Verto Education

When applying for college I didn’t think that studying abroad was an option for me.
However, after stumbling across the verto program everything changed. Not only was it ten times more accessible than I thought but I was also immediately offered support. So far I have made so many meaningful friendships with both my peers and the staff and I could not be happier. I am now able to further my education while also exploring a wonderful and beautiful city. One thing I love about Prague is especially how safe it is and how amazing the culture is as well. Starting my education with Verto was truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, not only does it provide you with good classes but also many different ways to immerse yourself in the Czech culture. Whether it be through trips with the program or clubs. In the end, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is looking for college and exploration in one!

- [ ] 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.

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.

I have had an amazing time here in Italy! The course work has been more challenging then pass location but I feel it’s has better prepared me for my next step in my college career. Communication has been amazing at this location and the staff have been extremely helpful! Safety wise has been a little challenging, we live in apartment in the middle of the historical center so it’s always busy, it reminds me of any college town. The student center is a 30 minute walk, but it is a beautiful walk! I recommend this location if you are a history buff,foodie and love traveling!

Verto London has been amazing for my spring semester. I absolutely love the city of London and having the support of Verto staff has been unbelievable. My environment couldn’t be better. I truly feel that I am challenged within the classes, but not too much to where it’s unbearable- the perfect amount to make me grow. The excursions we go on and care team activities bond us closer and have gotten me to explore new things in and outside of London. The community within Verto is very close and comforting- I have only enjoyed my experience with Verto and I would recommend it to anyone!