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Host Your Faculty-Led Program in Panama | Istmo Retreat
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.
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.
Program Highlights
All-Inclusive Venue: Exclusive use of private bungalows, chef-prepared meals, meeting space, and beach access for your group
Forum on Education Abroad Member: We adhere to Standards of Good Practice with comprehensive health and safety protocols
Unique Field Access: Panama Canal, Smithsonian research stations, indigenous communities, two-ocean biodiversity, volcanic highlands
20+ Years Panama Expertise: Founders are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers with deep community partnerships and local networks
Flexible Program Design: One week to full semester, 8-24 students, tailored to your curriculum and learning outcomes
Quick Details
- Panama
- Summer
- Short Term
- 3-6 Months
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Panama
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
- Summer
- Short Term
- 3-6 Months
Age Requirement
14+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Program Activity Costs
- Wifi Costs
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- Welcome Dinner
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- In-Country Orientation
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Guest House
Qualifications & Experience
- English
- Spanish
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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