Liberal Arts Study Abroad Programs in Rome, Italy

This is my second trip with this program I did the Japan last year and Italy this year also intend to go again next year and I loved the different classes there were I took cuisines and art history we made many different kinds of Italian food and went to different places almost every day there were also many different day trips on the weekends that were amazing to go on and ending in Rome and seeing the colosseum and learning about it was a great way to end the trip and the staff was really amazing and accommodating with the need of the students

I learned so much on this trip through the art history course and photography course. I wasn’t that interested in many of the art made in periods such as renaissance, but I learned so much about them and got quite good at identifying them. I similarly wasn’t that knowledgeable about Christianity and especially Catholicism (at least more than the average American) but I learned so much about it as well and really came to respect the ideas related to it. Finally I also knew literally nothing about photography but through this I learned a lot about different styles and the essentials of photography to the point that I think I’ll be taking better pictures for the rest of my life. This is all without saying the fun and incredible sights and art I got to see, yes we went to churches and art museums to learn about it but we also went to appreciate it and through that I got to see some beautiful art that might be some of my highlight pictures from the trip. Also the day trips to other prominent cities are so much fun and so different Florence is a great base to operate out of and through that base different cities especially Venice and Siena contrast very well, Venice being very tight and of course featuring water, and Siena being very hilly.

World class program is great because it’s more than just a summer program it is an absolute immersion into Ancient Rome; the renaissance in Florence, and amazing medieval art were extravagant and eye popping. Going into the different museums and churches was, like dunking yourself into a beautiful shining spring in Ancient Rome taking you back in time to the minds of Roman’s and what they were thinking while walking into grandiose church. The different day trips were amazing in total there were four day trips one to Lucca where we rode bikes around the city walls, and explored the city, one to cinque terre where we hiked across a mountain with a view of the Mediterranean and ended on the beach. One to siena where we explored the city on the mountain and saw the amazing views. My favorite day trip was the one to Venice where we saw Murano the glass making city and we took boats around to different locations. The pros of the program was the amount of stuff that we had easy access to because of the great connections and the staff. Another pro is the community all the people were easy to connect with and make good friends without any problems. The amount of free time to explore and shop in Florence was great you were able to get what ever lunch you wanted or go to what ever shop in all of old Florence. The cons weren’t many. The program was genuinely so amazing. The only one I can think of is the heat in Italy, but it wasn’t the programs fault it is Italy’s faults for not having good american a/c. The only other con I can think of is not being able to go longer.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, largely because of the amazing and easy-going staff who made every day enjoyable. Their friendly nature and sense of humor created a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel at home even when I was far away. I often found myself laughing with them, which made the whole experience not just educational but genuinely fun. Their support and kindness made a big difference, turning challenges into opportunities to grow. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was the relationships I built. I connected with people from all over the world, and these friendships became an important part of my journey. Sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and supporting each other made these bonds truly special. These relationships taught me the value of understanding and empathy, and I know they will continue to be important in my life long after the program ends. Beyond the social side, I learned so much academically and personally. The new environment pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I hadn’t before. I gained knowledge in my field of study, but I also learned life skills like independence and problem-solving. This experience has not only enriched my education but also helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person.

I truly recommend SAI's amazingly seamless study abroad program. SAI prepares you for your adventure before departing and provides support through every step of the way (if you need it). I really admired the SAI on-site staff - they led with authenticity, were very helpful, and always made sure we knew their offices were available to us for anything and everything. SAI also provides program enhancements like cultural experiences (cooking classes, day trips, etc.) for FREE which is just incredible and provides amazing opportunities for foundational friendships to form! The Global Leadership Certificate is another enhancement that makes this program unique - it allows you to (if you choose) complete a number of community service hours and reflect often on how your experience abroad is helping you grow as a global citizen. I chose to complete the Global Leadership Certificate and am so grateful I did - I met wonderful locals during community service and gained a unique perspective by reflecting on my time abroad. Rome/Trastevere in itself is an amazing place to study - it is rich with culture, many locals, and a bustling yet home-y feel. By studying there and befriending SAI friends, locals, and JCU students, I grew immensely and became more spontaneous, appreciative, present, and joyful. If I could say one thing that really captures this experience, it would be this: SAI has great resources and runs a seamless program, but what really makes it memorable is the heart put into every part of the experience. That's what leaves me still thinking about it and so grateful for every moment.

