A Step-by-Step Guide to Studying Abroad, Earning Credit, and Exploring the World With Verto
“What are you doing next year?” “Where are you going to college?” “What do you want to do when you graduate?” If you’re a high school senior trying to figure out what comes next, it can feel like everyone expects you to have your entire future mapped out. That’s a lot of pressure as a young adult!
The truth is, there isn’t one right way to start college and for a lot of students, the most eye-opening learning doesn’t happen in a classroom — it happens by getting out into the world. That’s why so many college students say studying abroad is the best part of their college experience. The only problem? Most have to wait until junior or senior year to do it.
What most people don’t know? You can actually start college abroad — not just study abroad later. With Verto’s first-year study abroad programs, you can begin abroad, earn real college credit, and experience life in places like London, Buenos Aires, or Prague. Plus, you can do this all while earning guaranteed admission to top-choice colleges through our Direct Transfer Admissions Pathway. It’s a newer, bolder path that more and more students are choosing every year — and loving it.
What Is Verto Education?
Verto provides first-year study abroad programs that keep you on track to graduate while providing an incredible start to college. We offer some of the best pathways to college, and here’s why:
Study Abroad Experience: Immediately gain access to the world around you by living and studying in world-class cities at one of our abroad locations. Check out where you can study abroad with Verto.
Accredited Coursework: The credits you earn with Verto are not only accredited through our Academic Provider, University of New Haven, but are also highly transferable to top schools around the country (and even the world). Learn how Verto’s academics set you up for success.
Support Structure: During your time abroad, you’ll receive mentorship from your on-site team, join in on activities and programming included in your program cost, and have the opportunity to transfer seamlessly to one of more than 40+ respected colleges that partner with Verto. Read more about your support while abroad.
How to Start College Abroad With Verto
Believe it or not, unlocking this opportunity is actually simple:
- Apply to Verto: It takes less than 4 minutes to fill out the free application. Visit our website to apply now.
- Choose your global year (or semester) location: Whether you want to study business in Prague, learn Spanish and live with a host family in Seville, or immerse yourself in Argentinian culture — you’ll have five incredible destinations around the world to pick from! Explore Verto’s study abroad locations.
- Get accepted (fast!). We know college options can be daunting, which is why our team will review your application and get back to you with an admissions decision ASAP so you can plan for your future.
- Submit your enrollment deposit! Once you’re accepted, lock in your spot by submitting your deposit. This confirms your place in the program and helps secure your top-choice study abroad location. Don’t wait — popular sites fill up fast!
Once accepted, congratulations! 🎉 What are the next steps after you enroll with Verto?
- Complete your onboarding: You’ll connect with your Student Onboarding Advisor to go over your checklist items to get ready for your abroad experience.
- Start your first year (or semester) abroad: Live, study, and explore during your Verto abroad experience. Explore your options for up to three semesters abroad and compare completely different parts of the world while also knocking out your first year of college credits.
- Prepare for transfer: Receive support from our on-site team to keep your grades up and pursue more than 40+ partner colleges with guaranteed admission. Or, chart your own admissions path to any institution of your choice with the guidance of on-site staff.
How is a First Year Abroad Different From a “Gap Year”?
Verto Education is like a gap year without the gap, and here’s why: typically, a gap year is a break you take between high school and college to explore the world and your passions. While a valid option for some, most high-achieving high school graduates view Verto as a great option because it allows you to experience all the adventure, exploration, and independence that a gap year provides, while also staying on track to graduate by earning college credits.
There’s no gap here. Instead, Verto is an intentional academic pathway and a great alternative to gap year programs.
Where Can You Study Abroad With Verto?
Choose from study centers in:
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- London, England
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Florence, Italy
- Seville, Spain
All locations offer Verto participants a variety of courses in Language Arts, STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Humanities. Additionally, all locations offer Verto Discovery, our programming model of activities and holistic support.
Customize your first-year abroad experience depending on your academic and travel goals. Here are some popular tracks:
- Pursue STEM classes in Florence and Seville
- Expand your business background in London and Prague
- Learn Spanish in Seville and Buenos Aires
- Study and expand your art skills in Florence and Prague
What Happens After Your Year or Semester Abroad?
By joining Verto, you not only guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime start to college abroad. We also accompany you as you plan for what’s next!
If you were invited to Verto by one of our Channel Pathway partners (respected schools across the country, like Boston University, Loyola Marymount University, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville), that’s great! This means that you have been granted guaranteed transfer admission as long as you meet the requirements set by your partner. How does it work?
→ Spend a year or semester with Verto, depending on your university.
→ Enroll in courses that will transfer to your university and keep you on track for graduation.
→ Remain in good academic and behavioral standing during your time with Verto.
→ Join Verto Alumni on your college campus and be an engaged member of your college campus community after a world-class education with Verto!
If you were invited to Verto by one of our Direct Transfer Admissions Pathway partners, or you’re joining Verto independently and want to explore options to transfer to another institution post-Verto, excellent! Take advantage of our Direct Transfer Admissions Partners by applying with our on-site team’s help during your time abroad, or chart your own post-Verto plan. This gives you extra time to decide what you really want to study and which school might be right for you.
→ Start college abroad knowing you have guaranteed admission pathways
→ Choose from 40+ Direct Transfer Admission partner schools during your semester(s) abroad
→ Get one-on-one help from our on-site team with your transfer applications.
→ Arrive on campus and be an engaged member of your college campus community after a world-class education with Verto!
Is Starting College Abroad Right for You?
🎓 Academic Fit
Whether you’re a high academic achiever or still adjusting to college-level work, Verto is designed to support you and help you accomplish strong academic results. With small class sizes, accessible professors, and on-site academic support, students receive the guidance they need to succeed while earning transferable college credit.
🌍 Travel Experience
Haven’t had many opportunities to travel or already love exploring new places? Verto welcomes students from all travel backgrounds. For many, this is their first time leaving their home state or the country — and for others, it’s a chance to deepen their global experience. No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll have the support to feel confident abroad.
💸 Affordability
A semester abroad might sound out of reach, but Verto offers study abroad scholarships and grants that make starting college internationally more affordable. Financial support can make this experience far more attainable than you might expect.
📅 Full-Time Student, Not Just a Tourist
While you’ll have plenty of time to explore your host city and travel to other cities, you’ll also be a full-time college student. You’ll attend classes during the week, many of which take place outside the classroom and are centered on experiential learning. You’ll earn credits toward graduation, and stay on track academically — all while experiencing life abroad.
Does this sound like you? Then submit your free application! Once you submit your non-binding application, we will connect you with an Admissions Counselor to prepare the abroad experience that’s right for you.
You don’t have to follow the “normal” college path. With Verto, you can start your education with purpose, global perspective, and momentum.
Study abroad. Earn credit. And make your first year unforgettable!
