With the COVID-19 pandemic creating uncertainty over the last year, Jennifer Long felt mentally and emotionally unprepared for college.
Seeking other options, she was referred to Verto Education, a program founded to increase access to international exchange. Designed to be a “gap year without a gap,” first-year students can spend a semester or year abroad while earning 12-16 college credits.
“When you look historically at the students who have had not only access to but the opportunity to engage in deep cultural immersion internationally, it hasn’t been to a diverse group of students,” said Michael Kabbaz, senior vice president of strategy and chief of staff at Verto.
The demographics of students in the United States who studied abroad during the 2018-2019 school year were 68.7% White, 6.4% Black, 8.9% Asian and 10.9% Hispanic, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
Verto’s program costs range from $15,000 to $25,000 per semester. However, to address existing financial barriers, scholarships and financial aid options are offered. The Opportunity Grant, for example, gives $5,000 or $10,000 grants for families with a household income between $0 and $125,000.
Additionally, students who’ve completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form can use federal government loans and grants to cover program costs.
“We talk a lot in higher ed about leveling the playing field,” said Kabbaz. “But Verto is really founded to level the playing field for students to have these high impact international deep cultural experiences. If people had more exposure to cultures, we would be doing a lot more bridge building than wall building. I think that’s the foundation in which we approach our work.”
