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On-site classes are a hack to seeing Rome even when you may not have the time to go on your own. To start, I’m taking six classes this semester. A full schedule. I would not recommend because you don’t really get a ton of time to venture about the city and balance work and maintain …

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The post On-Sites and Sightseeing first appeared on #RamblersAbroad.

A Note from the JFRC Director

January 2021 Director’s Note
Dr. Michael F. Andrews shares a personal note about completing his service as director of the JFRC at the end of the academic year.
JFRC Lead Architect Wins International Architecture Award for Rome Center Expansion
The lead architect of the JFRC’s new residence hall and chapel, Ignazio Lo Manto, receives 2020 “Honorable Mention” in international architecture competition for his recently completed expansion work of the Loyola University Chicago Rome Center campus.
News from the John Felice Rome Center
January 13, 2020: Dear Loyolans, We share with mixed emotions the news that Michael Andrews will step down from his position as director of the John Felice Rome Center. His last day as director will be June 30, 2021. Following a well-deserved sabbatical, Dr. Andrews will join the Department of Philosophy as a tenured faculty member.READ MORE
A Note from the JFRC Director

Spring 2021 Study Abroad Update
October 2, 2020: Dear JFRC alumni and Rome Center colleagues, It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I share with you that a very difficult decision has been made by Loyola University Chicago to continue suspension of all study abroad programs, including the Rome Center, through the spring 2021 semester.
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Message from the Office of the Provost

