Study Abroad in Rome, Italy

Where The Eternal City is Your Classroom
You've heard the phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” At ASA, we take that to heart—because the best way to experience Rome is to live it. And there’s truly no better place to be part of Italian life than in the vibrant, exhilarating heart of the Eternal City.

 

As a student at John Cabot University, Rome is your campus. Imagine grabbing a cappuccino on your way to class as you pass the Pantheon, or studying in the shadow of ancient ruins. With every step, you're walking through history—and living it in real time.

 

From the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and St. Peter’s Basilica, to the intricate beauty of the Sistine Chapel and the dramatic Spanish steps, Rome surrounds you with art, architecture, and culture like no other city in the world. But beyond the famous landmarks lie the hidden gems: peaceful piazzas tucked away from the crowds, bustling open-air markets, medieval churches hiding Renaissance masterpieces, and cozy trattorias where locals linger over cuisine and conversation.

 

Rome is also a modern, living city—home to fashion boutiques, endless culinary adventures, world-class opera, avant-garde art galleries, and open-air concerts. Whether you're wandering through Campo de’ Fiori or discovering your new favorite café around the corner from campus, you'll find Rome constantly surprises and delights.

 

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Academics & Eligibility

John Cabot University

John Cabot University, founded in 1972, is a U.S. accredited, independent, four-year liberal arts university located in the heart of Rome. At JCU you will be surrounded by the extraordinarily rich offerings of a city of culture, history, art, creativity, business, and international affairs. Students benefit from small classes with professors who encourage dialogue and use the city of Rome as a learning laboratory.

John Cabot University’s School of Business is now AACSB accredited, making it the first overseas American liberal arts university in Europe to have earned this prestigious accreditation!

 

JCU combines the best qualities of an American liberal arts college with the history and cultural heritage of the Eternal City. With its world-class faculty and students hailing from over 70 countries, JCU offers 13 degree programs as well as study abroad opportunities within the context of an international environment. You’ll be in classes with students from around the world, adding a new layer of global perspective to your coursework and your overall study abroad experience in Rome.

 

Participation in Student Clubs and Organizations is an exciting and vital part of student life. Individuals have the opportunity to grow and develop skills, including time management, communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The university boasts a wide variety of activities for students, from sports, clubs, and trips. Yoga, HIIT, and kick boxing are just a few examples of the exercise classes that JCU offers to students. You can take cooking classes through JCU, or even go on a day or weekend trip organized by the university. If you enjoy performing arts, you can partake in open mics or join the Theatre Society. There are over twenty other clubs to choose from, including Chess Club, Model UN, and the Women’s Leadership Initiative.

 

Academics Overview

  • AACSB accredited
  • APPLY EARLY for the best course selection, as classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
  • Language Requirement: Open to all levels of Italian. Classes available in English & Italian. It is not mandatory to take Italian Language unless it is required by your home institution.
  • Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (4-5 courses). Students who enroll in more than 15 credits will be charged an additional fee per credit.

  • Some JCU classes have activity fees that cover required academic field trips, which ARE NOT INCLUDED in the ASA program price. If a course carries an activity fee, it will be shown at the Course Offerings link below. 

  • Final Transcript: Issued by John Cabot University.

Internships Overview

  • Students at John Cabot University have the option of completing a 3-credit internship in place of one of their classes, at no additional cost. An internship can give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an Italian company or organization. It is also a great way to meet Italian people!

  • Opportunities are available in Art, Business, Education, Finance, Graphic Design, Journalism, Marketing, Politics, and much more! For detailed information, click here.

  • Internships are for credit and unpaid. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 2.67 (Applicants with a GPA between 2.30-2.66 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA of 2.29 or lower will not be considered.)
  • Language Requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian.
  • At least sophomore standing at the time of application.
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Transcript from most recent institution attended (unofficial is ok). If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

Course Finder

You MUST have at least 3 alternate courses approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts. 

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Internships

Students attending John Cabot University can earn 3 credits for an internship alongside their other classes. Internships are not stand-alone, but take the place of one of your classes at John Cabot University. Internship credits will count toward the total number of credits a student is allowed to take during their academic term. There is no additional fee for credit bearing Internships.

