Host Your Faculty-Led Program in Panama | Istmo Retreat
Program Overview
Istmo Retreat & Adventures partners with universities, colleges, and high schools to host faculty-led study abroad programs in Panama.
Located 90 minutes from Panama City on Panama's Pacific coast, our retreat center provides exclusive-use accommodations for groups of 8-24. You design the curriculum. We handle logistics.
What's included:
Private air-conditioned bungalows, chef-prepared meals (all dietary needs), meeting spaces, and coordinated excursions throughout Panama—including the Panama Canal, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, indigenous Emberá communities, volcanic highlands, and Pacific/Caribbean coastlines.
Who we are:
Founded in 2015 by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Sean Davis, M.Ed. and Ayesha Davis, M.S. Environmental Engineering. Forum on Education Abroad members with 40+ years combined Latin America experience and 20+ years living in Panama.
Programs we support:
Spanish immersion, environmental science, geology, service learning, cultural studies, public health, business, and custom faculty-designed courses. Programs range from one week to a full semester.
Getting started:
Contact us for a consultation. Faculty reconnaissance visits available.
Ready to dive deeper into this program?
Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.
Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Summer
- Short Term
- 3-6 Months
Updated Feb 12, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Panama
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Spanish
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
Age Requirement
14+
Duration
- Summer
- Short Term
- 3-6 Months
Starts At
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about Istmo Retreat and Adventures
Be the first to review Istmo Retreat and Adventures
If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.
Review this ProgramInquire
Inquire about this program
Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about Istmo Retreat and Adventures.
Who is this program designed for?
This is a venue and logistics partnership for faculty who want to bring their own students to Panama. We support faculty-led programs from universities, colleges, and high schools. Faculty design the curriculum; we provide accommodations, meals, excursions, and local coordination for groups of 8-24 students.
What academic disciplines work well in Panama?
Panama supports a wide range of disciplines: Spanish language and cultural immersion, environmental science, geology and Earth systems, service learning, Latin American studies, public health, business and global trade, engineering, and marine biology. The Panama Canal, Smithsonian research stations, and diverse ecosystems create learning opportunities across fields.
What's included in the program cost?
All-inclusive hosting: exclusive use of private bungalows, three chef-prepared meals daily, meeting spaces, ground transportation, coordinated excursions, bilingual guides, and 24/7 on-site support. We provide transparent budgets during consultation so you can plan accurately for your institution.
How far in advance should we plan?
We recommend 6-12 months for new programs, though we've accommodated shorter timelines. Early planning allows time for site-specific coordination, particularly for visits to Smithsonian research stations (which require 2-3 months advance notice) or community service partnerships.
Can faculty visit before committing?
Yes. We offer reconnaissance visits for faculty considering Panama. Experience the site, meet our team, and see the programming firsthand. Contact us to discuss a recon visit that fits your timeline.
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like
OnTESOL
No reviews yet
There’s no better way to earn income, make an impact on others, and discover the world than by teaching English abroad! This is exactly what we o...
MEF World (MEF English)
5
5 reviews
MEF World was established in Japan over 20 years ago and expanded to China a few of years ago. We offer one of the best training systems, along w...
Global Work & Travel
5
12 reviews
Thinking about leaving the routine behind and starting a new life in Thailand? Imagine tropical beaches, buzzing night markets, ancient temples a...
Have more questions?
We're here to help!
The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Istmo Retreat and Adventures is also happy to answer any questions you have.
Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997