Panama: Culture and Classroom
On This Page:
Program Type
- OHIO Credit
Academic Focus
- Education
- Leadership and Community Engagement
Program Feature
- Field Work
- Teach
Country/Region
- Panama
Program Term
- Summer
Application Deadline
Deadline extended to January 13, 2025
For more information contact:
Teri Peasley
Program Director
peasley@ohio.edu
Debra Dunning
Program Director
dunning@ohio.edu
Caroline Bresnahan
Program Coordinator
caroline.bresnahan@worldstrides.com
Office of Global Opportunities
global.opportunities@ohio.edu
Overview
Join a unique, hands-on experience in Panama, where education and culture intersect in meaningful ways. Over 10 days, you’ll engage in service learning with two local schools, working directly with students, observing classroom dynamics, and immersing yourself in the educational setting of Panama.
The program also includes cultural experiences to give you a broader understanding of Panamanian life. You’ll visit the Panama Canal, connect with an indigenous community, and explore the region’s incredible biodiversity. This journey offers a closer look at the relationship between education and culture in Central America, providing insights that extend beyond the classroom.
Program Dates
May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025
Highlights and Excursions
- Embark on a Guided Panama Canal Tour
- Explore Panama’s Biodiversity in El Valle de Antón
- Experience Indigenous Culture at the Embera Village
Good to Know
- This program requires a $500 deposit. This is part of the program fee that is outlined in the Student Budget Worksheet. If you have any questions, please reach out to the program directors.
- Wifi and cell phone service may not be available in some areas.
- Participants will need to purchase and drink plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration.
Living Arrangements
Students will stay in shared hotel rooms with breakfast included everyday in Panama City.
Info Sessions
Check back for more information soon!
Academics
Students will earn 3 credit hours of EDEC 2900.
Cost
The program fee for this program includes: Student accommodations, excursions, airport transfers, and transportation to all program related activities.
In addition to the program fee, students should plan for 3 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs. Below is the student budget worksheet for this program, which outlines these costs.
Items that are not related to the program (i.e., additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.
*Note:
- Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program.
- If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program.
Funding Opportunities
More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our
Eligibility and Requirements
This program is open to all undergraduate education majors who have completed all method courses and need to satisfy a diversity requirement.
Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.
This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.
Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility. Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.
Application Requirements
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- DARs
Entry and Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,   now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country.
U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program.
For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  
Information for  Non-U.S. citizens  can be found  .
Resources