High School Study Abroad in Panama

Dive into the warmth of the Panamanian culture, try new and flavorful dishes, and make connections that will last you a lifetime! Panama, a land of cultural fusion and natural beauty, connects North and South America through its world-famous canal and rich history. On this 10-day Global Prep program, you will explore the vibrant capital city, travel across different provinces, and immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences. You’ll walk through the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, watch ships cross the Panama Canal, engage with indigenous Emberá communities, and explore tropical rainforests by hiking the legendary India Dormida in El Valle de Antón! Every day brings a new perspective on Panamanian life. Your stay with a host family in Penonomé will allow you to share meals, traditions, and stories, while experiencing daily life in the heart of Panama. This combination of history, culture, and nature makes Panama the perfect setting to expand your worldview. Life in Panama is full of color and excitement – with its tropical climate and friendly, easygoing people, you’ll never be without something new to experience!

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.*