SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
- Location(s): Panama City, Panama
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Panama has some of the world’s most biodiverse and complex ecosystems, from highland cloud forests to Caribbean coral reefs. You will conduct seven weeks of field studies in five unique settings in Panama and Costa Rica. Learn how to estimate fore... read more
All Reviews
I learned an incredible amount about the intersection between humanity and the environment, the way that relationship plays out in society and politics, and how we can act within those dynamics. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo View Entire Review
I gained far more than I ever could have hoped for or anticipated. I feel much more confident in myself as a person navigating the world, I learned invaluable field research techniques, and I learned and experienced ways of life completely foreign from anything I ever knew. A student - Davidson College View Entire Review
This program helped me figure out my academic and career interests. It was such a valuable learning experience, both academically and personally. The Independent Study Project process was extremely valuable as well. Lucy Murray - Tulane University View Entire Review
I learned so much about tropical and human ecology. I also improved my research skills and grew a lot during the independent study project. It was incredibly worthwhile. Kathy L - Scripps College View Entire Review
I learned so much about Latin culture and what its like to travel for a long period of time. Priyanka R - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained new teamwork skills and the ability to communicate with people in another language. YES, definitely worthwhile. Mohini Patel - Stonehill College View Entire Review
I gained a lot of independence, learned a lot about myself, and developed the confidence to travel and jump into unfamiliar experiences. A student - Rice University View Entire Review
I learned field research skills, a lot about biodiversity in the tropics, how to design and implement my own research, how to live on my own in another country and so many other things. It is SO worth it. A student - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
Experiencing a new culture, learning about environmental issues in the field rather than from a book in the classroom, meeting new people through the program, expanding my Spanish skills. Definitely all worth it. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile. I made friends who have become really important parts of my life and have inspired me and helped me find pieces of myself that I had lost. I learned so much about tropical ecology, conservation, and culture, but also learned a lot about myself. Anwyn D - University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass View Entire Review
This program allows you to meet a lot of people and communities that you wouldn't otherwise. I meet so many inspiring people that taught me so much about myself and about Panamanian culture. Completely worthwhile experience and I can't wait to go back. Katharine E - Wesleyan University View Entire Review
I learned more about my self than I would have in years back at home. It was absolutely worth it and I would do it all over again Connor J - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
The Independent Study portion of the trip was the best learning experience I have maybe ever had. It was a wonderful opportunity to put myself in a position out of my comfort zone, and I was nervous for the first few days. But it ended up being the best part of the trip, I got to work with endangered sea turtles, and I met and g... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot on this program, especially things beyond the classroom such as how to live in the moment. It was extremely worthwhile and I could not recommend this program more. Katie McErlean - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself as well as how healthy it is to be outside of a stressful academic environment. It was an educational experience inside and outside of the classroom. Mireya - Barnard College View Entire Review
Learning about all kinds of ecosystems, animals, and environmental regulations helped me bring home sustainable practices. I also learned so much about myself and what I want to do in the future. Sophie Kandul - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
This program is unlike any other traditional study abroad experience. I gained so much field experience, was able to learn about both the environmental and human aspects of conservation in so many different ways, and got to stay in so many different and interesting areas of Panama. This is nothing like a tourist vacation or a tr... Julia Stanganelli - University of Virginia View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. Before I was hesitant, but now I know that I really want to work in the field of conservation. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Learned a lot, both academically and otherwise. In terms of our education, we learnt a ton of research methods and got to practice them, we learnt how to go about writing a research proposal/paper, we learnt a great deal about the social/environmental issues in Panama, we learnt many theoretical things as well like the classific... Tara Verghis - Miami University View Entire Review
I learned so much about tropical ecosystems, Panamanian culture, Spanish, and how to function as a foreigner. I gained a more easygoing nature, an appreciation for what our world has and how much is at stake, and 12 lifelong friends. A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
I learned so much about environmental studies topics, biology, Spanish and human ecology. I was able to learn about issues facing the tropics and the world, as well as the local culture, local issues, and conservation tactics. I learned field study methods and ethnographic research methods. I also learned a lot about myself and ... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned many environmental research methods, made some great friends, and learned about my own independence and capability for traveling. Elise P - Washington University in Saint Louis View Entire Review
The experience was absolutely worthwhile! I gained so much perspective and grew academically as well as personally. This program made me much more independent and also exposed me to so many aspects of environmental science and policy that I could never experience first-hand at home. A student - Washington University in Saint Louis View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself while studying in Panama. I became more confidant and open to trying new experiences. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to study abroad and would definitely go back. A student - Kenyon College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and self-directed learning, which I consider 2 super-important life concepts. I learned about Caribbean culture in Panama, how to comfortably talk to strangers when small-talk is appropriate, and met awesome environmental students from across the country with whom I shared fun, funny, and even sad ti... Nicholas M - Brandeis University View Entire Review
About
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Agriculture
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
These scholarships ($30,000 divided between several students annually, with an average award of $3,750 per student) are for students who wish to study in Latin America or East Africa and focus primarily on women’s reproductive health and/or other topics such as girls’ education, poverty, social justice, ecology, or regional integration. Preferred SIT East Africa programs are those based in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania.
$3,750
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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