Participating in an internship during your study abroad program in Rome, Italy, is a fantastic way to gain work experience, meet Italian people, and add a unique aspect to your resume! You will have the opportunity to experience Italian culture in a much deeper and more hands-on way than your classmates who aren’t doing internships! Students may apply for an internship after being accepted to the ASA program but before the course pre-registration process. More information on this, as well as a list of available placements, can be found below.

All internships are for-credit and unpaid.

Students can earn 3 semester credits for completing an Internship. The internship will take the place of one of your classes and counts toward the total number of credits you are allowed to take during your term. Semester total credit load: 12-15.

IMPORTANT: You will be required to complete a minimum of 120 work hours, in addition to your class hours. Work hours typically take place on weekdays (Monday through Friday), but some internships may require weekend hours as well. You will not be able to choose your internship hours – they will be assigned to you, but they will not conflict with your classes.

All internships require the student to take a 10-hour in-class instruction course prior to starting the internship as well as keep a daily internship log. Finally, each internship will require a 2500-3000 word essay at the end of the semester.

Prerequisites vary by placement. Some placements require previous work experience and/or coursework in the field, and some do not. Some placements are only open to certain majors. There is no language requirement to take part in an internship at John Cabot University.

Your first step is to complete an application with ASA and ensure you meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Classes + Internship program at John Cabot University. Eligibility requirements can be found by clicking the program page for Rome, Italy and then selecting the Eligibility tab.

Once accepted to ASA, John Cabot University will reach out to you via email regarding internship availability:

  • Spring Semester – Late October

  • Fall Semester – Early June

Students should respond to JCU’s emails if interested! JCU will then ask for the following materials:

  • Detailed CV (resume). Must be focused on your academic and professional experiences that are related to your desired internship field.

  • Cover Letter / Letter of Motivation exploring the reasons for your application, your goals and expectations, and ideal outcome of the internship.

Once JCU has received your application materials listed above, they will schedule a Skype interview with you. During this Skype interview, your interest and suitability for the position will be assessed. You are strongly encouraged to write down a list of questions before your interview so that you understand the requirements of the position, work location / distance from school, work hours, scheduling, dress code, and any other details mentioned. Please dress appropriately for your Skype interview and have it somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted or distracted. Be sure to consider what will appear behind you on the screen. Please take the interview seriously – you are applying for a job!

We cannot guarantee any particular placement, company, or organization. Submitting an application does not guarantee you a placement, the company you are applying for makes the ultimate decision.

Students receive confirmation of their placement 2-4 weeks before their program starts, but in some cases the placement process could be longer or shorter.

JCU partners with over 640 organizations throughout Rome! If you're interested in an area not listed above, please contact ASA.

  • Activism

  • Art

  • Art History

  • Business

  • Communications

  • Creative Writing

  • Digital Innovation

  • Education

  • Entertainment

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Fashion

  • Finance

  • Graphic Design

  • Hospitality & Tourism

  • Human Resources

  • Italian Culture

  • International Affairs

  • Journalism

  • Law

  • Marketing

  • Management

  • Museum Science

  • NGO / Non-profit

  • Politics

  • Public Administration

  • Public Relations

  • AND MORE!

An internship is a job that gives you the opportunity to gain experience in a particular field. It is also a great opportunity to apply what you have learned in your classes and gain networking contacts. That being said, you need to be open-minded about the type of work you will be doing. For example, you may be assigned entry level work. However, if you “prove yourself” by producing quality work and showing your commitment to the job, the level of work assigned to you may improve. You will likely need to earn the trust of your supervisor first, which may take a little time.

Part of your internship at JCU is a 10-hour in class instruction session which will help you understand what will be expected of you, what resources you have for support throughout, and ultimately how to have a successful internship.

Internships are graded on a pass/no pass basis and cannot be changed or dropped once you have been assigned a placement. The internship will begin on the 4th week of classes. All internships are unpaid.

