Details
- Listing Type: Gap Year Programs
- Program Delivery: Residential
- Destinations: Argentina, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom
- Credit Awarded: College
- Program Length: Academic Year, Semester
- Start Month: January, September
- Category: Travel/Cultural Immersion
- Selective: No
- Gender: Coed
- Ages: 17, 18, 19+, 19
- Housing: Dorm, Homestay, Other, Student Apartment
- Financial Aid: Grants/Scholarships, Loans
- Minimum Cost: $5,000 - $9,999
Reviews (31)
- The Gateway to an experience...
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I started verto in the...
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.
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Just began my verto experience...
Just began my verto experience in Prague and I'm already loving it! The staff has been super kind and helpful and my professors are great! There's so many things to do around the city and activities to take part in. The food is also really good and everyone here is super nice and friendly... great program with the best people. I was a little bit nervous before my semester began because of living in a new country with new people as a freshman in college, but only a week in and I couldn't be more comfortable and content. Highly recommend for any freshman students who are unsure of what their future plans are (:
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As my second and final...
- [ ] 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 unknowingl, 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.
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As my second and final...
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.
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VERTO COSTA RICA This program...
VERTO COSTA RICA
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.
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If you are a foodie...
If you are a foodie, history buff, and are interested in art this location is for YOU! This location has amazing and challenging courses. The staff is very supportive and has amazing communication between students and staff. Safety is close to a college town, we live in the middle of the historical center so it can get pretty busy and loud, but the apartment are very spacious and nice. I really recommend this location, I have had a blast this semester!
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My time in Buenos Aires...
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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My time in Turrialba Cartago...
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
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Florence Italy with Verto Education...
Florence, Italy with Verto Education
I love Verto Education. This is my second semester with them and I loved it so much I decided to come back after doing two semesters at a college in my hometown. Verto truly is a once in a lifetime experience and I could not recommend it enough. I have learned so much about myself in the two semesters I have done with Verto. I love the academics, as someone who wants to major in business marketing, there were plenty of options for me that aligned with my educational goals. The professors are nice and understanding, they are always willing to help. They even hold office hours once a week just for us to ask questions or help us if we do not understand the material. The student and academic coordinators are the absolute BEST! I love my care team leaders so much, they have been so incredibly helpful. Even the other care team leaders are so helpful. The staff is truly amazing. The living situation (we all live in flats) is beautiful. In my flat alone, we have four original murals... how cool is that?! The flats have everything you need in them; stove, oven, microwave, washing machine, and a full bath. I also feel extremely safe in my flat. Verto usually takes us somewhere every weekend, whether that is out of Florence and just activities to do in Florence, you are covered. It has been a blast so far. My semester, they are/have taken us to Tuscany country side, Lucca, Perugia, Verona, Fiesole, and there is more to come! You will not regret it! -
During my time with Verto...
During my time with Verto Education I was able to experience so many beautiful experiences while earning the college credits I needed. I was nervous at first that I would feel homesick or that I wouldn't be able to do it on my own. However, through this program the staff supported me in all my decisions and I was able to get the transferable credits I needed. I also made so many amazing friendships and got to see so much biodiversity and immerse myself in the Costa Rican culture. This program I highly recommend it was one of the best decisions I had made for my future.
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Verto education in Seville Spain...
Verto education in Seville, Spain is amazing. In my time there I learned a lot about myself. Staying with a host family really immersed me into Spanish culture. The classes are unique and active. I've recommended the program to various friends and I would seriously consider looking into it if you are reading this !
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I've done a full semester...
I've done a full semester with Verto in Spain, and now I'm on my 2nd semester in London. I highly recommend Verto for kids who are feeling a little lost after high school, or just want an amazing freshman year experience. I had no idea where I wanted to go to school, but I knew I wanted to go Abroad at some point. Verto offered countless excursions, over night trips, and experiences for their students. We were fully immersed in the culture. Verto also offered all the support we needed with an Emergency phone, student life coaches, doctors, and counselors. Verto also offers an Associates degree if you want to continue with them for an extra year! I highly recommend Verto for any student starting college. You won't regret it.
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My experiences with Verto Education...
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 :)
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I studied abroad in Florence...
I studied abroad in Florence, Italy my very first semester of college. My original plans fell through but after finding Verto they were quick to help me make a decision and get me through the sign up process. Orientation was fun, I got to explore the city, meet my peers, and learn what I needed to about the program in depth. The staff were considerate and acclimating to every student, and my personal needs. I got to take classes and explore the city at the same time. Verto set up several excursions and activities to travel through the country, and learn about the culture of my location. I made memories that will last forever, discovered myself in a way I never would have going to college in the US, and grew so much as a person. I can truly say that studying with Verto was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
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Prior to my semester with...
- [ ] 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.
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Verto Experience from a current...
Verto Experience from a current student
To start, I will say I absolutely love this program I even chose to do a second semester after attending the first. Graduating highschool I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I was fortunate enough to find Verto. If you're skeptical, it's super easy to sign up for a zoom meeting on their website and you can talk to somebody with any questions you may have.I'll talk a little bit about my experience. I went to Italy for 3 months and it was pretty spectacular. We had our own apartment pretty much in the heart of the city, EVERYTHING was about a 20 minute walking distance from me and the staff is wonderful. Everyone who works in the academic center is a resident of Florence and they speak English completely normally. The school life balance was perfect, for my semester we had fridays off, multiple paid excursions, and I had so many opportunities to travel on my own. I made some friends that I plan on keeping in my life for the foreseeable future. Verto always has resources if you need help with being independent and I just have to say the program is legit and definitely worth looking into if you're interested in studying abroad.
