di fulmine,' or a bolt of lightning that re-awoke my soul and once again given me the lust for life. The rush of enlightenment and knowledge I was experiencing was because of John Cabot University and the city of Rome working together in perfect harmony. Being an Italian-American I was able for the first time to be surrounded by true Italians, my professors as well as peers giving me a deeper appreciation for my heritage. We do not really grow until we challenge the way in which we see the world, and during my time at JCU I was able to reach that level though studying Philosophy, Italian Cinema, and Media Studies from a refreshing European perspective. A journal entry of mine during my time there said, "For my mind has never been more open, I have never felt more creative; I am surrounded by beauty in all of its forms." I would say that fate brought me to John Cabot and to Rome, and I hope that fate will bring me back one day. My memories, photographs, and friends that I made during my time there is my everlasting connection to the greatest four months of my life.”
Kyle Carlo Diorio
JCU Study Abroad, Fall 2009
Coastal Carolina University
“I would like all of you at JCU to know what an extraordinary experience I had while attending your Italian summer language program. As a high school student I was not sure how well I would fit into the university atmosphere. However the friendly welcoming environment and positive support that I received made me feel immediately at home. Studying Italian in Rome was very special and along with the excellent program offered I was able to accomplish my foreign language goals and sharpen my communication skills. Beyond the academics I found the extracurricular activities a lot of fun and interesting. Interacting with the other students allowed me to grow personally. Group visits to Rome`s famous landmarks and trips to other areas in Italy along with a great cooking class were eye opening. I look forward to attending JCU again during this summer session for more of the same. Grazie JCU!”
Nicholas Gambino
JCU Study Abroad, Summer 2009
Kamehemeha High School
“Don't let one weekend go by where you don't go out into the city or elsewhere in the country. Don't be afraid to use what Italian you know and ask for help with it from people who have spoken it their whole lives. It is very likely that many of us will never get to go back, so make everyday count. Get to know a few locals in the cafe next to your apartment or on the bus you take every morning. This will create a real depth to your entire experience at John Cabot. If you are a study abroad student, don't just hang out with other study abroad students. You will learn so much more from the students that call John Cabot their home and you will feel more at home yourself. I will say it again, LEARN ITALIAN! It will open doors to you that a normal tourist can not enter.”
Elle Griswold
Study Abroad, Spring 2008
Biola University, 2009
Starbucks Customer Service Specialist, Seattle, Washington
