Eliza Weiss is a junior student from Marquette University in Wisconsin, where she is majoring in Advertising and double minoring in Digital Media and Graphic Design. She spent her Fall 2025 semester studying abroad at John Cabot University. During this time, she completed a for-credit internship with JCU’s Web Communications office.
What brought you to Rome and JCU?
I always wanted to study abroad in Rome. My dad is very proud of his Italian heritage and always wanted me to go to Italy, so that definitely influenced me. My mom also studied abroad when she was in college and would tell me all kinds of fun stories. Their love for travel made me excited to get out and explore the world.
When I got to university and started looking at study abroad programs, so many people I talked with had nothing but amazing things to say about JCU. I started looking into it and found that JCU offered many of the things I was looking for, including classes that counted for my Advertising major, weekend excursions in Italy, and clubs to join.
How did you decide on your major and minor?
When I was applying to college, I didn’t know if I wanted to pursue my interest in psychology or follow my creative side. I ended up going into Marquette as a Psychology student but changed my mind after my first year. I switched to Advertising because I’ve always been interested in designing for advertising – I used to cut out logos or packaging that I thought was cool and put it in my journal. I want to be a part of the creative processes for brand campaigns.
Tell us about your internship with the Web Communications office.
Before coming to Rome, I was considering the possibility of living and working abroad for a bit after graduating. I figured an internship was a good way to test the waters and see if I could handle living so far away from home.
I interned with the JCU Office of Web Communications, and their main task is the upkeep of JCU’s official website. My time consisted of interviewing, writing and editing articles, updating web pages, and taking photos of campus events. I learned a lot from my internship that went beyond the logistical skills it takes to run a website. Through staff and student interviews I learned about many different countries and their politics, social views, and cultures. The Web Comm team educated me on Italian history and traditions, and some of my favorite places in Rome are recommendations they gave me. They foster an amazing work environment and give you opportunities to contribute your own ideas to projects.
If you’re looking to intern at JCU, definitely check out the JCU Office of Web Communications! Berenice, Ricky, and Noelle are the best, and I truly learned a lot from them during my time in Rome.
What advice would you give to prospective study abroad students?
It is very normal to arrive here and feel homesick. I’d only been out of the U.S. once for spring break before I came to Rome. Living in a foreign country for four months is a big change for many of us. I promise you’re going to have so much fun, just take advantage of every opportunity that you can. Go out of your way to meet people, especially during that first week! Book the trips you want early, even if you go solo. Most of us won’t have an opportunity like this again to travel every weekend.
But as fun as going to new countries is, take time to explore Italy. It is so historically and culturally rich and diverse. Take day trips to other cities and don’t be afraid to do the touristy stuff.
What are you plans for the future?
I am going back to Marquette and to finish out my last year. After that, I’m not sure exactly! I think I’d like to start working in campaign design for an advertising firm. I want to live in Europe for a bit, but eventually I am going to return to Chicago and work in the city.
