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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

Prior to my semester with Verto, I had never left the United States alone. So naturally, I had tons of questions and concerns regarding packing, safety, and of course the kind of education I would be receiving. Verto staff worked with me prior to my departure and answered every question I could think of, and provided me with ample information to make me feel prepared and excited for my journey. Upon arrival, we had a week of orientation to help us adapt to the culture shock, learn about our courses, and tour the town that we would be calling “home” for the next 3 and a half months. All of my professors were fantastic people with good hearts that went the extra mile in every way to ensure that we understood the subject and also how to apply it to real life. The hands on and immersive learning style fit me extremely well and I definitely retained more information from my courses than I ever did in a traditional classroom setting in high school. The excursions that we went on with Verto such as our trip to Panama, canyoning, white water rafting, hiking the local volcano and cloud forest, were all led very well and I felt that I was in good hands the entire time. The end of the semester brought some of the hardest goodbyes that I’ve ever had to make. My roommates had become family, and the SLC’s felt like parents. The locals I met along the way were the most welcoming and friendly people I’d ever met, and as eager as I was to see my family back home, I never wanted to leave Turrialba. I think everyone should be able to study abroad at least once in their life, and I was fortunate enough to choose Verto to help me get there.

Verto Education after going to my first semester abroad was probably the best choice I could’ve made. I didn’t know what I wanted to do coming out of highschool and Verto gave me the opportunity to earn credits and time to decide. My experience was nothing short from great. From the amazing staff, beautiful city, to the freedom in italy. I took advantage of every second I had there. I was able to travel and see multiple countries, explore pretty much all of Italy, and feel like I was really a local in Florence. The classes were all very well organized too! I loved my experience so much I decided to attend a second semester in Spain which I had the opportunity to choose during my semester. Afterwards, i’m attending one of the various partner schools Binghamton University which I would’ve never considered without Verto. This experience has guided me and put me on a path that I didn’t have during highschool.

I was completely lost before I found out about verto. College decisions didn’t go the way I had planned and I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to stay on track with my academics. Luckily, I had found out about Verto at just the right time. I had always wanted to travel and with verto I was able to travel and get college credit during that time. Academically, I thought verto did a great job. Though they offer less classes than a traditional college but I really enjoyed having a smaller building and less students. It really allowed us to build meaningful relationships with our professors. Verto was also just amazing at making sure everyone was safe and supported while abroad. They gave us all the information the first week on medical services in English, the local hospitals, and all the numbers you would possibly need if you were in an emergency. They even have an emergency phone just for verto students that students can call to get 24/7 help. The staff were also so supportive and genuinely cared for your wellbeing. Verto also made sure to set up clubs and activities for students to get to know each other and form lifelong friendships. There was almost a free activity every day throughout the entire semester! Though my favorite part was the verto sponsored trips. Throughout the semester verto took us on 3 day trips and 1 overnight trip to different cities in Italy. They were so fun and it was really cool to be able to travel. Overall, Verto was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many amazing friends and got to explore so much of Italy. I even decided to do another semester since I loved it so much!

As a mother who homeschooled for ten years, I was hesitant to send my daughter all the way to Spain for her first semester in college. The administration at verto, however, made the transition for her and our family, easy. They answered all our questions in the one and one meetings. And They were available via email if we had any questions after our meetings. Even when we had questions about the visa, process, a counselor was there to guide us through it! My husband and I were super excited to visit our daughter in Spain a few days ago. To see how much she has grown into herself is a priceless gift. Verto offers independence+community. Thanks to Verto, I’ll definitely be encouraging my other two children to enroll with Verto for their first semester of college. Grateful parent, Kadine Christie

Verto hands down opened my eyes to a new world of adventures, cultures, and friends - all I had hoped for. As I continue walking along the streets of Sevilla, I get sad that I am leaving this place but also grateful for the memories I had here. One thing I would change is: I wish there more challenging courses or even actual assignments that would help better understand the subject. Other than that, it’s been a great experience.

My son studied in Spain and I believe he had an awesome time!! I’m very grateful that he got to experience studying abroad. Every time I spoke with him he appeared to be having an awesome time. He’s gotten to meet friends that I hope he will stay in contact with for years to come.

Verto has been the answer to my prayers for a rich immersive cultural experience for our daughter. I have had the privilege to study in different countries so I know from first hand experience of the benefits that come with it. I have always wanted to find similar healthy opportunities for my kids to do so. Verto has offered this in a safe, supportive, well structured and unique way. As a dad I couldn’t think of a better program to recommend. Thank you Verto !! Benjamin E. Smith

Verto has been the answer to my prayers for a rich immersive cultural experience for our daughter. I have had the privilege to study in different countries so I know from first hand experience of the benefits that come with it. I have always wanted to find similar healthy opportunities for my kids to do so. Verto has offered this in a safe, supportive, well structured and unique way. As a dad I couldn’t think of a better program to recommend. Thank you Verto for everything you have all done to make their dreams to travel and experience the world a reality! Benjamin E. Smith

This experience changed my life in all the right ways! I have grown from this experience so much more than expected and I’m just getting that closer to my dream and I would not have done that without this program. This has been a blessing to me and trust me academics wise I’ve learned so much and For some reason it’s always felt so difficult for me to understand concepts with subjects but the teachers here just know how to teach right. I love it here!

