Description

Panama (officially the Republic of Panama) is among the most stable and rapidly growing economies in Central America. With constant transportation of international commerce and culture, a rich history as a Spanish colony and well preserved indigenous societies, Panama is a truly diverse nation.

Also known for its biodiversity, Panama has lengthy coastline on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, as well as robust tropical rainforests, mountain ranges and rivers in the interior.

ISA students will have the wonderful opportunity of attending classes at Florida State University-Panama located in the City of Knowledge. Once a U.S. military base occupying prime Panamanian real estate, the area is now a center for international academic organizations, technology companies and non-governmental organizations. The City of Knowledge is home to the regional headquarters of UNICEF, Red Cross and also United Nations offices.

Highlights

One of the first things that you may notice about Panama City is the undeniable diversity within the sprawling cosmopolitanism of one of the worlds largest melting pots. With constant transportation of international commerce and culture, Panama City has managed to maintain its rich history as a Spanish colony and also its unique indigenous societies.

The layout of Panama City reflects not only it's internationalism but also the longstanding roots of Spanish colonialism. Located on a small peninsula southwest of the modernized city center you will find the old city center of San Felipe. This area is comprised of various ruins and restored colonial buildings. Only a few miles away one will be greeted by the towering skyscrapers of El Cangrejo, the modern and industrialized commercial district of Panama City. West of San Felipe is a heavily Americanized district known as Balboa. This area was once heavily occupied by US military personnel when the US was in control of what is today one of the greatest engineering accomplishments know to date, the Panama Canal. East of the modern Panamanian skyscrapers is Panama Viejo, the first European city on the Pacific Coast of the Americas.

In Panama City, the locals and host families enjoy interacting with foreigners to share their culture with them. Perhaps the most gratifying part of living in Panama will be the thrill of learning to communicate in another language. The ability to understand what people say in ordinary speech and to reply in a similar form is often the primary goal of students studying abroad. Your host family and new Panamanian friends you make in social gatherings will be your most constant teachers of everyday speech. Your language classes will deepen your understanding of what you hear, and widen your repertoire of possible responses. You have chosen the absolute best way to learn a language and to experience an amazingly distinct culture.

Points of Interest in the City

Panama Canal
After 34 years of planning and construction, the US successfully completed and opened the Canal in 1914. Ever since, Panama has maintained its own label of internationalism and continues to grow into one of the most modern cities in Latin America.

Parque Natural Metropolitano
This is Panama City's natural wildlife refuge located within the city limits. Walking through this beautiful park, it's easy for one to forget that there's a bustling city just minutes outside of the front gate.

Casco Viejo
Come and explore historic plazas, cathedrals and diverse architecture in Casco Viejo. Here you will find the remains of the old colonial feel which is slowly being shadowed by the towering skyscrapers of Panama's commercial district. This is the perfect place to have a coffee at a funky café while listening to live musicians.

Amador Causeway
Whether you're going for a walk or riding a bicycle, cruise down Amador Causeway and you'll find the best breeze in town!

Punta Paitilla
Perfect for shopping and going to the movies. Punta Paitilla is practically in the middle of it all and is a great place to pass some time with your ISA and Panamanian friends.

Museo de Sitio Panama Viejo
This wonderful museum holds colonial artifacts and also offers an amazing scale model of Panama Viejo before 1671.

Mi Pueblitos
Just below Cerro Ancón, west of downtown, students will find life-size recreations of rural villages located in Bocas del Toro and Darién.

Museo Afro-Antilleano
Visit this interesting museum to learn about the history of Panama's West Indian societies.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
For those who love art museums and galleries, be sure to drop by this contemporary art museum that hosts numerous exhibits from artists around Latin America.

Museo de Ciencias Naturales
Due to the fact that Panama is known for its rich biodiversity, this is the perfect place to receive a crash course on the natural sciences, native flora and fauna and geology of Panama.

Palacio de las Garzas
This exquisite presidential palace is a must see for all who visit Panama. You might even catch a quick glimpse of the President as he and his family live here.

Plaza de la Independencia
Enjoy an afternoon on the site where Panama declared their independence on November 3, 1903. The plaza is surrounded by a number of historic buildings, cathedrals and museums such as the Museo de Hisotria and the Museo del Canal Interoceanico.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please Contact Sponsor

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure advising
* Tuition at host university
* Official transcript from host university
* On-site ISA office
* Full-time ISA resident staff
* On-site cultural and academic orientation
* Airport reception and transfers
* Student Housing (Homestays)
* Internet access
* Tutorial assistance
* Excursions
* Cultural Activities
* Medical insurance
* Student services
* Visa support

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Canadian and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

ISA (International Studies Abroad)'s Mission Statement

To provide high quality education abroad opportunities to American and Canadian college students at an affordable price. We recognize that we play an important role in the worldwide effort of international educators to increase individuals' awareness of cultures and societies outside of their own national boundaries.

Year Founded

1987