The course itself was a wonderful mix of cultural immersion and learning about the history, art, historical figures who lived in Florence centuries ago. My one and only complaint can be summed up as, if you go on this trip, don’t expect everyone to be as into as you. I was deeply passionate about the history of Italy, and made a friend or two on the trip who was equally as passionate, but as a consumer of this tour, be aware that some are here to passively take in the sights, rather than eagerly devouring everything they can see.

I had a great time in Rome this summer. I spent time from May to June taking archaeology and art, both on-site classes. The professors were friendly and informative, and classes were enjoyable. After I flew into Rome, the university res life personnel met me at baggage claim. I was taken to my apartment where I stayed with six other girls. My only disappointment with my housing was that it had no AC, so I was always hot as well as the other girls. The neighborhood was Trastevere which was very safe and had grocery stores very close to my apartment. The university was around a 15-20 minute walk but you can take a bus there if you don't like big hills. Public transport is easy to use and Google Maps updates schedules. Overall, the experience was fun and I really am grateful. I recommend CISAbroad as they were easy to ask questions to and were helpful for preparing for Rome.

Truly having such an amazing time at JCU this summer! My friends and I have learned so much from everyone here. JCU is such a great base for our travels. Everyone should study abroad here in the Eternal City!

So far I have had a great experience here. They offer so many courses that my home university does not offer. I have been able to deepen my understanding on Italian food, culture, and history which has made my experience great.

I really love the wide selection of classes that they have. I’m taking the Italian food culture class that they offer and I’m learning a lot about both food and history. I really enjoy going to the class and I’ve never seen anything like it offered

Studying at JCU was amazing. I enjoyed every moment and was so blessed to make so many memories. The class size is perfect for learners who prefer a more connected experience. The staff at JCU is so kind and always willing to help.

So far this abroad experience has been great! JCU has been very good at helping us get used to life in Rome. Everyone has been super welcoming and helpful when needed. I really appreciate the support that JCU provides.

I had an incredible time studying abroad at JCU over the summer session I where I am taking some really interesting classes and being immersed in the Italian culture. I love living and studying in Rome.

I have absolutely fallen in love with studying abroad here at John Cabot it’s been beautiful and everyone is so welcoming. The staff and teachers have been welcoming and so helpful. Definitely recommend studying abroad through john cabot university!!

Anyone can travel to Italy and experience the beautiful food, culture, language, and intoxicating architecture. It is another experience entirely to live there for 5 months, and also have an educational experience that is culturally incomparable to anything you can find in the United States. Having Italian professors, and fellow students from over 100 different countries was something I hadn't expected going into this experience. Not only did the demographics of John Cabot teach me so much, but I also got to walking through the historic neighborhoods of Trastevere to get to class. It was an inimitable venture that imbued so much wonder and beauty into my life. John Cabot had amazing student engagement opportunities as well. I joined the volleyball team for the semester and got to play in tournaments with my new Roman peers against other Italian Universities. Additionally, I went on the school spring break ski trip to the Italian Alps. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Through my experience with GoAbroad at John Cabot University I was able to continue my degree program from my home university and continue my passion for Psychology during the day, and walk the cobblestone streets, eat carbonara, and drink aperol spritz by night. I will never forget my study abroad experience, and am eternally grateful to GoAbroad for providing it for me

Study abroad in Rome has been great! Such a new fun experience and the people are all so nice. I loved it! The buildings are very nice, the housing is very nice, and it’s easy to meet new people. The apartments are also in a great location.

Great school amazing experience. I really liked the courses and the experience in Italy was fun and enriching. John Cabot was a great chance to study abroad earlier in my college journey! Thank you John Cabot

JCU is a great university and having all the opportunities and resources was really nice. There were always events going on whether it was a career fair, student club fair and more. The people at this university were also amazing!

I had the time of my life here. I would do it again so quick. I traveled the world aka around Europe and I learned so much and made so many friends. My apartment was so nice and I lived with some really close friends.

I love study abroad at jcu. I traveled to many countries and had the best time. I will recommend Jcu to everyone I know in hopes they too can experience the wonderful teachers and unforgettable experiences