Overall worthwhile experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For me, the most valuable experience came from the people that we met and interviewed as well as the places that we had visited. Also if you are really interested in conservation, you'll have a lot of opportunities to learn about and reflect on current conservation issues, human/nature interaction and how the policies may have affected the local. As for the Tropical Ecology course, it really depends on the instructors. Some were not so good while the others were enthusiastic about what they were teaching. On the website, it says that this program is intensive and it is true. We were traveling most of the time and for the bird module (for 3 days), we had to wake up at 5 am and would work in the field until 12 pm. Then at 2 pm we went out again and did not return until 5 pm.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a total of five host families. And during other time, we lived hostel/hotel. Sometimes there was no hot water so be prepared for that

Better than the food in my school's dining hall

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with host families was a memorable and precious experience. We were able to become part of the family and also interview them about their perspectives on conservation issues. However, it was the most cultural integration I had got. Due to the nature of the program (we were constantly traveling), it was difficult to meet the local and become friends with them. We took Spanish classes at a local university for three weeks. I wish that I had had the courage to venture out of the group and go talk to other people. Advice: don't sit with the group all the time if you truly want to meet the local students

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During the excursions or field work, we had a paramedic with us and he was super friendly. When we were in the city, the directors were also reachable if anything happened and if you ever need to go to the hospital, they will accompany you so you are never left alone. I think the program fee also includes travel insurance, so it's not like you're going to pay an outrageous amount of money for healthcare.

Use common sense and you'll be alright. Remember though that Panamanian culture is different so there are certain clothes/behaviors that are acceptable in the US but not in Panama. During the semester, there was no major incident and I had never felt unsafe

There were times when I felt like I shouldn't have chosen the program but looking back at the overall experience, the good outweighed the bad and I'd definitely go if I were to choose again. I just wish that I were able to practice my Spanish more than I had. If practicing Spanish is your main goal, then I'd say that this program is probably not for you.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family
• Hotel
• Hostel

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Traveling
• Host families

• Chances for practicing Spanish
• Quality of instructors