Study Abroad Programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and semester courses of Outward Bound Costa Rica. Open to participants from 17 years old and up, these programs are available in fall and spring. - Outdoor Leader Semester: Earn 10 academic credits and internationally recognized certifications engaged in various activities for 65 days. This program offers a paid summer internship to top graduates. - Coast to Coast Expedition: Receive 12 academic credits and international certifications in outdoor education while participating in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for 85 days. - 35-65 Day Residential Gap Semester: Receive 10 academic credits while diving into STEAM topics in the tropics of Costa Rica and Panama. This program lasts from 35 to 65 days. Our gap year and semester courses involve a broad range of outdoor activities, from rainforest trekking, whitewater rafting, to surfing. A homestay with a local family allows you to truly immerse in local traditions and way of life. * Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*

From coral reefs and mangroves to the rainforest canopy, our field site in the heart of Panama’s Bocas del Toro Archipelago is surrounded by one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Against this backdrop, you will learn all about tropical rainforest and canopy ecology through a hands-on field course based at an active biological research station. Spend your days hiking forest trails, observing wildlife, learning to climb into the rainforest canopy, and experiencing up-close the many ecosystems that make this region so extraordinary. As the summer program progresses, you will build core field skills and work closely with faculty and classmates to investigate your own ecological research questions. Excursions across western Panama add additional depth to the experience, taking you to cloud forests, dry forests, and neighboring communities that reflect the incredible ecological and cultural diversity of the region.

DreamSpear Retreat — Panama | July 19–24, 2025 6 days / 5 nights · Only 10 spots available This is not a vacation. It's a high-impact retreat designed for emerging entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers who are ready to reconnect with purpose and lead from within. Through curated experiences, you'll explore leadership, self-awareness, and cultural immersion in a supportive and inspiring setting. This is for you if you're: -Starting a new chapter or project -Seeking clarity and meaningful growth -Craving deeper connection and perspective You'll leave with: -Tools for emotional intelligence & conscious leadership -A renewed sense of self and direction -A network of purpose-driven peers Sample Itinerary: Day 1 – Arrive & set intentions in Panama City Day 2 – Travel to Pedasí, beachside immersion Day 3 – Workshops + local culture Day 4 – Adventure: surf, hike, or explore Day 5 – Return to the city & integrate Day 6 – Final reflections & departure

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.