Description

Native Life
Brave and colorful cultures, the Emberas (on the mainland) and Kunas (in the Caribbean) have resisted the colonization of their territories for more than three centuries. While they share many religious and cultural similarities, these two cultures have very unique traditions and lifestyles. The intricate geometrical patterns of black ink that cover the Embera's bodies along with their colorful skirts and bead art necklaces is only one of the many magical traditions that have been preserved over the years. The brightly dressed Kuna women with gold nose rings and carefully arranged handmade molls in their bamboo huts, will remind you the cultural paradise that is Panama.

Sunken Ships and Swaying Hammocks
Your journey will begin just few hours from Panama city. Embark on a magical tour through the jungle to a remote Embera village where you will learn the treasures and secrets of there long-kept culture. Learn to fish and dance, admire their natural treasures and become closer to this friendly community, while working together on a community project.

Return to the city to watch cargo ships cruise through the Panama Canal, while enjoying a VIP lunch, and then wander the ruins of Panama Vieja. This city will remind you of an old pirate story.

From the Panama City, you will head to the turquoise waters of the San Blas Islands. Here you'll live in a thatched-roof hut on tiny Carti Yantupu Island. After spending your morning to help refurbish the local elementary school, you'll have the opportunity relax and take a load off on one of the many islands of this picturesque archipelago.

On this week long trip, you'll combine service projects and cultural interaction with new adventures and experiences. Get ready to fish, swim in clear rivers and blue waters, snorkel, play games with local Emera and Kuna children, make indigenous crafts, and much more. Come and join us for a summer adventure you will never forget in this tropical paradise.

Highlights

INMERSE yourself in the Kuna, Embera and Panamanian cultures. Enjoy the magic of the Panama Canal and its surroundings.

CRUISE through the stunning jungle and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Learn about these indigenous cultures' secrets and traditions.

HELP paint and refurbish classrooms at local elementary schools as you give back to your host communities through service.

Qualifications

Students must be 15-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,995 + International Airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Building Maintenance
• Building/construction Projects
• Community Development
• Painting
• Renovation
• Repairs

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983