Summer: John Cabot University
John Cabot University (JCU) is located along the banks of the Tiber River in the vibrant Trastevere quarter — historically known as the artists’ district — on the grounds of the prestigious Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei where Galileo once lived and worked. The University combines the academic quality of an independent, accredited university while giving you the services and care of a study abroad program. JCU is an American university so you will find the academic structure similar to a university in the US. John Cabot University faculty, staff, and students are proud to be part of an American university overseas with a unique and friendly student population of Italians, Americans, and international students. Small cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes characterize the neighborhood surrounding JCU, which makes it a perfect place to study and meet with friends as you enjoy the historic center of Rome.
Explore Rome as a living laboratory. From Etruscan ruins and the Roman Colosseum to the Christian catacombs and the Vatican, you will have the chance to study architecture, art, art history, archaeology, history, and religion on location at museums and historic sites. Through field trips, internships, research opportunities and study abroad opportunities (even full-time JCU students study abroad), you will grow personally and intellectually through first-hand experience. Collaborate with students from 70 different countries. Every day you will learn with students from all over the world, who will share their ideas and perspectives in class — and their friendship outside of class.
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I | 2025 | February 1, 2025 | TBD | May 21 | June 28 |
| Summer II | 2025 | February 1, 2025 | TBD | July 3 | August 9 |
Program Description
With a location in the historic center of Rome, Italy and a student body representing 70 countries, John Cabot University is far more than the typical study abroad experience. Whether you study with us for a year, semester, or summer session, your time in the Eternal City will allow you to stay on track for graduation during the most significant academic experience of your undergraduate career. Student Life at JCU will offer you a unique, diverse and enriching environment, where you will be encouraged to seize opportunities that will challenge you to explore your limits, find new interests and make unforgettable friendships.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67
- Be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with SHU
Student Life
The Student Life Department takes pride in showcasing the activities and services that will enhance your experience at John Cabot University. JCU provides every student with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and programs designed to develop your leadership skills and guide you through a journey of self-discovery and growth. You can learn more about Student Life at JCU here.
Orientation
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation organized Global Engagement. During this orientation, further details about the course and program details will be discussed. Pre-departure orientations for Winter and Spring programs are held in November/December. Pre-departure orientations for Summer and Fall programs are held in April.
Upon arrival at John Cabot University you will attend mandatory orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the University. Several activities that will allow you to navigate and explore the university campuses, JCU services and Rome while getting to know your fellow classmates! During Orientation, your schedule will include important information sessions that will give you the necessary tools to prepare you to start your academic program at JCU successfully. Students are introduced not only to the University, but also to life in Italy, and to academics in a multicultural environment. You will have the opportunity to meet students from different nationalities, faculty, and staff who will become an important part of your university experience! The JCU Orientation will help you feel prepared, connect with new friends, and gain comfort navigating around the campuses and Rome.
Internship Opportunities
John Cabot University offers students the opportunity to participate in internships either for or not for credit. JCU has many long standing and mutually beneficial agreements with international profit and non-profit organizations. Learn more about internship opportunities at JCU by visiting their Career Services page.
Volunteer Opportunities
From providing volunteer opportunities to students, to offering continuing education courses in Rome, John Cabot University prides itself on community outreach. The Community Service Program’s objective is to build a caring community that is aware and respectful of the diverse realities that surround us. The Program is based on learning from these differences, and aims to enforce a give and take process: it seeks to empower the local Community by helping out in every possible way, but also aspires for students to be empowered through the volunteering opportunities. Learn more about the opportunities available.
Italy is known as one of the birthplaces of Western culture. It is a synonym for its diverse periods of art and history spanning past a millennia. From the wine region of Tuscany and fashionable streets of Milan to the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Sicily, every corner of the country is home to countless cultural diversions. In fact, Italy has more cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country. No wonder it is often nicknamed Il Bel Paese — the beautiful country.
As the third most visited city in the European Union, Rome, Italy is constantly abuzz with street cafes, savory restaurants, and mesmerizing monuments. The Eternal City — as it’s sometimes called — is home to many of the greatest artistic and historical treasures spanning western history.
Among the city’s resources are an abundance of museums, fountains, churches, and architectural monuments. Some of Rome’s most visited sites include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. If you want to live “la vita bella” — the good life, there is no better place than “Roma.”
