Articles & Participant Stories

Plan your own cultural immersion experience with advice from Spring 2022 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.   Of course, choosing Verto means traveling to an awesome international location (or two) of your choosing. But, once…

Pre-Departure Guide: Race and Ethnicity Abroad 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…

Study Abroad: How to Find a Place of Worship Verto Education is a community where students of all backgrounds can thrive, including students who observe a faith or spirituality. As you adjust to your new community during your experience with Verto, you may want to connect with people of the same faith. So how do…

Learn how to prepare for your year abroad with Spring 2022 student Mackenzie Messineo. ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester. Hello students, my name is Mackenzie Messineo. I just finished my year abroad in London and Florence with Verto.…

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…