High School Community Service & Volunteering Programs in Panama

Study abroad in Panama to skyrocket your Spanish by living with a host family and attending a local high school. With one of the highest literacy rates in the region, you will be surrounded by peers who are eager to learn and teachers who are eager to help. Your local volunteers will also organize activities that may include trips to the San Blas islands on the Caribbean coast and the Panama Canal. Along your journey, you’ll notice the vast diversity of Panama. You’ll pass areas that are bustling commercial centers, as well as lush tropical landscapes dotted with small villages. No matter where you are, you’re likely to find colorful markets with fresh fruit juice carts lining the streets. Each region in Panama also hosts its own festival with music and dancing. The whole community takes part in the preparation and celebration. Panama is an ideal place to step outside of your comfort zone, become a cultural insider, and engage in an exciting new adventure.

School the World's Student Service Program provides an inspiring experience for high school students. While traveling to Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala, you experience a new culture, make new friends, fulfill service hours, and create lasting relationships with children in the community, all while building a school or a playground! Each group raises funds and participates in the final construction phase of a new school building or playground. Students spend most of the week in a community, working on the project, and interacting with the children, forming strong bonds through mutual learning. Cultural exposure and understanding are an essential part of our program. During their trip, students experience the beauty of the local culture. By participating, World Changers open their eyes and minds to the deep and complicated causes underlying poverty in rural communities. You walk away with first-hand insights into the realities of developing countries and experience the power of education in people’s lives. 2026 Dates • February 15-22, 2026 (Guatemala) • March 14-21, 2026 (Panama) • April 19-26, 2026 (Panama) • July 7-14, 2026 (Guatemala) • July 22-30, 2026 (Honduras)

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) is a non-profit organization that provides service and cultural immersion programs in Latin America and the U.S. for students ages 13–19. Volunteers in our Panama summer projects experience deep cultural immersion - living with a host family, advancing their Spanish skills, forming cross-cultural bonds, and working closely with local youth and organizations on community service initiatives. Our relationships with local and international organizations, built over 60 years, enable authentic engagement in communities across the region. Since our founding in 1965, more than 30,000 alumni have completed our programs with greater social awareness, stronger leadership skills, and a passion to make meaningful change! Get in touch with our team to learn more about AMIGOS summer programs in Panama!

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Experience an unforgettable adventure with fellow Girl Scouts from across the United States! Our GSUSA Destinations courses in Costa Rica and Panama will give you an opportunity to visit remote rainforest villages with family homestays, serve local communities, scuba dive among the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean Ocean, protect the region’s fragile ecosystem, catch waves on famous warm water breaks and offers many other adventure opportunities with each course. Immerse yourself in a new language and culture while discovering your inner strengths and leadership skills. Create life-long friendships along the way. Our GSUSA Destinations courses are open to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scouts must apply to participate through the GSUSA Destinations program and be between 13-18 years old at the time of course. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*