By Kristen Flores Ruiz
In our Alumni Spotlight series, we highlight alumni who have followed their path of self-authorship to continue their learning inside, outside, and beyond the classroom. Check out the story of Kristen Flores Ruiz (Spain, Fall 2022 & Italy, Spring 2023), who took Verto’s Direct Transfer Admissions Pathway and is now at Adelphi University, below!
Why did you choose Verto, and what was a highlight of your Verto experience?
I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I wasn’t sure where to start looking. A lot of study abroad programs were through universities themselves, and difficult to navigate. I chose Verto mainly because they reached out to me after I had filled out an interest form. The biggest highlight of my Verto experience was the people I met and the friendships I formed. Even three years after my experience, I am still in constant contact with my old roommates/friends from both my Spain and Italy semesters. I’ve gone to visit them, and some have come to visit me. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Some of the photos are from my time in Verto, while others are from when I visited friends/they visited me afterwards! (Last picture is Dody Food in Seville, my friends and I loved it there so much. The guy was always nice, and his food was delicious and cheap.
What was it like to participate in Verto’s Direct Transfer Admissions pathway? How did you apply to colleges with Verto?
While my experience was about three years ago, I remember the Direct Transfer process being very smooth. I was never stressed about any step, and the advisors who helped me were incredibly transparent. I wanted to go to Adelphi University, a Direct Transfer Admissions partner of Verto, and the process was straightforward. I submitted my Direct Transfer application and was accepted!
What is Adelphi University like? What have you been up to academically and professionally?
Adelphi University is great. I’ve met some amazing people here, and there are more opportunities for my major than I initially expected. My time here has been full of amazing opportunities and experiences. For example, during my sophomore year, I applied to Adelphi’s annual Business Plan Competition, where I ended up being a finalist and winning Best Socially Responsible Response.
I have participated in an annual event called TAVEC, where I work within groups dealing with real issues within real companies. I also participated in a marketing class where our projects were submitted to and based on a nationwide competition called the Washington Media Scholars. I ended up being an alternate finalist but was unable to participate. Using the same project, my class was able to present to an executive at Bloomberg in NYC. Lastly, the latest bit of exciting news is that I was recently accepted into the Bhise Scholars group at Adelphi. A small group of peers/faculty members and I will be traveling to India in January to complete a research project of our choosing!
What would you say to a Verto student considering applying to a Direct Transfer partner?
If you are truly interested in a Direct Transfer partner, I’d say go for it. The application process is incredibly easy, and you will have support from the staff at Verto. It was such a seamless transition going from Verto to Adelphi, and it was one less stressor during that time. I will say this: if you want to go to a school that isn’t a Direct Transfer partner, take the plunge and work with Verto to see what can be done. Verto staff have always been incredibly supportive and are open to trying anything to help you.
Want to see if a Verto start to college can work for you? Apply today to get started.
