Three Semesters Abroad: A Verto Education Alum’s Transformational Journey

My name is Kaitlyn Sabanero, and over the past 3 semesters, I’ve had the privilege to live, learn, and grow abroad in Italy and Spain with Verto Education. Each chapter brought its own challenges and triumphs and shaped the person I’ve become. When I graduated from high school, I had no clear direction for my future. I had limited resources and college pathways, and I didn’t know what was next for me. Luckily, I came across a Verto ad and immediately was fixated on the idea of being across the world to start a new chapter in my life. Never in a million years did I think such an opportunity would be possible for someone like me. But I took that leap – and it turned into the best decision of my life.

In my first semester in Florence, it felt like I was walking into my Pinterest board come to life. From the people, food, and the architecture–it was breathtaking. The next three months were going to be my home for the semester, and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for me. Coming to this semester with not knowing anyone was really scary, I only knew them as strangers. I felt that my biggest challenge was not being able to build any kind of friendship, but it turns out I was able to meet the best people in a pivotal moment in my life. Those strangers I met during awkward icebreakers in orientation? They became lifelong friends. We explored Florence together and supported each other through the ups and downs of adjusting to a new life. After living in Florence, it opened my eyes to endless possibilities. I realized this was just the beginning, and I didn’t want to stop now.

After an unforgettable fall in Florence, I was heading to Seville, Spain, for the spring semester. To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was going to be a clean slate all over again, having to meet new people and new classes, and I was not sure if this semester would top the previous one. At first, it was tough. I struggled with the feeling of not belonging and feeling out of place. But I remembered something my parents told me on a phone call: enjoy your own company. This was challenging for me because, for the longest time, I always believed I needed to have people around me and always socialize, but this taught me self-reliance. I was able to be comfortable alone, and this was a transformative experience. As time went by, I connected with people with the same struggles as me. Our vulnerability was able to bring us closer and create new friendships. After getting to know them by traveling together and goofing around the dorms, I was able to realize that I wasn’t so different from everyone else. This turned my first expectation of Spain around, and the last month being there was the best time of my life.

After Spain, I really didn’t know what I was going to do until I heard about the Presidential Scholars Internship opportunity with Verto. When I learned I’d been accepted, I decided to return to Florence. This was a full-circle moment for me, and to be back in the place I fell in love with a year ago was such a privilege. This semester was different, though. I was balancing school, my social life, and now work as a new challenge, and I often felt overwhelmed. For a period, everything felt like a chore, and I struggled to find joy in the experience. I returned to the advice I’d learned in Spain: enjoy your own company. I realized near the end of the semester I hadn’t taken the time to do the things I enjoyed. I reminded myself to pause, reflect, and do the things I loved. Slowly, I rediscovered the specialty of Florence. I just needed to focus on the journey rather than the stress, and that shift in perspective brought clarity.

From a girl who didn’t know what lay beyond her high school town to someone who has lived and learned across Europe. It all started with a single little ad that opened a world of possibilities. The friendships, lessons, and memories I’ve gained will always stick with me. These moments have shaped me into the person I am today. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is that taking that leap into the unknown is worth it. Those moments of uncertainty can show you who you really are.

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