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The Program

John Carroll University in Rome offers students the opportunity to study in Vatican City while earning John Carroll University academic credit. Classes held specifically for John Carroll University students meet at the Pontificia Universita Urbaniana and will be taught in English by both Urbaniana and John Carroll University professors. This one-semester program is ideal for sophomore and junior students. Students can use the courses offered to fulfill the requirements of the John Carroll University academic core. This program is suitable for all majors, and offers opportunities for professional internships and service.

Living in Rome

Students share apartments located in the center of Rome and within walking distance to the university. The cost of cleaning is included in the cost of housing.

picture of the Vatican from above

Courses Offered (may change)*

  • IT 101, 102, 201, 202, 301, or 302 (Italian language at the appropriate level for each student)
  • PL 230, Christian Thinkers (PLKR)
  • PL 285, African Philosophy (PLKR)  
  • PL 302, Introduction to Ethics (PLVS) 
  • PL 311, Business Ethics (PLVS) (Prerequisite EC 201 and 202)
  • IC 365, 20th Century Italian Art (Link) (Linked to HS 263) (Prerequisite EN 125 or EN 120 & 121)
  • HS 296, Italian History (Link) (Linked to AH 315) (Prerequisite EN 125 or EN 120 & 121)
  • TRS 321, History of the Papacy (TRS)  (Prerequisite EN 125 or EN 120 & 121)
  • IC 163, Italian Women And Society (ISJ) 
  • Internships for academic credit

Frequently Asked Questions for JCU in Rome

Faculty Director

Santa Casciani, Ph.D., director of the Bishop Anthony M. Pilla Program in Italian American Studies at John Carroll University, was instrumental in creating the study abroad program in Rome. As professor of Italian language and literature at John Carroll, Dr. Casciani has developed undergraduate courses dealing with Italian and Italian American issues. She has published extensively in Italian literature, including work focused on authors such as Dante and Michelangelo. She earned her Ph.D. in Italian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, her M.A. in Italian at the Ohio State University, and her B.A. in Italian and English at Saint John Fisher College.

Travel Within Italy

Students will participate in an excursion to Tuscany in the middle of the semester. While in Tuscany, students will have the opportunity to visit museums, palaces, and old noble and royal residences. The costs of the excursion are included in the program fee.

Financial Aid Information

This program is able to offer scholarships to students with demonstrated financial need. Students are able to apply all their financial aid, including JCU scholarships, and federal and state aid, to the Vatican City semester. Students with employee benefits packages are not eligible to use these benefits for this program. Please consult the Office of Financial Aid for your individual situation. Students with unmet financial need are encouraged to apply for the Culicchia Italian/American Endowed Scholarship.

Program Costs

Directly billed by JCU (Fall 2022 rates)

  • Tuition: $22,745
  • Room and Board: $6,543
  • Study Abroad Fee: $5,000
  • Total Billed: $34,288

Estimated Expenses (Not billed by JCU, may vary for each student)

  • Personal Expenses: $6,000
  • Insurance: included
  • Total Indirect Costs: $6,000

Total Semester Budget: $ 40,069

Program Fee ($5000) includes:

  • Round-trip airfare to Rome
  • All textbooks and reading packets
  • Orientation on-site and dinners during orientation
  • Land transportation from airport and for excursions
  • 2 longer excursions: 5 days in Tuscany, 5 days in Northern Italy
  • Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit from Italian government)
  • Insurance required by the Italian government

The Bishop Pilla Program pays for:

  • Excursion to mountains in September
  • Thanksgiving break

More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.

How to Apply

Completed John Carroll University applications are due on April 1. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due on April 1.

For further information about this program, please do not hesitate to contact the Center for Global Education or Dr. Casciani.

For further information on Italy, Rome and the Vatican City please consult the following links: