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Benvenuti a Roma! Welcome to Loyola University Chicago's John Felice Rome Center. Loyola is one of 28 Jesuit Universities in the United States and is the only one with a full American-style campus in Rome. Students from all over attend the John Felice Rome Center, known as the JFRC, to immerse themselves in an undergraduate study abroad living and learning experience that embraces the Italian culture.
Before we get started, let me explain the many ways you can explore our beautiful space.
-You can click on the forward facing arrow to start walking around.
-You can jump to the next stop by clicking on the "Next" button.
-Now, if you already know where you want to go, you can select any location by using the list OR by clicking directly on the map.
-Lastly, remember that you can explore any particular location in more detail by clicking the supplemental icons.
Courtyard
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After serving in the British armed forces during World War II, Malta native John Felice founded the JFRC as a first-of-its-kind study-aboard program with a focus on fostering education and tolerance among people of various religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Since opening in 1962, the JFRC has been home to thousands of students who wanted to experience this unique living-learning environment. The campus is a modern, innovative twist on a traditional foundation that now includes solar roof panels, smart classrooms, modern library facilities and more. This entrance courtyard provides beautiful landscape and quiet sitting areas where students can study or just relax and enjoy being outdoors in Rome.
Welcome Entrance
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The John Felice Rome Center is a multi-level residential campus that spans five acres. All students, faculty and guests enter through this main entrance, located on the first floor. The reception desk serves as a safety and security hub for the campus as well as an information source for students. The desk is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days week and provides services such as bus ticket sales, taxi services and maps of the city. The campus is nestled in the Balduina neighborhood, a residential district north of the Vatican area, and is easily accessible for our students with the nearest public transportation just two blocks away.
Mensa
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Our Italian-style cafeteria, known as 'Mensa', offers predominantly Italian menu items for our students and faculty. Italian cuisine is among some of the best in the world and discovering its variety is an integral part of a student's experience. The variety of choices also accommodates dietary needs such as gluten intolerance and vegetarian options. Most days during the lunch hour, the Mensa is bustling with faculty and students enjoying meals together.
Rinaldo’s Café
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Rinaldo's cafe has long been a staple at the JFRC. For 35 years, Rinaldo and Nella Fiorini and their children operated the coffee and snack bar. John Felice wanted the café to be privately run by an Italian family. Over the years, Rinaldo and Nella served countless panini and cappucchini and shared endless memories with thousands of students. Today, the Café is run by another wonderful Italian family with 'mamma' Marina continuing the tradition. Students can eat, study, and gather with friends in this quaint space.
Mensa and Café Terrace
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This terrace is an extension of the mensa and café and allows students to dine outdoors with faculty and friends. This gathering space also allows students a place to study or converse with their friends and practice their Italian.
Information Commons and Library
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The Information Commons is a model of energy efficiency and sustainable development, maximizing the use of energy consumed and minimizing the impact on the environment. It also happens to be a beautiful work of architecture. The facility is one of the most technologically advanced libraries in Rome, an appropriate home for one of the largest collections of English books in the city. Students will find access to WiFi, computers, and study rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Library is included in the Information Commons with stacks of books on the upper level, including an extensive travel section. Students also have access to Loyola University Chicago's online library resources.
Classroom or Sala
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Academics are the core of a student's experience at the JFRC. Drawing from the best of European culture, the courses take full advantage of the sights, sounds, and locations in and around Rome. Courses include Fine Arts, Film, Music, Fashion, Architecture, Sculpture, Communications, Political Science, History, Business, and many more. Class sizes are small allowing for conversation and active class learning where students will quickly discover the benefits of studying in Rome. Throughout the year, there are faculty led excursions in Rome and other European cities where shared experience and exploration bring classrooms studies to life.
Sala Fink
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Sala Fink, the Fine Arts Classroom, is dedicated to Professor Fink. Dr. Michael Fink was an art history professor and beloved faculty member for years at the John Felice Rome Center. During his tenure, many JFRC students had the pleasure of being in his classes and drawing from his inspired teaching methods. From sculpture to drawing, this fine arts space allows students to discover the artist that lives within them and be inspired by the Roman culture and history.
Palestra
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The Palestra – a combination of workout and dance studio – ensures that students stay physically fit while studying in Rome. Aerobic and yoga classes are offered regularly and a licensed fitness instructor comes weekly to help students stay healthy. The Palestra is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is easily accessible.
Recreation Room
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What campus wouldn't be complete without a recreational space for students? This recreational room allows students to unwind and relax with their friends. During the year, it is home to movie nights, volunteer activities, organized lectures on Italian life and culture, karaoke, game nights and themed social events. Complete with computers and wifi, students can Skype their family and friends back home or just enjoy being in the company of their fellow JFRC friends.
Residence Hall Room
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The John Felice Rome Center supports an atmosphere in the residence hall which balances academic pursuits with social activities. The residence hall can accommodate 200 students in traditional double occupancy rooms with community bathrooms. Graduate student living assistants with experience living in Rome, help students transition to life abroad. Social activities both on campus and around the city, introduce students to their new home. Having students live on campus enhances the community and creates life-long friendships.
Olive Grove
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The Olive Grove has been an honored part of the JFRC. For decades, the grove remained untouched. Then, in the spring of 2013 a coalition of student living assistants, faculty, staff, and facilities members teamed up and successfully organized a full olive cultivation. After spending days researching the branches and determining the trees were strong and healthy, the coalition organized their pressing with a local oil press for distribution to the JFRC community. To this day, the JFRC continues to work with outside service providers to ensure the trees are pruned and ready for the yearly fall harvest.
Balduina Neighborhood
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The campus is located in the upper Balduina district of Monte Mario, Rome's highest hill. The neighborhood is home to diplomats, senators, judges, and many other distinguished families. By living on campus in this great neighborhood, students experience day to day Italian life. Within walking distance are grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and convenience stores. In addition, there are also banks, ATMs, a post office and other small businesses. With a bus stop two blocks away, students have easy access to Rome's many historical destinations and hot spots.
Vatican Area
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One of the many benefits of studying at the John Felice Rome Center is being able to explore Rome for both academic purposes and for fun. The Vatican is just a 20 minute bus ride from campus and is often on of the first stops for our students. As part of their academics, students will often have a behind the scenes experience at the Vatican. This is just one of many Roman destinations that students will experience while studying at the John Felice Rome Center. Keeping with Loyola's Jesuit, Catholic traditions, JFRC students are encouraged to become global citizens through an expansive curriculum that fully incorporates Rome, Italy and Europe.
