Verto Fall ’25 October Newsletter

Academic Updates:

It’s been an exciting few weeks of learning and exploration for our students in Buenos Aires!

In Introduction to Music, students visited their professor’s music studio for a private performance by Hilda Herrera — an acclaimed Argentine composer, pianist, and educator. A few students even shared their own musical talents, turning the visit into a lively and collaborative jam session.

Our Introduction to Philosophy class took their studies beyond the classroom with a visit to La Catedral, an iconic tango venue. Students not only participated in a tango lesson but also stayed for a milonga, experiencing firsthand how art, culture, and philosophy intertwine in everyday Argentine life.

In Diversity and Social Justice, students have been deeply engaged in community work across Buenos Aires. This month, they volunteered at a soup kitchen, participated in a shoreline cleanup with a local environmental group, and helped build homes with TECHO. Later this week, they’ll attend a class at the University of Buenos Aires alongside Argentine freshmen, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange.

In Making Modern Latin America, students visited the Immigration Museum to explore Argentina’s rich history as a nation shaped by waves of migration — from Italian and Spanish settlers to more recent Latin American communities — and how these influences continue to define Buenos Aires’ vibrant identity.

Outside the classroom, students continue to receive academic support through peer tutoring in writing, math, and Spanish, including virtual math tutoring with Verto’s own Israel Pérez. Student Success Advisors are also available to support study skills, time management, and academic planning.

As we wrap up midterms, we’re incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and look forward to a strong second half of the semester!

Student Life Updates:

At the end of September, students embarked on two unforgettable overnight excursions, one to Bariloche in Patagonia and another to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. In Bariloche, they enjoyed stunning mountain landscapes, went rafting, and explored the region’s rich indigenous culture. Meanwhile, in Iguazú, students swam beneath a waterfall, experiencing the awe-inspiring power of the falls up close and getting soaked in the process!

Back on campus, students have shown great initiative and commitment by organizing and maintaining a vibrant lineup of student clubs. Current offerings include Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Latin Dance, Art, Spikeball, Slacklining, Rock Climbing, Bible Study, and Book Club — each fostering creativity, connection, and community-building.

In the lead-up to midterms, students participated in Wellness Week, designed to help them relax and prepare for exams with balance and focus, the week featured four hands-on workshops: Art Therapy, Face Masks & Henna, Yarn Wrapping, and Journaling. Staff also led a calming yoga session at the student residence and a Chi Kung class, a blend of martial arts and meditation, in a nearby park.

Academic Updates:

Time is flying in Florence — midterms are already behind us! Leading up to this important milestone, students have been engaged in dynamic learning experiences that brought their subjects to life.

In Drawing I, students took their sketchbooks to the beautiful Piazza Santa Trinita, where they practiced viewing the world through negative space. This outdoor exercise encouraged a balance between quick, expressive sketching and slower, more detailed observation — all while capturing the energy of a bustling Florentine piazza.

In Introduction to Chemistry, students used playdough to represent different atoms, exploring the concept of stoichiometry in a creative, hands-on way. This activity helped them visualize the relationship between mass, moles, and molecular composition — making an abstract idea both tangible and memorable.

Meanwhile, in Principles of Communication, students welcomed guest speaker Ibrahim Songne, a bicultural entrepreneur who shared his personal journey. His talk touched on themes of identity, self-awareness, adaptability, and career development, offering a powerful example of authentic communication and cultural connection.

From classrooms to piazzas, labs to local landmarks, every learning experience continues to challenge students to think deeply, engage creatively, and approach the world with curiosity and confidence.

Student Life Updates:

The past few weeks have been full of fun, exploration, and connection for our Verto Florence students.

One major highlight was the overnight trip to Verona and Lake Garda. Students explored Verona — famously known as the city of Romeo and Juliet — and took a scenic boat ride on Lake Garda from the picturesque town of Sirmione. It was a weekend filled with sightseeing, relaxation, and bonding with friends.

Back in Florence, students climbed the Giotto Belltower for breathtaking views of the city and rolled up their sleeves for a Care Team Pasta Making Class, where they learned how to make three kinds of pasta (and enjoyed every bite!). Some students also visited Pratolino Park, a beautiful green space just outside the city, to enjoy a peaceful day in nature.

Student clubs are in full swing — the Basketball Club has been meeting for friendly matches, while the Hacky Sack Club has created space for casual outdoor fun and community building.

Just before midterms, students participated in Wellness Week, a time to focus on self-care. Each student received a Wellness Bag filled with thoughtful gifts to help them recharge, and one of our Student Success Advisors led a calming Pilates class.

We’re so proud of how quickly students have settled into life in Florence — trying new things, making friends, and making the most of every opportunity. There’s so much more to come!

Academic Updates:

London’s academics have been in full motion — and not just inside the classroom. This semester, students have participated in nearly 100 experiential learning activities that connect course content to real-world settings.

Whether studying natural wonders at the Natural History Museum, analyzing social dynamics through street art in Shoreditch, or diving into cultural studies during museum visits, students are engaging deeply with both the curriculum and the city around them. These experiences continue to make learning personal, memorable, and relevant.

Academic support has also remained strong, with dozens of tutoring sessions completed by midterms, helping students feel confident and supported in their coursework.

Looking ahead, students will begin planning for spring course registration and will continue to receive personalized guidance from their SSAs and instructors. With midterms behind them, we’re excited to see our Vertoans step into the second half of the semester with fresh momentum and purpose.

Student Life Updates:

Midterms are officially behind us, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Verto London students for their hard work, focus, and resilience through the first half of the semester!

