Verto Education

My daughter appreciated the academic experience and academic staff support. Advising staff was poor from day one in relation to transition from VERTO to college. If student participates in the VERTO stand alone program the student needs to be very proactive and not depend on promised resources. Note student will need to be applying for college in the first months of their college experience on top of their classes. I do not recommend the stand alone VERTO. Program through the VERTO recommended university, especially if accommodations are needed.If you are a strong student and eligible for scholarships, I recommend that you apply to the college of your choice WITH a VERTO program. Accept your incoming scholarships and take the VERTO program through your college. You will not have another opportunity to accept scholarships based on your strong high school academics. If you participate in a VERTO program through the stand alone VERTO program you become a transfer student. Transfer students are not offered many scholarships, benefits, or resources at most colleges. The colleges are just happy to take your money. If colleges do offer scholarships to transfer students, the students generally need to have AT LEAST 30 transfer credits to apply, so make sure to earn 30 credit hours.

It is best to check with “partner” colleges to ensure that they will accept your credits. We found that some “partner” schools only offered 0.25 credit hours for 1 credit hour earned at VERTO. We also found that some schools will not review credits prior to acceptance and matriculation. In my daughter’s case, most credits at partner schools were accepted as elective credits not core credits. We were advised that credits may only be accepted as electives, not as partial credit.

Finally, if you are a strong student looking for a gap year experience with a chance to earn college credit and choose the stand alone program. In addition to earning 30 credit hours, if you need scholarships, it will be important that you advocate for yourself and get to know admissions counselors and go to college meet and greets with the department you are applying to for admission. You may have to do this virtually since you will be abroad.

The program has many benefits; however, it is important to be a proactive educated consumer, especially, if you are a strong student looking for a gap year experience.

Go for your future with gusto! The world awaits you.

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.