Verto Education

I had the opportunity to do a second semester with Verto Education in Seville Spain this year. It has been such a great experience thus far and I expect to have many more great memories made. I've been able to travel to Madrid, Portugal, and I am actually in Italy for my November break while writing this review. Travelling is my passion in life, and I have been able to do so much of it thanks to Verto. Seville is a beautiful city with wonderful views, cafes, and museums, structures. I am staying with a host family here and it has been an experience I will never forget. I have a good relationship with my host family, and it also allows me to learn more Spanish. I would suggest saving some money before coming so that you can have the best experience possible.

I started verto in the fall of 2023 in Florence Italy. Pre-arrival communication and instruction was well organized and clear and I had no problem getting to Florence and getting settled. The first few weeks there are so many ways to meet people and make Florence start to feel like home, the verto environment does a great job with the social aspect of things. The staff is for the most part so helpful and always there when you need them. The housing is really nice I lived in a 3 bedroom apartment with 6 other guys we each had our own bathroom and it has worked great and been a blast living with them. The location is as good as it gets aswell right in the heart of Florence. The academics are solid with most professors being really engaging and caring and supportive, interesting aswell. I have loved Florence and there is so much to do. Good food, green spaces, beautiful art and architecture (obviously) and a generally great vibe to it. I loved my walk on the river to school each morning and night during sunset. Florence is also a very central location making travel on the weekends easy. I have been able to go to so many places on the weekends via bus or train! Studying abroad to start college is one of the best things you can do to develop your character and travel at perfect time in your life, and you get college credits too!! And no better program to do it with than verto education.

I started verto in the fall of 2023 in Florence Italy. Pre-arrival communication and instruction was well organized and clear and I had no problem getting to Florence and getting settled. The first few weeks there are so many ways to meet people and make Florence start to feel like home, the verto environment does a great job with the social aspect of things. The staff is for the most part so helpful and always there when you need them. The housing is really nice I lived in a 3 bedroom apartment with 6 other guys we each had our own bathroom and it has worked great and been a blast living with them. The location is as good as it gets aswell right in the heart of Florence. The academics are solid with most professors being really engaging and caring and supportive, interesting aswell. I have loved Florence and there is so much to do. Good food, green spaces, beautiful art and architecture (obviously) and a generally great vibe to it. I loved my walk on the river to school each morning and night during sunset. Florence is also a very central location making travel on the weekends easy. I have been able to go to so many places on the weekends via bus or train! Studying abroad to start college is one of the best things you can do to develop your character and travel at perfect time in your life, and you get college credits too!! And no better program to do it with than verto education.

I am currently on my 5th week with verto in Prague and I am loving it! Prague is a beautiful city with so many activities to do. I've met the coolest people from all around the world and everyone has been super kind and welcoming. The staff is also extremely helpful and helped make the transition coming here very smooth. I would highly recommend for anybody not sure what they want to do for college or are considering a gap year.

I chose Verto Education Prague to start my first semester of college and it’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s allowed me to come out of my shell so much and meet so many new people. Not only can I study and start college courses but I can also immerse myself into a whole new culture. The staff is also amazing, very easy to reach, and always supportive. My favorite part of the program however is the ability to travel it gives you. I can go to class during the week and then travel somewhere new on the weekends. Honestly, the best decision I could’ve made for myself.

When I first heard about Verto, I was kind of skeptical. Not only was I promised a study abroad experience, it was relatively cheap compared to other programs. That has to be a scam right? Wrong! I am currently 3 weeks or so into my semester in Prague and I am loving it so far. The food is amazing, the culture is strong, and college feels like a breeze. The professors are extremely kind and passionate about what they teach which makes class so much more interesting and engaging. Verto staff are always nearby in case of an emergency. If you want to travel the world, Verto is the way to go. You starts off small and have the ability to make connections across the globe while also gaining college credits and inside knowledge about different cultures.

Starting here is nerve wrecking since it’s a new environment and culture, but the staff are very welcoming and gave us a safe space to discuss our emotions. during our discovery/orientation week, many events were planned out so we could get a taste of our new lifestyle. i’m looking forward to an amazing semester with Verto filled with challenges!