My daughter participated in the Verto Program in Italy and I can say without a doubt that it was a life changing experience for her and for us! She had a chance to “leave the nest” in a safe environment and experience “adulting” away from home but with all the support necessary to succeed. Cooking, making financial decisions, dealing with setbacks and problem solving, traveling and experiencing a new culture. She’s a new person and is ready for more!

My time abroad with verto education has been incredible and I will never forget it. Verto and its teachers singlehandedly reinvigorated my passion for education. In my 15 years of being a student, I've never had such perfect grades and had the ability to participate in extracurricular activities while continuing to travel to other places in Europe. The Verto team really goes above and beyond to make your experience as smooth as possible (visas, housing & food, commuting). I love Verto and I would specifically recommend it to anybody who is questioning the path of a college education. I took two gap years before this and now I plan to obtain a doctorate in the future. That's how amazing it is.

Throughout the rocky college admissions season, my daughter (a high school senior at the time) was introduced to Verto by her school counselor. Although she has always been set on exploring the world, she was unsure of spending her first semester of college abroad. I convinced her to bite the bullet, and it is clear that it was the best decision. I am witnessing her transform into a confident, independent, and creative adult ready to navigate the world.

I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica with Verto Education! I really loved my dorm and my roommates, and we had an amazing community on campus. I met some of the most amazing people that I think I'll ever meet and I learned so much. We went on some awesome excursions like white water rafting on the Pacuare River, and we planted 1,000 trees in the Pacuare River Basin. Overall I had a great time and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Originally when I was deciding where I wanted to go to college, I was set on following a more "normal" path and attending a 4-year college in the states. When I didn't get accepted into my dream school in the fall, I was devastated. But I am so glad I decided to study with Verto Education! With Verto I'm still able to attend my dream school in the spring, and stay on track to graduate in 4 years! It has been such an amazing experience to study abroad in London. One of my favorite aspects of Verto's programming is the excursions - there are some required and some that are optional. With Verto I've been able to travel all around the UK to places like Stonehenge, Edinburgh, Oxford, and more, all included in my tuition! Since my classes only meet once a week (with no classes on Friday!) I've also been able to travel to places outside the UK and explore London. There is never a shortage of things to do in London! Verto students all live in the same fully furnished apartment complex within walking distance of the newly renovated study center. The living accommodation is in a safe area that is very close to grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, shopping, etc. My only complaint would be that I wish there was a bit more organization in regard to the communication from Verto, but otherwise, everything has been fantastic!

I have been in Costa Rica for about 3 months and I have to say my experience has been pretty good, there have been some bumps in the road but overall i have made life long Friendships and found out what I want to do for the rest of my life.When we first got to the airport we had to wait about 3 hours for a bus to then take us 2 1/2 hours way, I felt that could have been better planned out. The food has been an issued for people who are vegan or vegetarian, but they are trying to work on that right now. I do still recommend verto to anyone who wants to travel abroad while earning credits! Verto has given me opportunities that other colleges can not.

Being able to start my college life in London was a completely different experience than what I had expected. However, choosing this path was perfect, as I was not just able to live in a completely different country, but I was also able to get college credits and therefore still be able to graduate in the same amount of time. The staff here has been extremely helpful, providing a laid-back environment where I can learn but still have fun. They have organized different excursions to help us explore different parts of the country, which is perfect for those who love to travel. If you like to explore and want to try something different than the "conventional" pathway, Verto is perfect for you.

Hello I’m currently studying abroad In Costa Rica and it’s been amazing so far. I’m getting all the credits I need to transfer to another school I want to go to when I get back to the states. The environment and community is so welcoming as well as the whole staff. My professors are super helpful and are most of the time always available. There are many places around campus to just hangout and study. Also there are tons of clubs and activities to do on your free time. If you love the tropical climate and heat, this is the right place for you. Any location you pick is very memorable and a beautiful experience. I definitely recommend starting your first year of college abroad because it is unforgettable

Are you thinking about studying abroad but not sure which program to choose? Stop right here and sign up for Verto Education!! Verto not only provides students a safe, cost-effective, reliable study abroad experience, it also gives students the ability to earn college credits to transfer to their University of choice! It is the perfect route for someone who wants to kickstart their transition into college life. Verto provides amazing housing, comprehensive academic curriculums, and plenty of fun excursions (paid for by the program!!!) This is an opportunity you do NOT want to miss out on. The community Verto fosters as well is incredible. There is an amazing sense of comradery, respect, and compassion created within the students, professors, and staff. Speaking as a current student in Florence, Italy, this is a once in a lifetime experience. I cannot imagine not choosing to attend Verto for my first semester of college!

My experience as a Study abroad student in Seville, Spain was incredible! The organization of events was amazing, we would receive a very detailed pre-departure email for excursions and i was never unprepared. The dorms have a cozy feeling as they don’t feel too close or too far from other students. The scenery every time I left the residence never got old, I would find something I would mesmerize about every day. I would seriously recommend going abroad to anyone!

Traveling abroad to London with Verto was easily the best decision of my life! They have such an incredible community of staff, teachers, and students and provide an incredible academic and housing experience. Students get to live in a fully furnished flat and there are student life and academic coordinators on site to assist with any needs. The location is in an amazing, beautiful and safe area and classes are just a walk away. Traveling with Verto Education was the best decision I’ve ever made and I would highly highly recommend to anyone interested!