In the weeks leading up to exams, student wellbeing was a top priority. During Wellness Week, students took time to recharge — blending smoothies, creating eco-friendly scrubs, exploring mindfulness through Art Therapy, and setting intentions with Vision Board making. These moments of reflection and self-care helped students find balance and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Care Teams also hosted mid-semester Care Team Circles — relaxed hangouts where students could laugh, chat, and reconnect in a supportive space. Events like these reinforce Verto’s commitment to community-building and holistic support.

Our London cohort has also been out and about, exploring all the city has to offer. Students took a scenic trip to Oxford, where they wandered through historic streets and tried their hand at punting, a beloved local tradition. Back in the city, a group climbed the iconic O2 for sunset views — a true high point of the month (literally!).

October is Black History Month in the UK, and our students embraced the opportunity to learn and celebrate. They explored Caribbean culture and cuisine in Brixton, visited a local bookstore highlighting Black authors, and attended an exhibition at the London Docklands Museum honoring Black Londoners’ contributions to the city’s history. These experiences invited meaningful conversations about identity, equity, and cultural appreciation.

And of course, students brought their creativity to the stage at Verto’s Got Talent! From singing and dancing to poetry and comedy, it was an unforgettable evening of courage, community, and fun.

Academic Updates:

We’ve reached the halfway point of the semester, and with midterm grades now in, we hope students are feeling proud of the progress they’ve made.

This month, two standout experiential learning opportunities have brought classroom concepts to life. First, more than half of our Prague cohort, including students from World History after 1945 and International Relations, participated in the Terezín Initiative workshop, titled “Just an Ordinary Day.” This powerful and interactive session explored the impact of Nazi rule on everyday life, using photos, documents, and personal stories to highlight how history is experienced at the individual level. Three sessions were held before midterms, and additional workshops are scheduled for later this semester. There’s still space for students who wish to attend.

Another highlight was Innovation Week 2025, a two-day conference celebrating creativity, technology, and artificial intelligence. Students enrolled in Microeconomics, Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship, Communication, and Marketing engaged deeply with the event by completing assignments tied directly to the conference content. On October 10, students explored the bustling expo floor, attended talks on future trends, and saw firsthand how innovation is shaping the future of work and society.

It’s been a month full of rich, hands-on learning — and we’re excited to see how students continue building on these experiences in the second half of the semester.

Student Life Updates:

It’s been a lively and heartwarming month here in Prague! Our students recently enjoyed Wellness Week — a chance to pause, unwind, and focus on self-care before midterms. The Study Center was filled with smiles (and furry friends!) as we welcomed dogs, a rabbit, and even a tortoise. Staff helped create a cozy atmosphere by serving freshly squeezed orange juice, hot chocolate, and tea, while students got creative, making stress balls and exploring new ways to manage stress.

We were also honored to host a special Leadership Panel featuring the University of Tennessee’s Chancellor and Provost, who shared insights on global education, leadership, and personal growth. It was a memorable moment that left students feeling inspired and encouraged.

Looking ahead, the excitement continues with a private Verto train trip to Nelahozeves Castle and the Antonín Dvořák Birth House — a one-of-a-kind journey through Czech history and culture. In the coming weeks, students will also meet with their advisors for academic check-ins to reflect on progress and ensure they’re supported for a strong second half of the semester. Plus, we’re gearing up for a full lineup of cultural outings, including a visit to the opera, a hockey game, and a day trip to Kutná Hora.

Academic Updates:

It’s been an exciting and productive month for academics at Verto Seville! With 28 courses and nearly 100 class sections, our Academic Team has been hard at work keeping daily operations running smoothly — from managing classroom logistics to refreshing course materials and coordinating impactful experiential learning opportunities.

This month marks the launch of our Course & Faculty Rating process, giving students the chance to share valuable feedback and help shape future learning experiences. We also welcomed two new additions to our academic team: Biology instructor Claudia Moreno and Physics lab assistant Marta Larraona-Puy. Their passion and expertise are already enriching the classroom experience.

Tutoring continues to thrive, with strong student engagement in faculty-led English and Math sessions — particularly those led by Pablo Gerlach. In addition, 40 students completed training for the Seville Peer Tutor Program, becoming certified to lead study sessions in subjects like Math, Chemistry, Spanish, and English. So far, eight peer-led study groups have launched just in time for midterms.

Hands-on learning is thriving in our science labs, too. Biology students recently visited the Doñana Biological Station — one of Europe’s most vital conservation sites — where they explored biodiversity and ecosystem preservation firsthand. Meanwhile, in Introduction to Psychology, students engaged in The Mask of Emotion, a psychodrama-inspired activity that encouraged self-reflection on emotional expression and identity.

We’re proud of the dedication shown by both faculty and students and look forward to the continued momentum in the second half of the semester!

Student Life Updates:

The midpoint of the semester is buzzing with activity in Seville! As students tackled their midterms, our on-site team leaned in to provide the emotional support and encouragement this busy season demands.

During Wellness Week, students were treated to a rooftop breakfast and participated in a fun wellness-themed bingo game focused on healthy habits. They also connected with local peers through a Language Exchange at the residence hall and enjoyed the first-ever student-organized Run for Fun along the riverside — a refreshing way to blend fitness, fun, and community.

One of the most unforgettable experiences this month was our three-weekend excursion to Morocco, where students explored cities like Tangier, Tetouan, and the iconic Chefchaouen (known as the Blue Pearl). Vertoans had the unique opportunity to stay with local Moroccan families, building authentic cross-cultural connections that left a lasting impact.

Back in Seville, Care Teams have continued hosting social gatherings, including meals with visiting U.S. college partners such as the University of Colorado Boulder. This fall, 99 students are also volunteering across six local schools, working with Spanish students ages 3 to 17. These placements offer far more than service experience — they’re moments of profound cultural exchange where students are learning about empathy, communication, and the deep value of connection across languages and cultures.