GoAbroad

Panama High School Student Service Trip

$2,000-$5,000Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
2009Year established

Program Overview

Our immersive Service Learning Trips offer the perfect opportunity to travel abroad, experience a new culture, and forge lifelong friendships—all while making a meaningful impact on a community in need.

Our student volunteers participate in service activities such as building schools, playgrounds, and painting classroom walls and murals. Students also have the opportunity for cultural immersion activities including shadow visits to local community members homes, and an opportunity to teach the local students in the community.

Through this experience, students develop a profound awareness of their privilege and make a personal commitment to using that privilege to drive positive change in the world through the power of giving.

These service trips cultivate empathy and understanding by connecting young adults with the lived realities of others. In just one week, participants step out of their comfort zones and work together toward a shared goal—building a school or playground for primary school children. The journey is filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude as they witness a new reality unfold and see the tangible impact of their efforts.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Connect with fellow travelers and your group leader. Our info sessions cover itineraries, activities, and an opportunity to learn the history and culture of Panama.
Connect with local community members through home visits and hands-on projects, working side by side with local staff on construction projects, and spend recess with local students
Get involved—we partner with local communities to form a five-year partnership training teachers, parents, and providing scholarships and alternative education opportunities for students.
Stay involved post-trip—we encourage our students to stay involved with us after their trip. We have student ambassador programs, clubs and chapters, and ongoing leadership opportunities.
Engage in community service work—our program includes 64 hours of community service work that can be documented for graduation, college applications, and other community service requirements.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Medical / Accident Insurance
Wifi Costs
Travel Insurance
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Group Meals
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
International Airfare
Domestic Airfare
Required Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Background Check Fees
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • David, Panama

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Online Application
  • Essay

Age Requirement

14-20

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks

Starts At

$2,000-$5,000

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Scholarships
  • Upfront Deposit

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about School the World

5.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Serina OhyamaUnited States · July 2026

Becoming a World-Changer

My trip to Panama with School the World was truly an eye-awakening experience. Growing up in a suburban town near Boston, I lacked depth on what life outside of the United States looked like. Through traveling with School the World, I understood the challenges that communities faced that lived in rural poverty firsthand. I was able to make a direct impact on the community through concrete making and playing with the children during recess. Furthermore, the STW community itself was beautiful, as I formed formidable connections with others who were working towards the same goal as me, and by going to the beach at sunset, washing the paint and dirt from the day's hard work. It was an opportunity that began to lay down the path of what I would want to pursue going into college. This service trip is one that I would recommend to anyone!!!

Photos

Kaylle AlvesUnited States · July 2026

Impacted While Impacting

During this trip, provided through School the World, I had the amazing opportunity to meet and interact with children that I later realized lived completely different lives that I do. I got to witness the difficulties that go with their day-to-day lives as I realized how privileged I am to have all of the resources I do. But during this I also realized one important thing - these kids aren't looking for sympathy, they are looking for opportunity. With School the World, these children get the opportunities that could cost a lifetime of working. School the World has done a remarkable job and I'm so grateful that I was able to witness the work with my own eyes. Kaylle Alves

Lotte McKendryUnited States · July 2026

It was an unforgettable experience!

Volunteering in Panama was such an amazing experience that taught me so much about new culture, education, and privledge. It is truly a trip like no other and completely immerses you in the most pure and kind community with the best people. Doing hard work and seeing the impact of your time and dedication is so rewarding! This trip was so impactful to me and I believe it is something everyone should experience and learn from!

Photos

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about School the World.

What is School the World?

School the World partners with communities to build schools, support teachers, and expand access to quality education for children in rural areas globally. 

What safety measures does School the World take?

Is the program safe?

  • Safety is our top priority, with vetted logistics and 24/7 support.

What supervision is provided?

  • Trips include leaders and chaperones with a 1:6 ratio

Do students receive insurance coverage?

  • Yes—coverage includes medical care and emergency evacuation.

Why are the locations considered safe?

  • We work in trusted regions with strong local partnerships.

How do I apply?

Students can complete the online application through the Student Service Learning page. After applying, families receive next steps, deadlines, and preparation details.

When do trips run?

Trips align with typical spring and summer school vacation weeks, with multiple departure dates available each year.
Sample 2027 dates:
• February 14-21 (Panama)
• March 13-20* (Panama)
• April 18-25* (Guatemala)
• June 10-20* (Philippines)
• July 6-13* (Guatemala)
• July 21-29* (Honduras)

* Subject to change.

When is the application deadline?

Applications are due 45 days before departure. Late applications may incur an additional $250 fee due to increased flight and administrative costs. We encourage students to register early in order to provide as much time to fundraise the trip fees.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

hundrED Global Collection 2026
Library of Congress Literacy Award Winner
Candid Transparency logo
Great Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List
Charity Navigator - 4 Star Charity

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Listing Photo
School the World logo

School the World

No reviews yet

School Building Volunteer Program in Panama

The School the World Panama program brings students from across the United States to northern Panama for one week of meaningful, community-driven...

STW Student Service Trip
School the World logo

School the World

4.5

12 reviews

Help Build Schools in Honduras, Panama, or Guatemala

School the World's Student Service Program provides an inspiring experience for high school students. While traveling to Honduras, Panama, or Gua...

Listing Photo
School the World logo

School the World

No reviews yet

School Building Volunteer Program in Honduras

The School the World Honduras program takes high school students from across the United States to a rural community in southern Honduras for one ...

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 School the World is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997