Verto Education - Start College in Turrialba, Costa Rica

In the fall I was doing the online semester which was apart of the Global Impact Year/ Hybrid Semester. Online was ok because it was quarantine and we were not allowed to leave our homes. In the Spring of 2021, I came to Costa Rica. Coming to Costa Rica was the best decision I could have made. My program leaders were the best leaders anyone could ask for. All of the people in my group or Cohort were very loving. The best group I could have asked for. All of us got along and just clicked. I highly recommend Verto to any person that wants to study abroad.

My experience was unique simply by that fact that I was able to study in Costa Rica. Everything about this was unique. The ability to take forest surveys in the middle of the jungle for environmental science, or surf on the Caribbean Cost after the end of our first classes, or visit two indigenous tribes for International Development and Latin American History. There were so many incredible and unique experiences like these that were littered throughout the trip. The amount of adventures we went on, and the incredible life long friendships that I made on this trip make it an unforgettable experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in traveling.

I had been looking forward to coming to Costa Rica since the summer of 2020. I had been hoping to come in the fall, but because of covid, I did the online semester and I was a global impact year student. I had the best cohort in Costa Rica. We had community meetings every week and for the last 2 months the meetings felt positive for the most part. All 3 program leaders were like parents and my cohort felt like an extended family. The excursions are fun and even if they're for field study, they aren't academic based. Ps......pictures weren't wanting to upload, but follow the Verto Instagram page and come aboard yourself to have your own adventure and take lots of pictures because it's very beautiful.

My experience this semester is something I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life. From my time her I crossed a decent amount of bucket list items off my list. Along with making connections with people all over the US some close some far. Starting the semester only knowing certain people from the fall semester online to getting to know everyone and basically becoming a family away from home in a home away from home. Overall this the trip will be something I look back on for time to come this entire trip overall thought me how to be Pura Vida!

I had the best time of my life here. The people I met, the experiences I had, the place I lived. Everything was so amazing for this three months and I’m so grateful that I signed up. Every single person I’ve met on this trip is considered family for life. I plan on returning to Costa Rica to visit, and I’m very excited for my future. Please, if you’re thinking of doing this, sign up. You’ll be investing in one of the best programs, in the best location. It’s true, it’s the most beautiful country in the world.

I really loved this program it helped me get out of my shell and find myself. There was so many fun adventures from surfing, zip lining and white water rafting. The food is amazing and it cultural. I made life long friends whether it be locals, students and travelers. I am with like morning people and it is very up lifting and inspiring . I learned a lot during these classes I took. I loved how I was able to get quality education, from teachers who are experts in the field and who are highly educated and understanding

Verto education truly changed my life. As I was going through the college process I couldn’t see myself living on a campus right away so I started looking into travel programs. I took a chance with Verto and I’m beyond happy that I did. I studied in Costa Rica which was so different than life in the United States. I learned how to be a confident safe traveler and I had some of the most fun, thrilling experiences. I am forever bonded to Costa Rica and the amazing friends that I have made. As the semester comes to an end, all I can think about are the road trips I’ll be planning to visit all of my new friends!

The staff on my trip were incredible. I made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I had life-changing experiences and adventures that truly made this semester irreplaceable. I wish I could re-live this trip and experience it all again. Ziplining, white-water rafting, and repelling down waterfalls were just some of the many incredible excursions we had. I can not imagine having spent my first year as a college student anywhere else. I love everyone here and it breaks my heart to have to say goodbye.