Last updated on June 4th, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve daily, but there are global signs that the situation is moving in a positive direction. Countries worldwide continue to loosen their internal restrictions through a series of phased stages as cases and deaths from the virus are slowing significantly around the world. Many medical and science experts continue to express signs of cautious optimism. As global citizens, we all have a shared responsibility to continue practicing social distancing, using proper hygiene, wearing facial coverings, and following the advice of medical experts to continue this positive trend.
At Verto Education, we continue to move forward with careful planning for our Fall 2020 semesters abroad, and we’re working closely with our local partners to ensure student safety remains a priority. We anticipate knowing whether or not we’ll need to make notable adjustments to our campus programs on or near June 15th, 2020. Since our field programs are more agile, we’re looking to make final decisions on these itineraries by the middle to end of July. As always, Verto Education remains committed to monitoring global events and providing transparent updates to our students and families. To further this promise, we’re hosting bi-weekly Safety Town Hall webinars from June 17th to August 12th where I’ll be providing updates on each of our travel destinations and answering your questions.
Remember that we remain committed to our students through the Verto Education Enrollment Guarantee to offer courses in the Fall regardless of the mode of delivery. In other words, should any semester be canceled, courses would be delivered in a variety of ways including relocating programs to domestic locations (i.e. Hawaii), delivering online courses, or a combination of both. The point is that all Verto students will earn full credit for their semester(s) allowing them to transfer to their partner college as planned. We are also fully committed to ensuring all our students are on track to enroll at a partner institution where they have been or will be accepted.
On a more reflective and less formal note: If the coronavirus teaches us anything, it’s that human beings are all connected and that we all share responsibility for each other’s well being. Part of Verto’s mission is for our students to grow in maturity, confidence, and empathy, and the current pandemic underscores the significance of these values. As a leader in higher education, we are determined to act responsibly and model a sense of calm, compassion, and care for one another. We invite you to join us in this approach as we continue to navigate challenging times.
Please feel free to contact us directly about our semester programs and safety precautions.