Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Sustainable Community Development in Panama

The Caribbean, tropical forest, coffee and the opportunity of a hands-on experience, this program is right for you!

This ten-day, service-learning study abroad will visit a nature reserve and agricultural community near the Panama Canal and the Caribbean side of Panama, about two hours north of Panama City.  Accommodations will include dorm beds (ten to a room) in a rustic hostel adjoining the San Lorenzo Protected Area (nature reserve).  Typical days will involve a service project in the morning and educational tour in the afternoon.  Service projects include maintaining trails in the nature reserve, planting streamside trees to improve bird habitat, interviewing locals about nature conservation and livelihoods, working with local youth on ecologically related art projects, planting coffee trees, and discussion of community development priorities.  Educational excursions include guided birdwatching on tropical rainforest trails, visits to Caribbean coastal villages with African heritage, touring a coffee cooperative's growing and processing facilities, viewing huge, passing ships in the Panama Canal, and a boat trip to an indigenous Embera village.  Students should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (otherwise entry requirements are complicated) and in moderate physical condition, with the ability to tolerate hot, humid weather and make short (half mile to two mile) hikes on relatively easy trails with some uneven footing. While this programis tailored for Social Work and Sustainability sustents, all majors are welcome!