Articles & Participant Stories

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…

Today Ireland — and in particular its capital of Dublin, home to 1.3 million people — is considered one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in Europe. It’s a young, vibrant community where there are a ton of cultural activities for events by and for the queer community and allies. Ireland wasn’t always this way.…

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,…

Wander through Florence experiencing its culture like a true local 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.   Ciao, my name is Mackenzie Messineo, and I am currently living in Florence, Italy for my…

“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…

With a lively café culture, a famous cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and wide, tree-filled avenues leading to breathtaking, Belle Époque parks, it’s no wonder Buenos Aires is one of the most popular destinations for study abroad in the world.  In this guide, you’ll find advice on how to get the most bang for your buck when…

With several major universities and a world-famous artistic and cultural heritage, Dublin’s an extremely popular destination for students studying abroad. From its gorgeous Georgian architecture to its hearty cuisine and acclaimed cultural institutions, Dublin has something for everyone.  Settling into a new city can be difficult, especially if you’re a student. That’s why we’ve brought…

Learn how to make Costa Rica feel like home with Spring 2022 student Alayia Coleman!  ***This is an example of a student’s experience from Spring 2022. Specific programming and activities are subject to change semester by semester.   Heyyyy Everyone! I’m Alayia Coleman and I'm from Lincoln Nebraska. This experience has been a roller coaster…

Prepare for departure on the adventure of a lifetime in Florence with Spring 2022 participant 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, my name is Mackenzie Messineo and I’m from Long Island, New York. I just finished my…

Learn all about packing do's and don'ts for London with Spring 2022 participant 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. Packing for a trip across the world can be an overwhelming task, packing for a move across the…

Explore grocery shopping in London with Spring 2022 participant 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.One thing that might seem really simple but can turn into a bit of a disaster is, drumroll……Grocery Shopping! One new reality about…