Lauren is from Boston, Massachusetts. She studied abroad in Rome, Italy as a junior in college and fell in love with the city. After graduating, she found her way back to Rome to help students have their own amazing experiences in the Eternal City.
What is your favorite travel memory?
The best part of living or studying in Europe is that there are so many amazing yet varied cities and counties within a short plane, train or even bus ride. I have countless amazing travel memories exploring Europe's capitols, floating in the Mediterranean, or biking through the countryside.
One of my favorite memories is the first time I skied the Italian alps - the views were breathtaking, the ski conditions were perfect and the food was delicious. There was even a World War I museum at the top of the highest peak to get a history lesson while warming up!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
John Cabot University is a very international environment, both in terms of the student body and the staff. It has been a great experience learning to work with people from all over the world. When collaborating with such diverse individuals you get ideas and perspectives that push projects in unexpected directions. I have also learned a new language - Italian!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
A student once told me that 'studying at JCU is like traveling around the world in one building.' Students make friends from all over the world and I love when former students tell stories of their strong bonds with international friends from backgrounds so different from their own. Often students continue to travel the world long after their study abroad experience has ended to visit their new lifelong friends.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
JCU is based entirely in Rome, but our Student Services office plans trips that students can partake in. I would love to join the Pompeii and Amalfi Coast trip - it is the perfect combination of visiting an important and fascinating historical site in Pompeii followed by relaxing excursions in some of Italy's most beautiful beach towns.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
JCU has grown quite significantly in the last few years. Even though the university is expanding, the team has worked very hard to ensure we maintain what makes JCU so great academically, small classes and individualized attention led by world-class faculty. We have more than 1,500 students for the first time yet are still able to maintain the atmosphere of a tightknit community.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think that a large factor in JCU's success is that we don't settle for what is good: we are constantly looking for new ways to improve. A perfect example of this is the improvements that have been made to offer a more well-rounded student experience - from adding new volunteer opportunities, additional trips, a 24/7 access to an English speaking doctor or counseling, and fascinating new courses year semester.
There is always something new and exciting going on at JCU.