- [ ] As my second and final semester with Verto comes to an end, I would like to say a few words about the impact that this experience has had on me. Spain was only an after thought for me after arriving at my first semester in Costa Rica. I had heard some of my new best friends talking about ding a second semester in Seville, but at that point, I was pretty sure that I was going to return home to little ol Wichita, Kansas and enrol in community college. I figured that I would have had enough traveling in by December, and that home would be calling my name. But boy am I glad that Seville came along. As the weeks passed in Costa Rica, I quickly realized that I wasnt ready to leave you (the friends that somewhere along the way had become my family) all. I knew I needed more. Upon arriving in Seville, I was worried that I would miss Costa Rica and compare everything to my time there. At first, the differences were apparent, but I quickly realized that this different was providing me with a whole new world of opportunities, experiences, and friendships. The small little Ikea dorm that felt cold at first, soon became filled with pictures and postcards from my weekend trips, and with warm laughter from my new friends. Room 109 will forever have my heart, and the next Vertoans that inhabit it should consider themselves lucky. Although the constant traveling each weekend left me tired and sometimes cranky, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. To the beautiful city of Seville, thank you for welcoming and humbling me at the same time. I finally stopped walking in the bike lanes unknowingly, and my teacher even said that he doesn’t consider me a tourist anymore. I will miss walking through Parque de Maria Luisa every morning on my way to school, and getting blueberries every morning in the Carrefour on my way to class. To the Verto Staff, you all have exceeded my expectations on every level.

This program is a very affordable program with scholarships. This is also a great opportunity if you are looking to study abroad in a smaller community. Turrialba and the CATIE campus are very nice however can sometimes can feel a bit secluded as the ocean is about a 3-hour bus ride and San Jose is about 2-3 hours as well. There are opportunities for independent travel which is really exciting but just know that using the bus system can be difficult at first. As well as if you expect luxurious travel (such as not taking the bus or staying in hotels over hostels) be aware it will be expensive. Students who enjoy being outdoors will find CATIE to be a really beautiful campus and the trip that are planned such as white water rafting and the trip to Panama are very fun. Overall if you are a person who is here for the experience who wants to explore natural settings and small towns this program is for you.

The staff is amazing, communication is one of the best I’ve had experience with Verto. The excursions in this location have been so spread out and fun! I feel more challenged here with courses which as been a nice change and I feel it has prepared me for the future. The only down side is our apartments are 30 minute walk away from the student center. Definitely recommend this location!

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My time in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Verto Education has been well spent doing various activities. Not only am I earning 15 college credits during my semester in Argentina, but I have also gone to some incredible places, such as the House of Representatives and a tour around Recoleta. I have also had an incredible experience while staying in a homestay. The Verto Education staff are very, very helpful while students are abroad. Not only are they approachable, but they are beyond ready to help you with anything you may need. They are enthusiastic about their work and are prepared to help you regarding your academics or life abroad at any time. I, among all alumni, recommend Verto Education to those who want to push themselves out of their comfort zones. The program is a life-changing educational journey where you are able to experience so many new things along the way. It’s once in a lifetime that you get the chance to do something like this, so apply and take that chance!

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I studied abroad in Prague in the Fall of 2022 and I had such a good time. Prague is a beautiful and underrated city and it is a great and popular destination for study abroad students. They have such a rich history and culture and it was so different from everyday life in the US. We studied at a previously existing university in the heart of the city which made everything super easy and convenient and our professors were great. Even though there are somewhat limited course offerings, I loved all the classes I took especially because of the focus on experiential learning. We also went on two overnight excursions to other towns in Czech Republic and did really fun activities like cave spelunking. The 3.5 months went by so fast because I made great friendships and there is so much to do with Verto and on your own. I would definitely recommend Prague!

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Starting college in Costa Rica was the best choice I've ever made and I am so grateful for my experience and for Verto. I was unsure what I would do when I graduated high school and took a leap of faith in going to Costa Rica. I didn't know much about the program but I wanted to earn credits abroad and I got so much out of my time in Turrialba. Shortly after arriving, I knew I wanted to do another semester with Verto. Living on campus with all the Verto students and staff meant we had such a strong community. The excursions were incredible, I had the chance to go all over the country and even to Panama as part of the program, not including independent travel. The classes and professors were top-tier, and I genuinely learned so much even without trying. So many of our classes were held outside of the classroom which made everything so much more memorable. I will cherish my time in Costa Rica for the rest of my life and I truly can't recomend it enough.

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During my first semester of college I chose the Costa Rica location to start off my incredible journey. When I got to Turrialba I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous it had been my first time away from home. However, over the progression of the semester I made so many friends and experienced the true definition of Pura Vida! I got to experiences so many places and the Costa Rican culture all while earning college credits. It was by far one of the best times of my life.