Summer 2025 Course Information
SHU students have 3 Course Enrollment options for the Summer I term*:
- Option 1: 1 JCU course
- Option 2: 2 JCU courses
- Option 3: 1 JCU course & 1 SHU at JCU course
SHU at JCU course options for the Summer I 2025 term include:
- CIT 202 Great Books in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition II with Professors Marie Hulme and Caitlin Merritt
- CM/SM 240 International Sport: Business, Media and Culture with Professors Andrew Miller, Joshua Shuart and Kristina Hoff (fulfills the LAE in Social & Global Awareness, CM history elective and major requirement for sports communication and sport management programs)
SHU students have 2 Course Enrollment options for the Summer II term*:
- Option 1: 1 JCU course
- Option 2: 2 JCU courses
*There is a standard tuition charge for six credits for each program session, so we recommend taking two courses.
Eligibility
You must have an overall GPA of 2.67+ and be in good disciplinary and financial standing with SHU.
Course Credit
SHU-approved courses taken on this program will count towards your general graduation total. Course grades will also factor into your cumulative Grade Point Average (courses are not available for Pass/Fail).
Students can reference the Course Equivalency Database to see which courses have already been approved. Approval for courses not yet approved can be requested through Global Engagement at studyabroad@sacredheart.edu.
Important Information
In your study abroad application, you will indicate if you are interested in taking any of the SHU at JCU courses.
When looking for courses, be sure that you look at classes in the correct term of study. Students should ensure they have taken any required prerequisite courses for their study abroad course selections.
Courses are taught in English. Students do not need to know Italian to apply. Undergraduate students of all majors are welcome to study abroad at John Cabot University even if their major is not offered in full at the campus. John Cabot University operates on an American academic calendar system. Students studying at John Cabot University for a summer term are charged one flat rate and may take up to 6 credits.
Housing is Not included as part of your SHU study abroad program fees. Housing is paid online through John Cabot University's website.
John Cabot University is proud to offer an American education in an international environment to every student. The Office of Housing and Residential Life functions in line with this commitment by offering university housing that provides students an opportunity to live in an international community consisting of their peers and staff from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. The University has carefully selected locations close to the main campus buildings and in nearby residential areas that encourage students to integrate into the local community.
The Office of Housing and Residential Life supports the American belief that students living in a community of their peers benefit both academically and socially. However, JCU Housing differs from a typical dorm-style experience, and challenges students to take on the responsibilities that come along with living in a fully equipped, independent apartment. Students choosing to live in JCU Housing will gain a true understanding of how to "do as the Romans do" while studying at an American university.
Learn more about the different housing options, locations and prices.
Meals
Students have many options for meals while studying at John Cabot University. All student residences have fully functioning kitchens with the essentials needed to prepare meals on your own. A variety of meal plans are available for purchase online through JCU. The Tiber Cafe offers great food prepared and served with care in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're interacting with faculty or meeting other students, the sense of community at Tiber Cafe is an integral part of the JCU educational experience. Tiber Cafe pays close attention to special diets and allergies and offers allergy-friendly alternatives to all guests. Additionally, the University and residences are situated among many restaurants, cafes, gelaterias, and market places.
Housing Policies
Housing assignments are made at the discretion of John Cabot University. Students placed in John Cabot University housing are responsible for reading and abiding by the policies and procedures outlined in the Housing Policies and Procedures Handbook. More information about the housing application, processes, and policies can be found online.
John Cabot University: Summer 2025
| Budget Item | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45 | Global Engagement | Payable upon application to the program. |
| Confirmation Fee | $250 | Global Engagement | Due within two weeks of acceptance to the program. |
| Total | $295 | ||
| Host University Tuition | $5,450 | Student Accounts | |
| Program Fee | $100 | Student Accounts | |
| Registration Fee | $115 | Student Accounts | |
| Estimated Total | $5,665 | Total will be billed in accordance with Student Accounts billing cycle. |
Additional Expenses: Summer 2025
| Budget Item (Estimates) | Amount | Payable To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing - Deposit | $1,000 | You do not pay SHU for housing. John Cabot University will bill you directly for all housing. | |
| Housing - Average (Cost will vary by accommodation type) | $800 | You do not pay SHU for housing. John Cabot University will bill you directly for all housing. | |
| Transportation - International Airfare | $1,200 | Airline/flight of your choice | |
| Transportation - Local | $300 | Cabs, buses, trains, etc. | |
| Meals | $1,050 | You do not pay SHU for meals. Any elected meal plans at John Cabot University will be paid via their online profile. | |
| Program Materials - Books & Supplies | $100 | ||
| Personal Expenses | $600 |
All costs subject to change.
Fees Include: Program orientation, arrival airport transfer, and mandatory basic international health insurance.
Fees do not include: Travel to/ from host country, major medical insurance, on-site course fees, visa/resident permit fees, program materials or any personal expenses.
