SFS Panama: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies
Program Overview
Discover Bocas del Toro, Panama—an archipelago full of stunning biodiversity, from underwater reef ecosystems to rich green rainforests. The mix of cultures in Bocas is as eclectic as its diverse environments. Go behind the scenes in this “paradise” as you study the impacts of tourism and development on the island system’s ecosystems and human communities. Finish the semester by designing and conducting an in-depth field research project to examine sustainability issues through the lenses of policy, socioeconomics, and ecology.
SFS students live and study at the Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies, once a beachfront hotel that sits among the slender palms and warm sands of Isla Colón lies the Center. You’ll take your classes over the waves of the Caribbean and among the surrounding rainforests and reefs. The laid-back tourist hub of Bocas Town is a short taxi ride away, with access to shops, restaurants, and a vibrant culture as unique as the mix of people living here.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Fall
- Spring
- Animal Science
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Culture
- Ecology
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Ethnic Studies
- Foreign Language
- Forestry
- Geography
- Government
- Humanities
- Latin American Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Marine Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Sustainable Development
- Travel & Tourism
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Updated Mar 12, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Bocas del Toro, Panama
Fields & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Ecology
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Forestry
- Humanities
- Liberal Arts
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
- Geography
- Latin American Studies
- Culture
- Travel & Tourism
- Sustainable Development
- Ethnic Studies
- Conservation & Preservation
- Foreign Language
- Government
- Marine Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Animal Science
- Science
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026, 2027
- Terms Available
- Fall
- Spring
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
Application Procedures
- Transcript
- Online Application
Age Requirement
18-30
Starts At
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