Articles & Student Stories

What goes into sustainable packing? Interested in learning how to pack everything you need to study abroad AND save the planet?  This week, Verto Education Program Leader Kelley Reardon will show you the ropes of sustainable packing using these 7 helpful tips! Photo by Holly Mandarich (@hollymandarich) via Unsplash Why pack sustainably when studying abroad?…

What goes down during a Verto semester abroad in Fiji?  This week, Verto student Tea van Linde will take you on a journey through Suva –– Fiji’s largest metropolitan city. Read more to find out how Tea and other students forged deep friendships through life lessons, shared laughter, and more! Life in Suva, Fiji On…

This week’s blog is written by student  Tessa Yutzy in Costa Rica. She shares about what she's been up to in Costa Rica and why her life feels like a movie these days.  MOVIE TIME It’s hard to remember these past few weeks, so much stuff has been going on from hiking for forest labs to…

This week’s blog is written by student Lilly Murphey in Hawaii. She shares about her life in Hawaii and her observations on traveling like a local instead of a tourist.  THE MIDWAY POINT Aloha from Kona! We are almost halfway done through the semester! If I am being honest, it has felt like only a…

Verto students take it one step at a time as they hike to find epic views. This week’s blog is written by student Mariana Steiner in Hawaii. She shares about connecting to the land and learning about herself through challenges like hiking, swimming with sharks, and more.  ALOHA ‘ĀINA The lava rocks crunched under our…

Making friends for life is always the highlight of every Verto semester. Curious what a day in the life of a Verto semester student is like?! Who better to tell you all about it than current Verto students themselves! This week’s blog is written by student Eleanor Mathews in London. GETTING LOST What a whirlwind…

Biking is just one of the many outdoor adventures enjoyed by Verto Costa Rica students! Curious what a day in the life of a Verto semester student is like?! Who better to tell you all about it than current Verto students themselves! This week’s blog is written by student Halliday Dinsmore-Patch in Costa Rica. FAMILIAL…

Students in Hawaii explore Volcanoes National Park as part of their Environmental Science Course. Curious what a day in the life of a Verto semester student is like?! Who better to tell you all about it than current Verto students themselves! This week’s blog is written by student Trinity Grafft in Hawaii. COCONUT CREW COHORT…

Honor Stoner -- Field Instructor, Environmental Science What's your name and position with Verto? I'm Honor Stoner and I'm a Field Instructor for Environmental Science. What are you most looking forward to this semester? I am most looking forward to visiting new places and meeting students that enjoy traveling/new experiences. I have not been to…

Students in Costa Rica enjoy the world as their classroom as they explore and learn from incredible local scenery. While all this talk of getting college credit while adventuring around the world sounds amazing (and it is!), it might be hard to imagine how that actually translates into real day-to-day life... So join us and…

It is possible to make your path to college more affordable, it just takes a little effort to find the right combination of loans, grants, and scholarships that suits your life and goals. Nothing ruins the buzz of reading college acceptance letters quite like seeing the cost of tuition written in the fine print. With…

Implement these tips into your college essay and you'll be doing a victory dance at your dream college (or in a kayak on your Verto semester!) in no time. We know you’ve been reading up on “College Essays that Worked” threads on Reddit for weeks. Every essay you read seems so unique and well-done… It’s…

Whew! Stay calm and set your eyes on a valuable education. We'll help you break down the process of paying for a college education. So you’ve written your essays, sent in your apps, and even gotten some acceptances… It seems like the hardest part is over with and you’re rightfully feeling a huge sense of…

Lived in a Van for 4 Months! While Galen Merigliano has lived in diverse situations all over the world, van-life was definitely a unique adventure, even for him! Galen was excited to try out living in a van during his time leading an outdoor education program in New Zealand. Van-life is only one of the…

Some of Verto’s South Pacific staff in Fiji. Local Program Leaders, traveling Program Leaders, Academic Success Coordinators, and instructors work together on a student-centered team. This month, Verto students will embark on an incredible first-year experience where they will explore, create and learn about the world with our amazing Field Instructors, Program Leaders, and Support…

Many students inadvertently spend the first year struggling to adapt to the rigor of college academics and the huge life adjustment to increased independence and responsibility. To call my first year in college unhappy would be an understatement. I remember feeling utterly overwhelmed by all the options and somehow, simultaneously, like there was nothing right…

Verto students learn from local experts from around the world on their Hybrid and in-person semesters. We get it. This year is not what anyone expected. Zoom classes just aren’t the same and you’re worried about missing out on making new friends, joining clubs, and having an exciting first year of college. We don't blame…

Fall 2019 students on the Verto Latin America semester compare language learning notes from class in their favorite study spot - the beach! I remember when I first started learning a second language. It was Spanish, and I was a sophomore in high school. As things started to click in place, I realized that Spanish…

Consider where you come from, what your belief systems are, and how you might grow and change through active listening and understanding of your host culture - it only takes preparation and open-mindedness! A group of Americans excitedly hops out after experiencing a thrilling ride through the countryside into the small town of Jarabacoa, Dominican…