Political Education in Italy: Connecting Past and Present

The faculty members at John Cabot University’s department of political science and international affairs are undoubtedly the cornerstones of the program. Professor Sensi boasts a PhD in Political Science from Rutgers University, a law degree from Harvard Law School, fluency in three languages, and a fascinating career that has allowed him to live in the US, the Middle East and Europe. Students learn from his vast experience through John Cabot’s small classes and through “Pizza and Politics”, a popular group he leads throughout each semester to discuss political events over lunch.

Professor Driessen earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and was a resident post-doctoral fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for International and Regional Studies in Doha, Qatar from 2011 to 2012. Professor Driessen teaches courses on religion and politics, comparative politics, Middle East studies and peace studies, and is currently organizing a conference on Rethinking Political Catholicism, which will be hosted at John Cabot University in May.

The political science internships completed by John Cabot University students truly set them apart as they enter the job market. Leonardo Quattrucci (’13), who is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Oxford University, held internships with both the Italian parliament and the US Embassy as an undergraduate at JCU. He noted that his political science internships were “fundamental factors in my present and future development, both professionally and personally.”

Students may also interact politically on campus by interning with the Guarini Institute of Public Affairs, which organizes lectures and seminars aimed at enhancing knowledge and understanding of challenges facing the world today. Max Harden described his internship experience as “invaluable in exposing me to world issues and areas of study that I previously had little to no interest in.” In addition, many international organizations and nonprofit foundations are based in Rome, allowing students to intern with organizations as prestigious as the World Food Program, the International Development Law Organization and UNICEF.

Studying political science in Rome allows students to not only gain a comprehensive education in international affairs, but to experience a front seat in Italian, European and international politics. For students who wish to extend their political education beyond textbooks, the undergraduate experience at John Cabot is truly a special experience.

This article is sponsored by John Cabot University. For more information about studying political science or international affairs in Rome, contact the university admissions service.