Study Abroad Update
October 1, 2020: Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, After careful consideration of expert input, international travel restrictions, and the continual spread COVID-19 in many countries, Loyola University Chicago has made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of all study abroad programs though J-term 2021 and Spring 2021.READ MORE
A Letter from the JFRC Director Regarding Fall 2020
Loyola University Chicago has just announced the difficult decision to suspend all study abroad programs for the Fall 2020 Semester, including the JFRC, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
JFRC Director’s Statement about Ongoing Events in the U.S.
Dr. Michael F. Andrews, JFRC Director, shares a letter responding to the unfolding situation in the U.S. and commits to exploring strategic initiatives at the JFRC to help in the fight against racism and prejudice.
Ricci Scholars takes two Quinlan students to Rome and Beijing
Through the Ricci Scholars program, Olivia Muszynski and Alaina Miller researched in Rome and Beijing, and found an international career path.
JFRC Launches Virtual Summer Program
This summer, let Rome come to you! In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the John Felice Rome Center is offering a curated selection of Rome-centered and globally relevant online classes so students can learn about Italian history, art, language, theology, creative writing, and Mediterranean ecology from our local experts, while staying safely at home!LEARN MORE
An Easter Message from the JFRC Director
Director Dr. Michael F. Andrews shares an uplifting Easter note with the entire JFRC community.
A Virtual Toast to the JFRC and Rome
Director Dr. Michael F. Andrews invited Spring 2020 JFRC students, faculty and staff, and alumni - all sheltering in place from Rome to Chicago and beyond - to join him in a virtual toast to Rome and the JFRC.GALLERY
Message to Spring 2020 Students from JFRC Director Dr. Andrews... and his Dog Bacio!
Dr. Michael F. Andrews shares his observations about the coronavirus situation in Italy, the fortitude of our students, and updates from JFRC therapy dog Bacio!
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Italy
March 16, 2020: The Loyola University Chicago campuses have moved all courses to virtual instruction and closed all residence halls, so JFRC students will not be allowed to return to the Chicago campus following their 14-day self-isolation period.READ MORE
JFRC Inaugurates New Residence Hall and Chapel
Dr. Michael Andrews, JFRC Director, signed the formal papers handing over legal possession of Loyola Rome Center’s new residence hall and chapel.
Former Ambassador Robert J. Callahan Speaks at the JFRC
Former ambassador and JFRC alumnus Robert J. Callahan presented a special lecture on diplomacy and foreign affairs in Professor Claudio Lodici’s Comparative Politics course.
Spring 2020 Students Enjoy Redesigned Orientation Program
The JFRC's orientation program has been redesigned to give students a deeper understanding of both the Eternal City and some lesser-frequented nearby destinations.
Buon Natale e Buon Anno!
The Rome Center wishes happy holidays to the entire JFRC community.
Academic Excellence Celebrated at the End-of-Semester Banquet
JFRC students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate academic success, new friendships, and the end of a life-changing semester in Rome.
Sicilian Singer-Songwriter Duo Performs an Exclusive Concert at the JFRC
The JFRC welcomed Mimì Sterrantino and Davide Campisi on campus for a concert featuring Sicilian folk tunes and music from their newly released album, Mircanti.
JFRC Represented at the Saint Nicholas Serata Benefit Dinner
The JFRC sponsored a table at the Saint Nicholas Serata benefit dinner and auction, with proceeds going to six different charities that serve needy communities in Rome.
Celebration of Scholarship Features Academic Work of JFRC Professors
The JFRC community gathered for an event showcasing the scholarly work of JFRC's professors, from documentaries to publications to musical performances.
JFRC Celebrates International Film Week
A variety of films were screened at the JFRC during International Film Week, with the Italian filmmakers in attendance to participate in a discussion about their work.
JFRC's First "Talking Books" Event Presents Local People as Living Stories
JFRC students got the chance to meet nine special guests and talk with them about their life journeys, participating in the "lost art of conversation".
Professor Geoghegan Presents Her Latest Book at the JFRC
JFRC Professor Elizabeth Geoghegan gives a reading of her newest collection of short stories, eightball, followed by a Q&A session.
Dr. Elkins Delivers Keynote Lecture for International Numismatics Conference at the JFRC
Dr. Nathan T. Elkins, a specialist in Greek and Roman art and archaeology, delivered a keynote address entitled "Coins in the City – Coinage as a historical source from Antiquity to the Early Modern Period: the case of Rome".
JFRC Welcomes Fall 2019 Visiting Faculty Scholar Dr. Valente
Dr. Ed Valente, the Visiting Faculty Scholar from the University of Portland, gave two public lectures at the JFRC about faith and science.
Guest Speaker Dr. Bachrach Gives Talk on Emotional Intelligence
Dr. Estanislao Bachrach, expert on creativity, innovation, and change, delivers a talk on emotional intelligence for JFRC students.
Spring 2019 End of Semester Banquet
One last time, the JFRC Spring 2019 community gathered together to celebrate their academic successes and each other at the end of semester banquet on Thursday, April 25, 2019. Check out our photos from the memorable evening! PHOTO GALLERY
Spring 2019 Fine Arts Festival
Check out the photos from our semi-annual Fine Arts Festival, held Friday, April 26th and Monday, April 29th. Students taking theatre, sculpture, creative writing, vocal performance and film classes shared their work with the JFRC community.
A Progression Away From the Screen
JRS international finance assistant, Lukas Gilius, writes about taking his work from the office to the field during a recent assignment in South Africa.
Malta, Malta, Malta!: A Complex Beauty
Student Myles Fucci reflects on the duty of recognizing complexity and the global perspectives he gained during the spring 2019 Malta trip.
JFRC Students Read Noteworthy Letters
In a brand-new library event, JFRC students select and read aloud noteworthy letters by Saint Augustine, James Joyce, Mario Puzo, and more.
Spring 2019: Tivoli Day Trip
Saturday, February 9th, SLA Nico and 48 JFRC students took a day trip to the picture-perfect Tivoli, the location of famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Villa D'Este. Photos by student office assistant Tiffany Berryman.PHOTO GALLERY
Cominciamo in Campania!
The JFRC caravan left Rome on Friday, January 25, and headed south to Campania for the weekend. While having the old temples of Paestum in their own backyard for the weekend, students also got the chance to tour Certosa Padula monastery, Vini Marino winery and Tenuta Vannulo buffalo mozzarella farm, as well as enjoy stunning views in the little hillside city of Agropoli. Photos by SLA Ola Wysocki and student office assistant Tiffany Berryman.PHOTO GALLERY
Tastes of Toscana: A Breath of Fresh Air Embodied in a Weekend
26 students, led by SLA Ola, were introduced to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the beautiful, Italian region of Tuscany. Read student Baylee Corona's thoughts on the trip.
Meet Mireille: Beyond the Crisis, Education in a Refugee Context
The JFRC community welcomed Dr. Mireille Twayigira, a former Rwandan refugee and JRS education advocate, who shared her experiences and highlighted the importance of refugee access to education.
Conquering the Strada
Breathtaking views, a challenging hike, and history combine to make a very different kind of study trip.
Umbria: Quiet Little Towns with Big Stories
The Fall 2018 semester JFRC community traveled to and throughout the region of Umbria on the weekend of September 7-9th. Student Aliana Handal recounts what the busy weekend involved.
Auguri, Dr. Nicholson!
On May 25, 2018, friends, colleagues and members of the JFRC community gathered together to celebrate Dr. John Nicholson, who has been a professor at the John Felice Rome Center for 50 years. Students, colleagues and friends share their congratulations and stories.WATCH VIDEO
#RamblersInRome
Support for the Ramblers isn't limited to Chicago! Watch how the JFRC campus is cheering on the LUC Men's Basketball team as they head to the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Go Ramblers!WATCH VIDEO
Spring 2018: Andiamo in Campania!
Our spring semester kicked off January 10, 2018, welcoming over 180 new students to their new home in Rome. Check out our Facebook album to see what students' first few days in the Eternal City looked like.PHOTO GALLERY
Climate Change and Biodiversity: Lago Trasimeno
This study trip, which took place 7-9 April, 2017 on Lago Trasimeno, offered participants an opportunity to meet with Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPA) experts on the subject, to acquire competence, share experiences, and establish lasting contacts between students and technicians.READ MORE
Malta: Becoming "A Little More Human"
Over the weekend of February 10-12th, eighteen students traveled to the island of Malta to learn about its role in migration and housing refugees from northern, and sub-Saharan Africa. In the words of participant Arianna Vranas, "Truly, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the trip was a life changing one. We were given an opportunity to peer into a life that was completely unlike our own, yet were welcomed with open arms to do so." Click to read the rest of her reflection about the Study Trip. READ MORE
New Director of the John Felice Rome Center Appointed
Michael F. Andrews, PhD, has been appointed the next director of the John Felice Rome Center. He will join Loyola on August 1 from the University of Portland, where he is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences as well as professor of philosophy, director of the Catholic Studies program, and McNerney-Hanson Endowed Chair in Ethics.LEARN MORE