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You will not regret doing...
You will not regret doing verto education. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to stay on track with college credits and travel all over Italy! Through verto I feel like I became so much more independent and outgoing. Living in another country was difficult at times but the verto staff did an amazing job with making sure we were well supported in everything from academics, doctor visits, to even just being unaware of what store I should buy a pillow from. Verto also paid to take us to multiple trips though out the semester to see other cities in italy. Academically, it was great too! The smaller class sizes really allowed you to create meaningful relationships with your professors. During my semester, I was also able to make so many amazing friends with the same passion for travel that I have. I wouldn't trade this past semester for anything. 10/10 would recommend anyone looking to stay on track with college but have amazing adventures and experiences.
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I live verto it's honestly...
I live verto it's honestly such an amazing program
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I was nervous in the...
I was nervous in the beginning, my son had never been away from home for so long, did not know how to cook and was not the most adventurous.
The last three months have been AWESOME. He has grown up so much in a short time. His dad went to visit him and could not stop talking about how independent and adventurous he has become.
The program has encouraged him to explore and find a passion in travel. -
Verto has been the answer...
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 -
My daughter participated in the...
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! She will spend the next semester with Verto in Spain!
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My time abroad with verto...
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
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My daughter has been having...
My daughter has been having a meaningful experience in Buenos Aires. She was unsure about spending her first semester in college abroad, but it has proved to be the best decision. From afar, I am witnessing her transform into a confident, independent, and creative adult ready to navigate the world.
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BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE...
BEST DECISION I'VE EVER MADE!!
I've been studying abroad with Verto in London for the past 3 months and I can't recommend it enough! I was hesitant about making the decision to study with Verto, but I am so glad that I did. Studying abroad with Verto lets me earn college credits to graduate in 4 years AND explore all around the UK and Europe. One of my favorite parts of Verto's programming is the excursions included with tuition. Some of these excursions include traveling outside of London (I've been to Edinburgh, Oxford, and Stonehenge to name a few!) but there are also a ton of activities within the city (going to theater shows, markets, tours around London, etc.). Since my classes only meet once a week (and most people have no classes on Friday!) I've also been able to travel a ton on my own to places like Dublin, Rome, and Paris. I also love Verto's approach to experiential learning. All of my professors really take advantage of all that London has to offer to enhance my learning. The only thing I wish was improved was some more organization in the communication from Verto, but overall it's been great. If you're looking for an amazing and enriching experience, Verto is definitely for you!
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Hi my name is Keri...
Hi my name is Keri and I studied in Costa Rica with Verto Education for my first semester of college! I am very passionate about environmental science and I am so happy I was able to come here and explore that passion. In addition to seeing beautiful scenery like volcanos and waterfalls every weekend, I also got to learn so much about environmental conservation! Some of my favorite things I got to do were rafting on the Pacuare River and planting 1,000 trees in the Pacuare River Basin!
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AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR THOSE...
AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL!
Currently, I am in my Verto semester in London. What is great about this program is the fact that I am able to get college credits while also being able to explore all around England. Even though I was waitlisted from the college I will be entering in the spring, I can still be on track to graduate in four years. Additionally, being the first person in my family to study abroad, I have been able to live a completely different lifestyle, which overall has been a beneficial experience. Verto has been perfect in creating excursions across the country and providing optional opportunities to explore the city together. This experience is a recommendation to those who want to try something different and enjoy the college experience. -
I have been in Costa...
I have been in Costa Rica for about 3 months now and I have to say I still recommend anyone to apply and study abroad with Verto! My experience here has been amazing! Yes, there have been some bumps in the road but this a learning process for all that's involved including the staff. The about of support is the best thing about this program, everyone wants you to succeed and become a better you and that's what I love most about verto. If your considering applying do it, this program will not only change your life but also give you opportunities you won't find anywhere else
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Hello My name is Janelle...
Hello My name is Janelle and I'm currently in Costa Rica with Verto Education. Costa Rica is a very unique place to study abroad in because there's nature everywhere. You're going to school and earning college credits while also going to excursions like zip lining, etc. It is a very fun place to be at and if you're from a small town this is the right place for you. The town and people are so welcoming as well as the campus and staff. It is an experience that you'll never forget.
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Verto Education is currently on...
Verto Education is currently on their first semester in Prague, Czech Republic. As a first hand student in Verto, I can confirm that this program exceeds my standards. They have very supportive staff and excellent class options. The city is beautiful and the residencias are comfy. I would definitely do another semester again.
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A ONCE IN A LIFETIME...
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE !!!!! DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT:)
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!
The Gateway to an experience full of wonder, excitement, and fun. This program is an amazing opportunity for students coming right out high school, as I did myself. Currently I am in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and my time is coming to an end- I only have a week left. This program has given me the chance to 1. earn college credits. 2. meet new people. 3. Travel while doing those first 2 things. This semester has changed my life and I am so grateful to be here- from going to the Iguaz'u Falls or going to Ranch in order to ride horses all while eating Empanadas and Dulce de Leche . The program itself is definitely student based and I loved how our classes were hands on learning and going to different places in order to see and not just sit in a classroom everyday. Being here with Verto has defined and shown me how different my college experience is and how I can bring this back home to family and friends who are younger than me and getting ready to graduate and let them know that there is other opportunities you can take for your college experience.
I am so grateful for this experience and even though I can't wait to go back home I know I will miss being here.