Location
  • Italy
    • Rome
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Archaeology Art History Arts Biology Business Classical Studies Communications Creative Writing Digital Media Ecology Economics European Studies Film Finance History Humanities International Business International Relations Literature Marketing Philosophy Photography Political Science Pre-Med Psychology Religious Studies Service Learning Social Sciences Theater Theology Visual Arts +21

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory
Language
Italian

Pricing

Price Details
Cost includes tuition, room and board, and international medical and travel insurance. Scholarships and federal/state aid can be applied depending on each individual student's situation. See our website for more information on program costs, financial aid, and available scholarships.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance Visa Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Transportation
Jan 16, 2020
Aug 15, 2019
22 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend a summer, semester, or an academic year at Loyola University Chicago's John Felice Rome Center! Our faculty and staff provide support and share their passion for la bella vita with students year-round, creating a community unlike any other you'll find in Rome.

Studying at the JFRC is more than taking classes. Students intern with professionals across fields, volunteer in the local community, take advantage of Rome's cultural legacy with group dinners and nights at the opera, and take part in the ever-popular calcio (soccer) league.

They say all roads lead to Rome. Take your first step by joining us at the JFRC.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Founded in 1962, the JFRC is the oldest US education abroad program in Rome
  • Roughly $100,000 in additional need-based scholarships are available each year
  • Intern for credit, volunteer in the local community, and build a unique Roman experience
  • Many classes meet on-site around Rome, using the city as your classroom
  • Live on our 5-acre campus in Balduina, a thriving residential Roman neighborhood

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.78 Rating
based on 18 reviews
  • 5 rating 77.78%
  • 4 rating 22.22%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.95
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.6
  • Housing 4.45
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 9 - 16 of 18 reviews
Default avatar
Ellen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

JFRC rome

i studied at the jfrc, but was studying under Xavier university professors. We had fantastic trips to florence, Siena, assisi, and reggio Amelia. Very affordable. Jfrc campus is far from downtown (25 minute bus ride)

What would you improve about this program?
I wish the campus was closer to downtown.
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Decision You'll Ever Make..

Apart from Rome being an amazing city, not many study abroad programs offer rigorous courses. However, at the JFRC, I was able to take many of my upper level Political Science courses with incredible, highly acclaimed professors. Their wonderful internship director even set me up with an internship at a huge international corporate firm. Living in Balduina gives you a small town Roman vibe and also forces you to get out and explore. Not once did I ever feel nervous or unsafe at the JFRC or out in Rome. The staff at JFRC truly care about you; they will become your family- you will NOT get that with any other program. Such an amazing experience. I would choose the JFRC tens times over again.

What would you improve about this program?
Definitely wifi in all the rooms; as a university, that's unacceptable.
Including monthly bus/metro passes in tuition.
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
NHM
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

John Felice Rome Center- Rome, Italy

This was by far the most amazing summer of my life. If I could have spent the whole year at the JFRC in Rome, I would have. The campus is absolutely beautiful and in a great location! Rome itself can be kind of overwhelming with the amount of tourists and activities going on, but the JFRC is located in a great spot just 30 minutes outside of the city center, which is easily accessible via public transportation. The academics here are great, along with the professors--who are kind and helpful. My friends and I were able to travel during the weekends which was great! These places included: Spain, Greece, France, Northern Italy (Venice, Florence, Amalfi Coast), UK, and Germany. It is so worth the experience and if you are unsure, DO IT! The JFRC is a perfect place to partake in the study abroad experience. I hope I can go back to visit one day!

What would you improve about this program?
The wifi should be accessible everywhere. Also rooms need A/C during summer (although there are fans and you don't spend that much time in your room anyways)
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Fall
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely Less Immersive

There are a lot of programs in Rome to pick from. J-Force is definitely among the best, but be warned that the experience is less immersive than some others. The location in Balduina, a nice suburb northwest of the Vatican makes it much safer and quieter than most, but cuts you off from a lot of opportunities for interaction with locals. Campus ministry is the best part of the program, with numerous outings and programs throughout the year that provide a unique look at the city's Catholic Identity.

What would you improve about this program?
Less hands-on from administration, especially regarding alcohol, which is legal. Location could be better.
31 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Corbin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You Cant Beat This

Rome has so much to do. And the JFRC gives you all the tools to make your study abroad unforgettable. Whether you want to travel every weekend or immerse yourself in Roman/Italian culture the staff here will provide unparalleled wisdom and support. The teachers here are the type that you want to grab a beer with after class, or a glass of wine in this case. Campus is a little far from downtown, but situated in an extremely safe neighborhood in a very cute and functional campus. You truly can't beat the JFRC!

What would you improve about this program?
Not possible
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sahar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

La dolce vita

There is no need to sell the idea of living in Roma for a semester or full year because the beauty of the city is enchanting on its own. They say you have not lived if you have not lived in Italy, and I agree.

I loved living in a small town outside the main center because we were able to be fully immersed in an authentic Italian town which sometimes can be lost in a major city. However, we were still close to the center that we were able to go in on a whim.

There are no words that can fully describe the experience at JFRC. You sign up in order to explore a new culture and challenge yourself but what you get in return is so much more. The community serves as a safe haven and your professors, fellow students, administrators and SLAs become a second family.

The memories and friendships I have will no doubt last for a lifetime because there is a certain bond you build amongst the JFRC family that can never be broken.

33 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Spring
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring 2012

My study abroad experience was wonderful. The campus is located in a nice neighborhood about a 20-30 minute bus ride away from the heart of Rome. When you first arrive it can be a bit challenging to get back because the Italian buses do not announce the stops. However, you learn quickly and its straightforward for the rest of the semester.

Classes only meet M-Th so that students have time to travel on the weekend. I recommend taking an on-site class where you meet somewhere in Rome for each class. It is a great way to get out in the city and learn a different perspective on the buildings and monuments that you pass when you are exploring.

The staff and professors are great and the classes were always enjoyable. There is a JFRC Calcio (soccer) league that many students participate in that is a lot of fun.

I highly recommend the John Felice Rome Center for a study abroad experience in Rome.

What would you improve about this program?
The wifi can be spotty on campus.
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Fran
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best year of my life

Studying abroad at the JFRC was the best experience of my college career. It changed who I am as a person and helped shape my future goals.

The staff is so friendly and helpful, and I made the best group of friends. Living in Italy is the most incredible opportunity and I cannot wait until the day I can return.

The JFRC is an incredible institution and would I hands down recommend studying abroad there to anyone!

What would you improve about this program?
The wifi is pretty spotty and needs to be improved in the dorm rooms.
32 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers