FAQs
Below is a list of commonly asked questions. Our aim is to offer as much support, guidance, and helpful information below as possible, online. Please reach out to us via email with additional questions.
Can non-Loyola Chicago students attend the JFRC?
The John Felice Rome Center welcomes qualified students enrolled at other Jesuit colleges and universities as well as those from any accredited, baccalaureate-granting college or university in the U.S. For students from non-LUC partnering institutions, this means that your transcripts for your semester or summer at the JFRC will come from Loyola University Chicago.
Are courses taught in English? Do I need to know Italian to attend?
As an American university, all courses are taught in English except for the Italian language courses. However, if you are a semester student and you have not taken Italian before going to Rome, you must enroll in Italian 101 and complete the course during your semester. Summer students are not required to take Italian as a language class. It's worth noting that knowledge of Italian will increase the possibilities for internship placement in certain institutions.
I do not attend Loyola University Chicago. Will a JFRC representative be visiting my campus?
Our JFRC representatives visit campuses across the U.S. They participate in college study abroad fairs and can host an informational table/session at partnering instituions. To find out if a representative is visiting your school, please contact us at rome@luc.edu.
When should I arrive in Rome?
The official move-in date for all sessions will be listed in our academic calendar. Students are expected to arrive on this particular date no later than 4pm, as mandatory registration and orientation activities begin immediately.
What are my options for travelling to Rome?
Students must fly independently to Rome Fiumicino. At the airport students are greeted outside of the terminal by JFRC staff and escorted to the official taxi stand, where they will take taxies independently.
What if I arrive in Rome before the official move-in date?
Students may not move into their rooms on campus until the specified group arrival date each semester. If students are travelling independently and arrive in Rome earlier than the official move-in date, they must themselves arrange their own accommodations elsewhere until they are allowed on campus.
Can I find opportunities for service learning?
Yes! Our Student Life staff works to help students find service opportunities in Rome. With service being one of the Jesuit core values, the JFRC can help serve the Balduina community they live in and the greater community of Rome. Additionally, some of our engaged learning courses have service-learning components.
How is my orientation structured?
An orientation program is held at the beginning of each semester in Rome, including a weekend of day trips in and around Rome during the second weekend. Attendance throughout the program is required for all JFRC students.
Upon arrival in Rome, the on-site orientation provides students with important information and activities that facilitate their adjustment to the program and their host country.
Can I find volunteering opportunities?
Please contact Student Life staff for volunteering opportunities information! You may also want to consider taking a JFRC Service Learning class, combining classroom time and community engagement.