Additional Billing Information
All expenses are subject to change based upon currency fluctuations, flight demand, personal spending habits, etc. Actual expenses may be more or less than the listed estimates.
Program withdrawal fees, penalties and refunds are subject to the withdrawal policies of each program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Please note that this is not a conclusive list but it will help you start your search process. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Please speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Please ensure applications for the Welch Tuition Waiver, Thomas More Honors Program Scholarship, and/or Matthew R. Dalling Scholarship are submitted by the specified deadline. Applications and corresponding deadlines can be found in your Study Abroad Account. Failure to submit applications by the specified deadline may cause the scholarship dispersal to be significantly delayed.
If you receive scholarships, grants, or financial aid through SHU, these awards are posted to your Student Account according to the normal disbursement schedule.
Contact Office of Global Affairs directly for further information.
Scholarships are a great way to support the cost of your study abroad experience. In an effort to make a study abroad experience more accessible, the SHU Office of Study Abroad prepared a list of scholarships and financial resources. Global Engagement encourages you to apply and take advantage of as many relevant scholarship opportunities as possible.
The Coccia Foundation is sometimes able to extend their scholarship opportunities to SHU students who wish to attend the John Cabot University in Rome. The two scholarships students can apply for are the Salvatore Davino Memorial Sponsored Scholarship and the Mario A. Marano Memorial Sponsored Scholarship. These two opportunities are open to students who major/minor in Italian Studies. Both scholarships, up to $2,000 each, may be available to students who wish to study abroad at John Cabot University. Recipients will be selected by the Coccia Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Any interested students should contact studyabroad@sacredheart.edu for more information/to apply.
Students in the Thomas More Honors Program are eligible to use a one-time study abroad scholarship of $500 towards the cost of their program. Students will need to apply for this scholarship post-acceptance within their study abroad accounts.
Speak with Student Financial Assistance to determine how your aid package will apply towards studying abroad.
Participation in the full duration of the program is mandatory. Students must ensure they book travel which properly accommodates the assigned arrival and move out dates of the program. Dates of arrival to and departure from your program cannot be adjusted to accommodate students' individual needs.
Summer 2025
Session I
- Departure Date: May 20, 2025
- Arrival Date: May 21, 2025
- On-Site Orientation: May 21 - 24, 2025
- Classes: May 26 - June 27, 2025
- Program End Date & Move Out: June 28, 2025
Session II
- Departure Date: July 2, 2025
- Arrival Date: July 3, 2025
- On-Site Orientation: July 3-5, 2025
- Classes: July 7 - August 8, 2025
- Program End Date & Move Out: August 9, 2025
To view the current academic calendar, visit the John Cabot University Academic Calendar.
All dates are subject to change. Do not book your flight until you have been accepted by the host university and the academic dates have been confirmed.
I had the amazing experience in studying abroad in Rome, Italy for the first summer session at John Cabot University. I have never been to Italy before and was unsure exactly what to expect. Rome is the most beautiful city with so many great opportunities to experience the town, culture, history, and amazing food! During my time studying in Rome I was enrolled in an Ancient Rome and its monuments class which allowed me to experience the history of Rome that I would have never done on my own. There is always something new to see and fun to do in this amazing, beautiful town which makes you never want to leave!" -- Alissa Bonacum, Health Science major
"My time in Rome was more amazing than I could have ever imagined, when I first arrived I couldn’t believe I was actually there. Living in such an ancient city for 5 weeks was unbelievable; I was walking through history every day sometimes without even realizing. Rome was so big I felt like I had so much to do in such little time but every day after class I got to explore with my friends and see everything I wanted to see, the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps, the Knights of Malta key hole, and more beautiful sunsets that I could’ve ever imagined which were indescribable. While studying in Rome we were able to travel to the Amalfi Coast, Pisa, London, and Barcelona. When the time came and I had to get into the cab for the airport on June 27th I was devastated to leave that experience behind." --Gabriella Pulilce, Exercise Science major
"If I could choose one word to describe my experience abroad, it would be UNFORGETTABLE. Studying in Rome for 5 weeks was the experience of a lifetime and I wouldn't have changed anything for the world. From exploring and photographing the ancient city of Rome in my photography class, to the delicious food and welcoming Italian culture, this program was perfect for me and immersed me into an amazing experience abroad. I absolutely loved being able to study and live in such a beautiful city, where history, knowledge and new experiences were available around every corner. I think one of my favorite things about Rome was the ability to walk through the streets and pass the Roman Coliseum, Pantheon, or any other ancient roman architecture anywhere you went. I felt safe, unbelievably happy and enriched while going through this experience and I would recommend it to anyone who h as interest in studying abroad." - Jillian Labriola, nursing major