Prior to becoming John Cabot University’s Study Abroad Admissions Counselor, you were a student there. What inspired you to get involved with the university’s international education program after graduation?
John Cabot University is an institution that represents diversity and global citizenship. When I was a student, I learned many things from the values and culture of my international classmates and professors. After graduation, I was encouraged to be part of this institution to also share my own values and culture to my international colleagues. It helped me grow as an individual in a foreign country far from my own.
In your home country, the Philippines, you studied and earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Batangas. What made you decide to move to Italy and study at John Cabot? How did studying at John Cabot affect your educational goals?
My husband was working here so I decided to move here and stay with him. Having the privilege to study at John Cabot University is a rare opportunity. I grabbed that opportunity and proved to the world that age does not and should not be considered a hindrance to anyone’s educational goals.
Coffee is part of Italian culture much like Kapeng Barako is part of your culture in Batangas. What sets student life in Italy apart from student life in the Philippines in your opinion?
Students here are more independent than students in the Philippines. Students from countries all over the world who attend John Cabot University, either as visiting students or degree- seeking students, are on their own away from their parents. They learn how to cope with Italy’s cultures and challenges.
Studying abroad takes student learning beyond the classroom, what feature of the University’s study abroad programs help ensure this happens best?
Visiting historical places here in Rome, arranging day trips to different parts of Italy, and having a wine class or Italian cooking class definitely make learning possible beyond the four corners of a classroom.
Study abroad experiences often change a participant’s view of the world. How do you make sure students who apply to John Cabot are ready for these life-changing experiences?
Aside from having conversations with the students, I also have very close contact with all the counselors from our partner universities. We talk about the students’ needs and expectations. We try to accommodate these needs but we also make them aware that Italy is different from their countries and studying here entails discipline and being responsible.
In your role as a Study Abroad Admissions Counselor, how do you help students prepare for the experience of studying abroad?
Reaching out to students, exchanging emails with them, and having conversations are just some of the things I do as a counselor to make them feel that studying at John Cabot University will surely be a very memorable experience and will be a great part of their lives.
From your own experience, what is a typical day like for a student at John Cabot University?
A typical day for a student at John Cabot University starts with a cup of coffee at the bar. There are only 15 students per class so this gives all the students a chance to have a closer relationship with each other and with their professors. Every day is a learning process especially when we have to share our opinion on something. Each has their own opinion and we learn from each other.
What do you feel is the most exciting part of studying abroad through John Cabot?
Having the chance to visit the historical places here in Rome is definitely one of the most exciting parts of our program.
What is the best advice you can give students who are interested in studying and living in Rome?
Be carefree. Enjoy the world and enjoy your life. John Cabot University here in Italy has a lot to offer. Grab it and take advantage!
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job as Admissions Counselor of a prestigious international university?
Processing students' applications is just the main part of the job. But the actual conversations, exchange of emails, and phone calls with the students, and seeing them enjoy their experience abroad is just so fulfilling.
