Program Reviews

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!

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 was a really freeing experience. I went to Italy in fall of 2022 and I had so many opportunities. To start, the school itself is wonderful. The staff is nothing short from amazing, and the classes were high quality. I took advantage of my situation and took my weekends to travel. While I was there I got to see the world. I went all around italy, from Florence (obviously), to Venice, Rome, Lake Como, Pisa, Aosta, Sienna, Naples, the list goes on. I even got to travel to Iceland! We had Fridays off which made this super accessible. You get your own advisor who will always have time for any of your concerns, each advisor has about 30 students (we had a class size of around 250) The academic center was an amazing building only about a 15 minute walk, 5 minute bike ride from my apartment. I still fantasize about the food…

Verto education was absolutely amazing. Not only was I able to keep up with my academics, I got an unforgettable experience with it. I absolutely loved all my professors, they really went above and beyond to help me succeed in their classes. With the smaller class sizes you also get to build closer relationships with each of the professors. Socially, it was also amazing. I was able to meet amazing people and even plan trips with them. I loved it so much I decided to do another semester! 10/10 you won’t regret it.

My son went through this program so my review is based on what he has told me. Overall, the program was well managed from early introductions to course selections and trip preparations. There were many zoom sessions set up early to walk us through the process and help us prepare. When in London, overall, he had a very good experience. He had one emergency issue that was quickly resolved when I called the support staff on site there. The classes were good and the scheduling of longer class times once per week allowed for him to explore the city and learn to be on his own. I think that he will value this experience for the rest of his life.

This program was awesome for my son. He has been able to meet awesome people that I’m hoping he will continue to keep in touch with for years to come. The experience that he had in Spain will help to continue to shape his bright future. I feel that this program allowed him to learn more about himself and grow in areas that he wouldn’t have if he did not study abroad. Not only has he had the opportunity to immerse himself in another culture but also to be paid as a photographer while he was there.

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 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!

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’ve also met life long friends and it’s just amazing all around:) I love it here!

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.