Gap Year Programs in Panama

Straddling the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, slender Panama, which links the North and South American continents, is fast emerging as an adventure travel destination. For a relatively small country, Panama certainly has a hero’s share of the world’s biodiversity. Pristine rainforests, two sparkling coastlines, and rugged coffee-covered mountains make this enviable paradise home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Americas. Add in a tropical climate, a blossoming economy, and well-connected transport, and a gap year in Panama becomes a dream come true!

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11 Gap Year Programs in Panama

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ARCC Gap: Central America - Belize, Costa Rica, Panama

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Gap Year Program in Panama with Give and Surf

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Latest Program Reviews

The Key to a New Beginning

December 28, 2024by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

The best 10 weeks of my life!!

December 25, 2024by: Greta Foss - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

I got to experience the most amazing places and make so many incredible memories with some of my newest and greatest friends in the world! My tour director and SLC were amazing and really helped me to have the most incredible trip possible. I’m hoping to some day go on a trip similar!

The Key to a New Beginning

December 28, 2024by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

The best 10 weeks of my life!!

December 25, 2024by: Greta Foss - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

A Guide to Gap Year in Panama

Popular Locations

Panama is an isthmus, connecting the very southern end of Central America to the South American continent where it borders with Colombia. With the exception of the slightly cooler highlands area, Panama experiences a steamy, tropical climate year-round. Panamanian weather can be variable, with sudden downpours common. However, rest assured that your gap year will be unspoiled by seasonal evacuations as Panama is located completely outside the hurricane belt that impacts much of the Caribbean. Destinations within Panama are reached through the relatively modern bus system or regional flights within the country.

Panama City. This modern capital of nearly a million residents sits on the Pacific Ocean entrance of the Panama Canal. Towers of steel and glass dominate the Panama City skyline, alluding to the big business conducted here in the banking, shipping, and tourism industries. However, colonial charm still abounds, tucked into famed neighborhoods such as Casco Viejo. Panama City is the center of culture, education, and transportation in the country, and offers easy access to the tropical resorts of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

Bocas del Toro. Colloquially known as Bocas Town, this year-round tourist destination of 13,000 residents, is located on Bocas del Toro archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. Traditional clapboard beach shacks on stilts, fantastic scuba diving, and laidback locals, make Bocas del Toro the idyllic Caribbean locale of your dreams. Accessible only by boat or plane, Bocas del Toro has relatively basic amenities, but its isolated beauty is part of the appeal.

Rural Areas. While most gap year programs in Panama are based out of Panama City or Bocas Town, opportunities do exist in rural areas. Boquete, for example, is a charming mountain community popular with expats, and also known as Panama's Eco-Adventure Capital.

Popular Activities

Whatever you are seeking in your gap year, Panama is sure to deliver. Thanks to an immense diversity of natural resources in a relatively small country, Panama gap years offer whatever cultural, educational, or adventure travel experience you can dream up!

Adventure Travel. Panama’s rich biodiversity allows gap year seekers unprecedented opportunity for adventure. Combine your gap year in Panama with an educational experience immersed in local culture, while challenging yourself with adventure sports such as scuba diving, rafting, zip-lining, jungle hiking, and wildlife photography.

Language Immersion. Spend a gap year in Panama while perfecting your Spanish language skills. Programs may combine Spanish language classes with the opportunity to volunteer in Panama. Language programs often include access to local excursions, such as snorkeling and surfing. Cultural opportunities also abound, as the rich fabric of dance, festivals, cuisine, languages, and traditions reflect the hybrid of African, Native Panamanian, and European influences.

Wilderness. Spending a gap year in Panama is a great opportunity to combine your love of travel with mastering impressive outdoor skills such as scuba diving, sailing, and canyoneering with Panama’s pristine tropical environment as the backdrop. Wilderness programs in Panama will challenge you physically and mentally while earning academic credits as well as Scuba and First Aid certifications.

Everything else you need to know about gap years in Panama

Costs. Compared to what you might be used to in North America or Europe, the cost of living in Panama will be refreshingly affordable. Although, with a growing economy and influx of expats, prices in Panama have been rising, and will likely be higher than other locations in Central America.

Your gap year in Panama costs will vary by program but expect to pay around $750/week for inclusive programs that cover food and housing. Work-stay opportunities are also available in Panama, which generally involve trading a few hours of labor at a local farm or hostel, in exchange for room and board. Make sure to start a personal FundMyTravel campaign to help you raise some cash to get you on your gap year in Panama!

Accommodations. Your accommodation will largely depend on what type of program you choose. Formal gap year programs based in town will often include communal accommodation, either in the form of a homestay or shared apartment, while camping will likely be a part of Panama adventure travel and wilderness programs. Hostels in Panama are relatively inexpensive, often under $20/night, including breakfast. Rent for a modern apartment or condo in Panama City may run $1500/month and will have amenities on par with what you’d expect to find at home; rentals in other parts of the country will cost less.

Visas. Visitors to Panama from eligible countries, including North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa for a stay up to 180 days. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 3 months. Work visas for internationals do exist if certain requirements are met. Check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for details regarding visa requirements.

Safety. Panama is a relatively safe country, and one of the safest in Latin America. Be wary of petty crime such as pickpockets in urban areas and always use common sense. One exception is traveling to the border region between Panama and Colombia, which is to be avoided, due to the presence of drug traffickers and rebel groups that occupy the area known as the Darien Gap.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

A gap year in Panama is an amazing opportunity for adventure travel, language immersion, and wilderness exploration while flushing out gaps in that CV! Gap year programs in Panama can highlight leadership skills, Spanish language competency, and can be tailored to your professional interests (i.e. conservation, education) making you even more competitive when you hit the job market back home.

No doubt about it, Panama’s ecological biodiversity is extraordinary. Recent studies found that the forests of Panama are even more diverse than those of the Amazon. Sloths, ocelots, jaguars, 75% of the Western Hemisphere’s migratory birds, and five species of sea turtles call Panama home. Even if you aren’t into jungle trekking you can appreciate Panama’s furry friends without stepping foot outside of the capital. The Biomuseo, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, recently opened in Panama City; this extraordinary building illustrates how the geological event that created the isthmus of Panama, in fact, changed the world 2.8 million years ago.

Just as the isthmus of Panama changed the world eons ago, perhaps now it’s going to change you. Stretch your cultural horizons, learn another language, and make new friends while immersing yourself in this friendly and beautiful country. Experience the adventure of a lifetime through a gap year in Panama.