verto vols
program OVERVIEW
The Verto Vols program is a great opportunity for a unique international academic and co-curricular experience that prepares students for a global stage before seamlessly transitioning to Rocky Top. Verto Vols participants study abroad for one semester or one year at one of five Verto locations before enrolling at UT as a transfer student the following spring or fall semester.
If you are invited and choose to participate in this program, you will earn pre-approved college credits, travel with other first-year students, and get support from mentors and faculty every step of the way. Verto Vols will explore new cultures, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for life on Rocky Top—all while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Locations
Students will have the opportunity to start their college journey abroad at one of these five amazing Verto locations. Each program offers a broad range of academic interests, giving students the opportunity to explore and discover their passions before choosing a major at UT.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Program Theme: Business, Sport & Culture + Volunteering/Service Learning
Unique Course Features: Business, Spanish Language, Environmental Studies, Music, Food & Culture, Sports/Sport Management
Florence, Italy
Program Theme: Arts & Science
Unique Course Features: Drawing, Studio Arts, Arts & Science, Immigrant Literature, Chemistry/Biology/Physics/Math, Psychology
London, England
Program Theme: Science + British Culture & Politics
Unique Course Features: Theatre, Modern British Writers, Cultural Food & Understanding, Conflict Resolution, Ethics, Comparative Politics/International Relations, Chemistry/Biology/Physics/Math
Prague, Czech Republic
Program Theme: Business & Arts
Unique Course Features: Music, Studio Arts, Photography, Cultural Anthropology & Cultural Geology, Criminal Justice, Business, Marketing & Economics
Seville, Spain
Program Theme: Science, Technology & Cultural Studies
Unique Course Features: Communication, English & Public Speaking, Media & Technology, Physics/Biology/Chemistry/Math, Computer Science, Spanish, Creative Writing
Program Requirements
Verto Vols who meet program requirements are guaranteed transfer admission into any non-competitive program at UT by meeting the following criteria:
- Achieve a 3.0+ GPA on a 4.0 scale AND
- Complete required earned transferable credit hours
- Year Program – Complete at least 24 earned transferable credit hours*
- Semester Program – Complete at least 15 earned transferable credit hours*
*Any credits earned through dual enrollment or prior learning credits do not count towards the program transferable earned credit hours requirement.
Competitive Programs
Students may choose to apply to a competitive program; however, transfer admission is not guaranteed. Admission to these programs requires additional departmental review. If a student is not accepted into their competitive first-choice major, they will be admitted to their non-competitive second-choice major, provided all other program requirements are met.
Competitive programs include:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Graphic Design
- Interior Architecture
- Music
- Nursing
- Online Social Work
To learn more about specific program requirements for our competitive majors, please visit our Transfer page.
Housing
On-campus housing is guaranteed for students who successfully complete the semester-long Verto Vols program and enroll on Rocky Top the following Spring. At this time, we cannot guarantee on-campus housing for students participating in the year-long Verto Vols program and enroll at UT the following Fall semester.
Safety
Verto Vols staff have robust safety and risk-management plans for each program, covering every immediate area and program activity as well as the available support in each region. They partner with one of the largest emergency response and travel advisory companies in the world, giving families access to updates on location climate and access to a massive medical network.
Program Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition ranges from $18,750 to $33,500 per semester depending on the location, which includes course registration, experiential learning, housing, airport reception, comprehensive orientation, books, excursions, and more (airfare not included). Verto offers scholarships and financial aid to offset costs. Visit the Verto Education link found in your Verto applicant portal for detailed information.
Scholarship Opportunities
Verto Education’s Global Citizenship Scholarship
The Verto Global Citizen Scholarship* recognizes students dedicated to immersing themselves in the local community of Seville or Buenos Aires to learn, grow, and be a contributing member. This scholarship includes full room and board, and can reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your program experience by as much as $17,000.
Note: Limited scholarships are available, and the scholarship cannot be combined with other Verto awards or discounts.
*This scholarship may only be used in Seville or Buenos Aires.
**U.S. citizens/U.S. permanent residents only
Verto Education Scholarship (In-State Only)
Students from Tennessee who participate in the Fall 2026 Verto Vols cohort may be eligible for a $3,000 scholarship per semester ($6,000 for the year) courtesy of Verto Education to make studying abroad more affordable.
For more information about participating in the Verto Vols pathway, please contact Meghann Overholt at [email protected] and for more information about Verto Education Scholarship opportunities, please contact Verto Education directly.
Please note: Students who successfully transfer to UT after completing the Verto Vols program may be eligible for continuing undergraduate and transfer student scholarships and scholarships under the Tri-Star Scholarship Program (in-state only). For more information, visit our current participant page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Life During the Program
What are housing accommodations at each site location?
Students will have the option to choose between standard and premium housing (options vary by location) during onboarding; however, all housing accommodations will be fully furnished with beds, wardrobe, linens, etc. Review site specific information on the locations abroad page.
Will I have a roommate?
Students are typically paired with one or more roommates, and rooms may have bunkbeds. Verto will do their best to accommodate cohort and roommate requests for each location, but they cannot guarantee or share roommate assignments ahead of the time.
Can parents, guardians, and families visit?
YES! Families are welcome to visit students. However, due to busy class schedules and experiential learning activities, Verto recommends planning visits toward the end of the abroad experience.
Do I need to be able to speak the local language?
No – except in the case of Verto’s foreign language courses, all other courses will be taught in English. It can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language before your study abroad experience—it can make everyday interactions more comfortable and enjoyable.
When do I need to arrive at my site location?
For the fall semester, students should arrive at their Verto site location by August 24 and will depart by December 5. Start and end dates for the spring semester can vary by site—review the locations abroad page or your VertoConnect portal for more information.
Costs
What does Verto cost cover?
Current Verto study abroad costs are listed on each location page. Keep in mind that these prices do not include scholarships or grants that may be awarded.
Based on your Student Aid Index (as determined by the FAFSA), costs may be significantly reduced through Verto’s Global Citizen Scholarship. Additional funding opportunities are available on Verto’s Financial Grants and Scholarships page, and external grants or scholarships may also be applied to further lower the overall cost.
Can I use Federal Aid to help pay for my study abroad experience with Verto?
Verto is not eligible for any federal financial aid programs.
Does Verto offer payment plan options?
Yes! Verto offers payment plans. Deadlines for each payment plan vary by location. Email [email protected] for more details.
Safety & Risk Management
What safety and risk management measures are in place?
Student health and safety are a top priority! Verto has robust systems in place to address student support, risk management, and emergency response. Read more about those resources here.
How will my family communicate with me while abroad with Verto?
Phone and internet service are readily available to students, and on-site staff can inform students on how and where to purchase a SIM card in their abroad location. In urgent situations, participants and families have access to Verto’s 24-hour emergency line, which they can call for immediate assistance.
Ready to be a Verto Vol?
If you’ve been invited and want to participate, log into your Go Vols Portal and complete either the Pathway or Waitlist interest form by May 1, 2026. Then, reserve your place in the Verto Vols program. Then, complete the Interest form on Verto Education’s website. A non-refundable $500 deposit to Verto Education to confirm your spot in the program is due by May 1, 2026.
Want to learn more about Verto Education? Log into your Go Vols Portal for additional information on upcoming UT open houses sessions with Verto.