Please be aware that by hiring you, the company or organization is making a significant investment of their time and resources. By accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which must be taken seriously. You will be expected to complete your internship in full and complete all of the work hours associated with your placement. ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A PLACEMENT, YOU CANNOT DROP IT, CHANGE IT, OR WITHDRAW FROM IT. You will be expected to put forth your best effort and attend all work hours. Just like going to class is required and any absences are documented, you are required to show up for work – on time, every time. No-shows are taken very seriously. Repeated no-shows or general lack of commitment to your internship can result in your placement being revoked, in which case you would receive a failing grade and not receive the credits you have planned to earn.

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Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure date.

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Your home away from home.

Shared Apartment

Students live in shared apartments. Rooms are double or triple occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee. Bathrooms are shared. Meals are not included, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen/common area shared by all occupants. Apartments may be single gender or all gender; typically 4-6 students per apartment. All ASA student housing includes Internet access and is located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from school.
In most cases we can accommodate same-gender roommate requests. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well, but you will not be sharing a room. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
Yes, you will have a roommate, as well as several housemates/flatmates.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your apartment and the location, as well as your roommates' names and email addresses.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
Meals are the responsibility of the student, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
Most apartments are within a 15-25 minute walk from your classes. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

1 overnight excursion and 1 day trip are included. Destinations will vary by term. Below are examples of prior overnight excursions:

 

Venice

Venice

Overnight

Venice is in northeastern Italy and situated on a group of 118 small islands, which are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. You are sure to love taking a ride on the classic Venetian boat, called a gondola, and wandering the city’s winding streets! The water views, charming buildings, and the famous Bridge of Sighs are sure to capture your imagination. Explore the famous St. Mark’s Basilica as well as the rest of this ancient and historically important city.
Florence

Florence

Full of art, history, and unforgettable cuisine, Florence is one of Italy’s most captivating cities. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, it’s the perfect blend of culture and charm. Marvel at Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s masterpieces, and the treasures of the Uffizi. Stroll the iconic Ponte Vecchio, savor Tuscan flavors, and take in sweeping views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!

 
Pasta Making

Pasta Making

Learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch in a real Italian pasta factory
Via Appia Antica

Via Appia Antica

Walk along the oldest and most important road of Ancient Rome, Via Appia Antica (the Appian Way)
Tour Rome in a Fiat

Tour Rome in a Fiat

Take a guided tour of the city in a vintage Fiat, the most famous Italian car
Truffle Hunting

Truffle Hunting

Go truffle hunting with an expert and his dogs in the woods around Rome
Explore the Tiber

Explore the Tiber

See the city from a different point of view - go canoeing or kayaking on the Tiber River
Outdoor Markets

Outdoor Markets

Shop at the oldest and biggest flea market in Rome, where you can find literally EVERYTHING
Roman Colosseum

Roman Colosseum

Experience the Colosseum by night - take an evening tour to view this amazing historical place in a new light
Villa Borghese Gardens

Villa Borghese Gardens

Stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens, and then view the masterpieces inside the Borghese Gallery

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World of Care" Student Support Suite.

  • Housing in a shared apartment with fully equipped kitchen. Meals are not included.

  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by John Cabot University. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

  • Excursions: 2 overnight excursions are included. Locations to be decided.

  • Cultural Activities in Rome (gelato tour, pizza tour, museum visits, walking tours, etc.)

  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Rome (FCO) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.

  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation.

  • Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App.

  • Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs.

  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs).
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester program.

Not Included

  • Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Books, materials, lab fees

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions.

  • Student Visa and Permit of Stay, if required.

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time.

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program.

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Cost of Attendance & Budget Sheet

Program Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. January 13, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Rome (FCO) airport on Jan. 13 between 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 13-17, 2026

    Orientation

  3. January 19, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. Jan. 23

    Last day to add/drop

  5. TBA

    Excursions - Locations TBA

  6. Mar. 9-13

    Spring Break

  7. Mar. 23

    Last day to withdraw from a class

  8. Apr. 6 (make-up day: Friday, Feb. 6)

    Holiday

  9. Apr. 30

    Last day of classes

  10. May 1-3

    Study days

  11. May 4-8

    Final exams

  12. May 9

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Please check out Diversity Abroad’s Italy Travel Guide. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now