Babson Begin: Rome

The Babson Begin: Rome curriculum is designed to include five core courses. All five courses will count toward your Babson degree.

Yes. You may use AP/IB credits as prerequisites for specific classes. Credits may impact your academic electives road map downstream.

Students take classes across several John Cabot University campuses located throughout Trastevere, one of Rome’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods. Most classes are held at the Caroline Critelli Guarini Campus, JCU’s main academic hub, and the nearby Frohring Campus, which sits along the Tiber River just a five-minute walk away.

Depending on their courses, students also may have classes at the Pavoncello Campus, which features specialized facilities for areas such as design, photography, and studio arts.

In addition to classrooms, JCU’s campuses offer study spaces, a library, cafés, student services, and wellness resources, creating a close-knit university environment integrated into the heart of Rome.

Because the campuses are located within walking distance of one another and near student housing in Trastevere, students can easily navigate daily life while enjoying the experience of studying in one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities.

Students live in apartment-style housing in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most vibrant and quintessentially Roman neighborhoods. The JCU campus is just a short walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and other world-famous landmarks. Known for its cobblestone streets, charming cafés, local shops, and a strong sense of community, Trastevere gives students the opportunity to experience everyday life in Rome while remaining close to campus.

First-year students are housed in either the Gianicolo Residence or the Lungara Apartments, both of which are located within walking distance of John Cabot University’s campuses. Babson students live with other Babson students, while housing is shared with other JCU students, creating a built-in community while also offering the independence of apartment living.

Apartments typically accommodate between two and nine students and include shared bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, common living spaces, Wi-Fi, and in-unit washing machines. While meal plans are available, they are not mandatory, allowing students to cook for themselves, explore local markets, and discover their favorite neighborhood cafés and restaurants.

Both housing options provide 24/7 security, Resident Assistants, emergency assistance, regular cleaning of common areas, and other amenities designed to help students feel safe and supported throughout the semester.

Living in Trastevere allows students to immerse themselves in the rhythm of Roman life by becoming a regular at a neighborhood café, finding a favorite route through the winding streets, or enjoying the lively atmosphere of one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. The combination of independent apartment living, a strong student community, and an authentic local setting make Trastevere an ideal home base for the semester.

Meal plans are available, but they are not mandatory.

Absolutely! One of the many benefits of studying in Rome is the opportunity to explore Italy and Europe while completing your first semester abroad. Through John Cabot University’s Student Engagement Office, students can participate in organized day and weekend trips throughout Italy, including destinations such as Venice, Capri, Tivoli, and the Castelli Romani region. JCU also offers cultural activities, performances, museum visits, and even hands-on experiences like Italian cooking classes that help students engage more deeply with Italian culture.

In addition to these organized opportunities, Babson Begin: Rome students have the flexibility to travel independently. Classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday, creating long weekends that students often use to explore other parts of Italy and Europe. Rome’s extensive transportation network—including high-speed trains, regional rail, and international airports—makes it easy to visit new destinations during free time.

Many students find that the combination of studying in Rome, participating in JCU-sponsored cultural programs, and pursuing independent travel creates a truly memorable and transformative first semester abroad.

Student life at John Cabot University offers many opportunities to get involved both on and off campus. Students can join clubs and organizations, participate in community service projects, attend cultural excursions throughout Italy, and take part in recreational sports and fitness activities. JCU also offers performing arts programs, student leadership opportunities, and initiatives that celebrate religious, cultural, and multicultural differences.

Whether students are interested in volunteering, exploring Italian culture, developing leadership skills, or building friendships within an international community, there are numerous ways to engage outside the classroom and make the most of their semester in Rome.

Together, Babson College and John Cabot University provide a comprehensive support system that helps students feel confident, connected, and cared for as they take the exciting step of beginning their college journey abroad.

Babson Begin: Rome is designed to provide students with a strong network of support before departure, while studying abroad, and as they transition to Babson’s Wellesley campus. Students in the program will connect with a dedicated Babson Education Abroad Advisor who serves as a primary point of contact from admission through successful completion of the program. This advisor helps students navigate pre-departure planning, academics, housing, health and wellness questions, and their transition back to Babson after the semester concludes.

