Why Your Next Semester Should be at the JFRC

They say a semester abroad will change your life. They say it will be an unforgettable experience where you learn so much about yourself and the world around you. They say your mind will be opened to new ideas, cultures, and people. Well, after my semester in Rome I would have to say that I agree with all of “them”. Spending my spring semester at the the John Felice Rome Center was the best decision I’ve made in my college career, and I think it very well could be the best one you’ll make too.

Here’s why you want to become a JFRC alum…

1. The JFRC is as much Loyola’s campus as the Water Tower Campus, so all of your credits transfer and you don’t have to shed an ounce of your Rambler pride.
2. Living in a building with 200 other students gives you an instant and welcoming community. Plus plenty of travel buddies to choose from.
3. Pizza. Pasta. Gelato.
4. No classes on Friday means you always have an extra long weekend for your European travels.
5. The experienced Student Life Team always has your back–whether that means giving you directions in Rome or figuring out how to order Chinese food in Italian, they’ll help you out.
6. The Eternal City will offer you (nearly) an eternity of adventures.
7. You get to learn Italian, a bellissimo language that will help you feel more at home in Italy.
8. You’ll learn to appreciate the way Italians live life–slow walks, fast espresso, and the most inconsistent bus system I’ve ever seen.
9. When you get tired of planning trips for yourself, you can sign up for a pre-planned study trip led by the JFRC crew.
10. You will be changed over the course of the semester, but all for the better.

I’ve only been gone for 2 days and I’m already wishing I was back. So do yourself a favor and give the John Felice Rome Center a chance. Oh and when you get there, have some gelato for me.