Once in a Lifetime Experience in Panama January 21, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were short but in depth. I felt positively challenged by the intensity of the courses and being able to learn outside of the classroom really helped integrate the lecture knowledge with real life factors. My cohort and I completed multiple study projects and presented them to our class and professors. This process helped me prepare for our Independent study projects completely as we practiced fieldwork methods until we perfected them and dealt with real life problems that arose as we encountered them.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site SIT staff were incredible. They were kindhearted and always happy to help no matter the situation. We encountered some challenging moments throughout our study abroad and the SIT staff were extremely supportive and helpful, as well as being available around the clock in emergency situations. I felt so cared for by them, they felt like family.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was an adjustment as everything was different from what I have known, however I loved it. My homestay families were all so lovely and truly took me in as one of their own. Their friendliness was unmatched and I now have family all across Panama!

I have a severe allergy and I had very few issues communicating this with individuals. the food was always made with love and sometimes fresh from their own gardens. I am so glad i got to experience the Panamanian food culture despite my allergy

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt well integrated. Where ever we travelled we stayed in homestays for the majority of the time. This really allowed us to experience what each place had to offer culturally and socially. We also were linked up with Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) students who could show us around the city and integrate us with the social culture of Panama City all while allowing us to practice our Spanish in more casual settings.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health care in Panama was honestly incredible, we had a few instances of needing urgent medical care and we were cared for very well.

Overall I felt safe throughout my time in Panama, however we had an instance of a break in during our Independent Study period which was unheard of by the area we were living in. We were all fine and nothing was really taken. The SIT staff were the real MVPs in that situation and I owe them my everything. I would suggest to future students to be aware of your surroundings and always know where your stuff is as pickpocketing does happen. I would also suggest to communicate and plan everything in groups, be that they are smaller or bigger groups. A group means more eyes as well as more support.

The SIT staff, my homestays, the travel components, and my cohort made this experience what it was. I loved every aspect of it and I got to see some much of Panama that I otherwise would not have known about.

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

When on excursions i did not spend much money as we were working, volunteering, or doing class work. In Panama city i spent a lot of money on Ubers, however Ubers were not expensive around the city and public transport around the country was inexpensive. I would expect to spend more than you think you will as you might go out to Dance or do other activities and the prices rack up.

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

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• Americans
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• Americans
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• The Travel
• Cultural immersion
• The Nature

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