Once in Rome, students have access to the extensive support services offered by John Cabot University. JCU’s Orientation Program helps students adjust to both university life and living in Rome, while the Immigration Services Office assists students throughout the Italian immigration process. Students also have access to health and well-being resources, which connect them with physical and mental health services to support their academic and personal success.

In addition, students benefit from on-site housing staff and resident assistants, student engagement professionals, academic resources, dining services, and a range of campus offices dedicated to student success. JCU also maintains a strong commitment to student safety, including a 24/7 emergency phone line and well-established community standards designed to foster a supportive and respectful environment.

Yes, there is a robust in-country orientation program at the beginning of the semester which will introduce you to JCU campus and resident assistants, as well as your fellow students. It includes introductions to the support team and Program Contact. Orientation events include how to utilize public transportation, where to shop, and where to find campus resources. Students are picked up from the airport on arrival day and accompanied to campus while their luggage will be delivered to their residence. Additionally, we also hold virtual orientations over the summer for students.

Students book travel independently, but as part of the orientation process, JCU will provide arrival dates and times and will coordinate airport pickups. Airfare is not included in the program fee/tuition. Specific travel guidance will be provided by the Program Advisor.

Yes. Non-EU passport holders must obtain a student visa to study in Italy. After students are accepted and committed to the program, they will be provided the information and documentation needed to apply for a visa.

If you do not currently have a passport you should apply for one immediately. Your passport must be valid for six months past the end of your program, otherwise you will need to renew your passport.

After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes within eight days. This permit is valid for the duration of your program. JCU will assist with this process.

Per the U.S. Department of State, anyone applying for an F-1 visa must do so in their country of citizenship or country of residence. If you need to apply for both an Italian and U.S. student visas, we suggest you have at least one month between your visa appointments.

No, they are different programs. They do share some resources, and each cohort of students will arrive on the Babson campus in January. However, both applicant classes are different, and the programs are not interchangeable. Babson Begin is a first-year student abroad program, while January admission does not have a freshman study abroad portion. If you have questions about the standard January admission process at Babson, please visit our January Admission page.

If you’re accepted to Babson Begin, congratulations! You can submit your $1,500 deposit in the admitted student portal. It is due May 1.

You can start your application to Babson and Babson Begin on our How to Apply page.

You will have the same move-in schedule as our January admission students, and Babson Begin students participate in January orientation. You will have similar experiences, resources, and support as those who arrived in the fall, including both a robust orientation program, academic advising, and a clubs and organization fair. Plus, you will have a semester of college academics and this dynamic personal experience to draw from to help you acclimate to the Babson curriculum.

If you have concerns or questions about arriving on campus in January, please visit our January Admitted Students page, which includes advice from students who have been there. (Please note, this page is about standard January admission, not Babson Begin. They are different programs, so some of the information may differ.)

Yes, you will be on the same graduation schedule as students coming to Babson in the fall. You are scheduled to graduate in May four years after you start your Babson journey. The classes you take as part of Babson Begin will count toward your Babson degree.

No. If you are accepted to Babson Begin study abroad and choose to enroll, this is your path to attending Babson College. You will spend your first semester studying abroad.

The final net cost of the program will depend on your need profile. The tuition cost will include a program fee and housing costs. Depending on the program, students may or may not have meal plans. Families will want to consider the additional cost of traveling, food, individual excursions, and other living expenses.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for need-based financial aid as part of this program. You will need to submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA to be considered. Please reach out to Student Financial Services with any financial aid questions.

Babson’s International Student & Scholar Services will contact you to begin the F-1 student visa application process shortly after you have submitted your deposit. The F-1 student visa application process can take several months so you are encouraged to start this process as soon as possible.

Per the U.S. Department of State, anyone applying for an F-1 visa must do so in their country of citizenship or country of residence.

We recommend that your current school completes your SEVIS record. We cannot accept your transferred SEVIS record because you will not be studying in the U.S. We will work with you to create a new F-1 SEVIS record.

Your F-1 student status will start once you arrive on Babson’s main campus for the spring semester. You will need to complete two consecutive, full-time semesters before gaining U.S. work authorization eligibility. This likely means you will need to complete the spring and following fall semester on Babson’s main campus before being eligible to do an internship. The Babson Begin program does not count toward the eligibility requirements. No students are eligible to complete an internship or work while studying abroad.