My roommate and I with our host family.
Why did you decide to apply for an international program?
It was a course requirement for my masters program.
Why did you choose a program in Central America?
I had never been anywhere in Central America and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to truly experience the culture.
What was your favorite part about Panama City?
It was located among tons of mountains and the views were beautiful.
What made your program unique?
Staying with host families forces the participants to get out of their comfort zones and makes the experience even that much more valuable.
How did ThinkImpact’s staff in Panama support you throughout your stay?
They were always upbeat and helped us stay positive through the long days.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
Download a translator app that does not require Internet! My time with my host family would have been so much better if we could communicate better.
Dressed in traditional clothing with the community beauty queen (in white).
What was a typical day like for you in Panama?
Wake up, eat breakfast, meet with our group for a few hours while meeting new community members, eat lunch with the family, play with my host siblings for an hour, meet with the group again to discuss potential solutions for the community, return home for dinner with the family, get ready for bed, write in my travel journal, go to sleep.
Outside of your regular day-to-day schedule, what is one thing you did in Panama that you suggest other participants do?
One of the day's the children from the community took us to a nearby waterfall and we spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing.
What was your accommodation like in Panama?
We stayed with a host family. They had three young children which were always fun to play with. They made the experience more entertaining.
How has your time in Panama change your life back at home?
It has made me more appreciative of the things I have in my life.
