Program Reviews

My experience at Verto in Seville was horrible. The first month and a half of the semester was nice, being able to experience a new country by living in it is an amazing opportunity, but soon started some problems with my roommate (I had a roommate already assigned to me but the staff messed it up at the last second so the girl that became my roommate was not known to me until 3 days before move in). It got to the point where I had to leave the student residency and live with a host family for the rest of the time I was there. I had received nonstop harassment from 2 girls with texts threatening me and my family as well as them trashing my room and stealing clothes and my dishes that I had bought to share but while in the process of moving to the host family my things were stolen. I had begged the verto staff for help and no one was able to help except two staff members who had helped me go to a host family. I felt completely helpless and the verto staff did basically nothing. I had a few classes with these girls and I had asked for weeks for the verto staff if it was possible to adjust my schedule (switching two classes for different hours which would have been a simple switch based on how my class schedule was set.) I understand there are rules that have to be followed in terms of scheduling and classes, but based on the circumstances I was i felt that it was just that I could have help with this. Instead I was faced with ridicule. As for the academics, the teachers were very good especially Professor Carlos, he really wanted to see every student succeed and he showed me a kindness that I could not find in other staff members during the things that were happening to me in the second half of the semester. Another problem with this program is that if you do not go to one of their partner universities it can be hard to make a solid group of friends. I now study in Portugal full time and I’ve realized a huge difference between European students and American students. The difference I saw was that with the American students it was very cliquey, if you didn’t go to their school then they wouldn’t want to talk to you, with Europeans they are normally with open arms to welcome new people. It was similar with the staff, the Spanish staff were very helpful with everything and made an effort to put themselves out there for us to be comfortable but I cannot say the same for the American staff.

I have had such a good experience so far with Verto Education in Seville Spain. I have been able to travel throughout Spain and Europe on the weekends and during breaks. I also have gained real, valuable friendships. Me and my roommate in my host home have gotten so close and we plan to do other trips after finishing our semester. Overall, I have had such a good experience here in Seville, Spain. The city is quite versatile and walkable so there us much to do and you won't get bored. From the Guadalquivir river to all the cafes to the museums and night life, there is always something to do.

I always wanted to study abroad, so when I was given the chance to go to Prague, I snatched it up quick and I haven't regretted it! There is so much beauty in this city, and I've made so many friends here that I plan on keeping for life. I can't state this enough: If you're on the fence about college, join Verto Education!! It has genuinely helped me find myself and understand the world better. Take the plunge!! The experiences you make are ones you'll remember for a life time. You deserve this!!

It's my fifth week here and I am absolutely loving it! I have made so many people from all over and made a lot of great friends. The academic aspect is a bit challenging, but I am getting the hang of it. The staff is also great, super friendly and helpful. It's also super easy to do personal trips outside of the program all around Europe, I've already gone to Croatia and I am heading to Barcelona today! Would definitely recommend this program to anybody who isn't sure if they want to go right into a 4 year or for people that want to travel.

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!

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!