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My time in Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica with Verto Education was well spent doing various activities. Not only did I earn 12 college credits during my semester in Costa Rica, but I also went to some incredible places, such as the Aquiares Coffee & Community, Bocas del Toro in Panama, and local events in the town of Turrialba such as the local Christmas concert to receive toy donations for the local orphanage. I also want to note that the Verto Education staff are very, very helpful while students are abroad. Not only are they approachable, but they are beyond ready to help you with anything you may need. They are enthusiastic about their work and are ready to help you regarding your academics or life abroad at any time. I, among all alumni, recommend Verto Education to those who are wanting to push themselves out of their comfort zones. The program is a life changing educational journey where you are able to experience so many new things along the way. It’s once in a lifetime that you get the chance to do something like this, so apply and take that chance!

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I have had a great time in Florence so far. If you are a person who is interested in city life, then this is the place for you. The thing I have noticed most as a second semester student with Verto Education is the difference in the staff. I have never felt more supported by staff than i do here. Our care team leaders are absolutely amazing and incredibly helpful. Care teams include both academics and student life coordination. They truly are the best and I feel super comfortable talking with them when I need guidance. I think the classes are nice because I can ask questions and actually get the help I need when I need it. The activities we have done so far have been really fun. I am a Spring semester student, so it has been pretty cold. They are taking us to places around Florence that they think we would not go to originally such as Verona, Lucca, Perugia, and Tuscany. I feel like the trips change from semester to semester. I have posted many videos to my TikTok page of my experience here if you want to check them out! @annaaa023

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This semester has been nothing but amazing! I want to start the review by mentioning the staff here. Everyone is so personable, and friendly. There’s never been a question or problem that i’ve faced that hasn’t been answered to completion. If they don’t have the answer or solution, they’ve always gone out of their way to figure it out for me. The professors at this location are great, they all have very active classrooms and aspire to teach and learn from the students. Seville is a beautiful city and i’ve been given infinite freedom to explore. Verto takes you on 4 excursions to different cities included in tuition and they are great trips. If you are considering Verto i would certainly recommend looking further into it!

My experiences with Verto Education are ones that I will carry with me for my entire life. I am currently in my second semester with Verto, my first being in Turrialba, Costa Rica and now in Buenos Aires. I really recommend this program if you feel that you are in need of something new and exciting. This program is also well suited for individuals who are hands-on learners. The classes are set in experiential learning style, meaning that many of them are full of excursions helping you learn in an environment directly correlated to what you are learning in class. For example, in the environmental history course, many of the class days were filled with hikes and tours throughout the beautiful environment of Costa Rica. Likewise in Buenos Aires our Art History course is full of museum trips in which you discuss specific pieces in an open and accepting classroom environment. This learning style has personally allowed me to grow as a person and has allowed me to feel truly as well as fully immersed in my academics without experiencing burnout. If you are between a regular 4 year-college University and Verto education, take the chance and study abroad. You won’t regret it :)

My college plans fell through before my eyes. I knew I needed to do something else after learning I couldn’t go to my planned college. I found Verto and the process of signing up was extremely easy. Verto knew my situation and helped tremendously since I was close to the deadline. I got my parents on board and after a quick sign up process I was set to go abroad my first semester of college and I was so excited. After arriving and during orientation. Verto was helpful with getting me acclimated to my new environment. My housing was so nice. Orientation went through everything I needed to know, and added fun elements to help me get to know the city. My classes were fun, and the experiential learning format kept me engaged. Classes are only Monday- Thursday and Verto leaves Fridays open for personal travel. The Friday excursions were fun because I got to travel with my friends and Verto without spending money on transportation/stay. Verto had lots of activities that allowed me to get to know more people and have fun. Being in another country for the first year of college, can be intimidating, but it was extremely rewarding. Not only was I completing credits to be on track to graduate, I had so much personal growth and discovery of myself by living in an apartment and exploring the world! I have made memories I’ll never forget and I can certainly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made!

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I went to Spain with Verto Education for my first semester of freshman year. I couldn’t have imagine a better start to my college experience. Not only were we immersed in a new and exciting culture, but we were able to make the city of Seville our home, and somewhere were we felt comfortable. Verto Education provided us with endless excursions around the city to help us build community and learn about the culture. My professors were amazing, and I loved going to class to learn. They cared about their students individually and were always there so answer questions if we were confused, or wanted our work double checked. Verto has helped me set up my future and now I’m starting my second semester with they in London for the spring. I highly recommend Verto if you want to start off your college experience abroad!

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