Articles & Participant Stories

Pre-Departure Guide: First-Generation Students Whether you are a prospective participant, already enrolled, or a Verto alumni – we are thrilled to have you in the Verto Community! At Verto, we are committed to fostering community and embracing diversity in all of our locations – we value and welcome you for exactly the person that you…

Your London Travel Guide We know that settling into a new city can be difficult, especially if you’re a student. To make things a little easier, we’ve gathered together the best advice for getting the most out of your study abroad in London. In this London travel guide, you’ll find advice on how to get…

The Alumni Leader Award  is given to 5 Verto alumni per semester who demonstrate global leadership in their studies and/or their extracurricular pursuits. Students who get this award receive $500 and an opportunity to engage mentors within the Verto network to help them pursue an academic or extracurricular project related to a global issue. Sadiq…

Study Abroad & LGBTQIA+ Identity Whether you are a prospective participant, already enrolled, or a Verto alumni – we are thrilled to have you in the Verto Community! At Verto, we are committed to fostering community and embracing diversity in all of our locations – we value and welcome you for exactly the person that you…

Your LGBTQ+ Florence Travel Guide Florence is one of the most popular destinations for students (and LGBTQ+ students!) studying abroad, and it’s easy to see why. One of Italy’s cultural hubs, it’s filled with museums and galleries containing Rennaisance masterpieces, cafes and restaurants with tables that spill into the streets and piazzas, and architecture that…

One of the unique offerings of Verto Seville is the opportunity to stay with a host family on your semester abroad. Sevillian families are known for welcoming international students into their homes, and a homestay experience is one that you’ll never forget. Here are the top 10 reasons to live with a host family in…

Take a deep dive into the colorful culture of Seville with Student Life Coordinator Samantha Wasek!  ***This is an example of an SLC's experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester.   I’m Samantha, one of your SLCs in Seville, and I’ll be here when you arrive to help…

Your Guide to Florence We know that settling into a new city can be difficult, especially if you’re a student. That’s why we’ve brought together some serious tips for getting the most out of your study abroad in Florence. In this travel guide to Florence, Italy, you’ll find advice on how to get the most…

It’s hard to think of a better place for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to study abroad than the Czech Republic. The capital city of Prague isn’t just one of the most progressive places in Central Europe when it comes to the queer community. It’s one of the most warm and welcoming cities in Europe.  As…

In South America, there’s no better place to begin your college experience than Buenos Aires. It’s an incredibly diverse city, drawing people from around the world and featuring some of the best museums and galleries you’ll find anywhere. With close to 100,000 college students, Buenos Aires is a place where you won’t have trouble meeting…

Madrid and Barcelona might get more attention, but Seville — Spain’s fourth largest city — has a thriving LGBTQ+ community all its own. Take a stroll around the Alameda de Hércules, the center of the action, and you’ll spot groups of queer students hanging out in the squares or same-sex couples enjoying a meal at…

Embark on a life-changing journey in Seville with Spring 2022 student Shaiel Scotte!  ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester. I had preconceived notions and movie screen ideas of what Spain would be like. I thought I knew exactly what…

Learn about art, fashion, and dad jokes in Florence with Spring 2022 student Emily Wange!  ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester. Being a Verto student has given me the opportunity for so many new experiences around the world that…

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Florence with Spring 2022 student Emily Wange!  ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester. It is crazy to think that two months ago I was working my many jobs all across Dallas, Texas. Now,…

Thanks to contributing author Mark Sullivan for sharing his experience being LGBTQ+ in Costa Rica. He’s a travel writer who has been to Central America about a dozen times and is excited to share his perspective and advice with students studying abroad. On his last family trip to Costa Rica he introduced his favorite country…

When you think about the LGBTQ+ scene in London, you probably envision the massive annual events that flood the streets, squares, and sometimes entire neighborhoods with cheering crowds. There’s Pride in London, which draws more than a million people for a parade that completely closes down historic Oxford Street. Then there’s UK Black Pride, which…

Immerse yourself in a whole new culture with Seville+London student Talaith Campbell!  ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester. Inevitably, a big part of your experience at Verto will be immersing yourself in a new culture. While of course, this…

When it comes to religion, Seville has a fascinating history. Catholicism is the dominant religion in Spain today, but large portions of the country, including Seville, were under Islamic rule for hundreds of years during the medieval period. You can still see this influence in the city’s famous architecture.  If you’re studying abroad in Seville,…

“The Golden City,” “The Heart of Europe,” “The City of a Hundred Spires,” “The Rome of the North.” These are just a handful of the many nicknames  the city has received, and they speak to the beauty of this incredible city.  Rich with history, Prague is renowned for its elegant architecture, cozy feel, and uniquely…