Gamecock Verto Semester
Gamecock Verto Semester is an invitation-only international academic experience that allows students to begin their first year abroad before enrolling at USC Columbia as a transfer student the following spring. As part of the Gamecock Verto Semester, participating students:
- Earn pre-approved college credits while studying alongside other first-year students.
- Receive support from faculty and mentors throughout the program.
- Explore academic interests through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experiences.
- Engage with new cultures and the local community — and make memories to last a lifetime!
Verto Locations
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Experience Argentina’s capital, where culture, cuisine, music and sports come together.
-
Prague, Czech Republic
Discover Prague’s charm, from historic streets to cafés and vibrant street art.
-
London, England
Explore one of the world’s most iconic cities, from historic landmarks to endless culture.
-
Florence, Italy
Experience the heart of Italy through Florence’s art, culture and cuisine.
-
Seville, Spain
Discover Seville: sunny streets, iconic art and a lively food scene.
Program Overview
-
Tuition for the Fall 2026 semester abroad ranges from $18,750 to $33,500, depending on location. This cost includes course registration, experiential learning, housing, airport reception, comprehensive orientation, books, excursions and more (airfare not included). Verto also offers scholarships and financial aid to help offset program costs.
-
To transfer to USC, Gamecock Verto Semester students need to:
- Earn at least 12 transferable credit hours (15 transferable hours recommended)
- Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Students who meet the minimum credit requirement and GPA standard are guaranteed transfer admission to any non-competitive USC major.
-
We know safety is a top priority for families when considering an experience abroad. Verto’s on-site staff are trained in emergency response and student support and stay informed about local conditions and regional developments. Each location has comprehensive safety and risk-management plans in place for all program activities.
Verto also partners with a global emergency response and travel advisory organization, providing access to real-time location updates, travel guidance and an extensive international medical network. In addition, all students are automatically enrolled in international travel medical insurance, which is included in the program fees, and have access to 24/7 travel assistance and emergency services.
-
Only the first 100 students who enroll in the Gamecock Verto Semester are guaranteed on-campus housing at USC following their semester with Verto. Housing guarantees are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
After housing capacity is reached, students may still participate; however, on-campus housing will no longer be guaranteed, and students will be responsible for securing their own housing prior to arriving in Columbia. Off-campus housing resources are available through the Office of Off-Campus Living and Neighborhood Relations.
Additional housing information for Spring 2027 will be provided at the beginning of the fall semester.
Join the Program
Visit the Verto Education website to learn more about applying for financial aid, course information and much more!
Verto EducationFrequently Asked Questions
-
Yes, you are still on the waitlist. Should a spot open up at USC, you will be notified via email that you have been pulled from the waitlist and can attend USC in the fall.
-
The Darla Moore School of Business and the College of Nursing offer competitive majors and are not included in the Gamecock Verto Semester.
-
Please visit our Verto Direct Transfer Pathway page to learn more.
-
Yes. If you decide to add an additional Verto semester before or during your Gamecock Verto Semester, please contact your Verto Senior Admissions Counselor at southcarolina@vertoeducation.org to discuss your options and next steps.