Summer Exchange Programs - Panama

Age Range:

Birth Date Range:

Travel Dates:

Application Deadline: March 15, 2012

Panama Summer Community Service and Language Program

This program will help you understand the social, family, and cultural life of a small community in Panamá. You will volunteer in the community, learn Spanish, participate in recreational activities, and enjoy excursions to help you explore more of the country.

Program Details

After a two-day orientation in Panamá City, participants are placed in host communities in groups of eight to ten. You’ll stay individually with a host family, perform community service at local elementary schools in the morning, and attend Spanish class in the afternoon. Spanish classes are only for the first two weeks, then you’ll get to use what you’ve learned. Service activities could include making physical improvements to classrooms and other facilities. There’s also a one-day outing to an ecological site near Panamá City.

Program duration is 4 weeks. Your time will be split between doing community service projects, spending time with your host family, and participating in activities organized by the local AFS volunteers. In addition to the orientations, some local chapters organize activities for students and host families throughout the summer. These will vary from chapter to chapter but may include parties or excursions to other cities or regions in Panama. Unlike the orientations, these activities are optional and are at the student’s expense.

Placement Realities

Participants may be placed throughout Panama. Most placements are in small cities or suburban areas.

Meals and Diet

Panamanians offer food as a sign of friendship, so get ready for some delicious meals. Rice, meat, beans and vegetables are all staple foods in Panama. Families don’t always eat together, usually saving family meals for special occasions.

Eligibility

To participate in this program, you must:

• Be within the age range at the start of the program (age range located above)
• Have a passing GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy in accordance with the AFS Medical Evaluation Policy
• Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
• Be in possession or have applied for a U.S. passport at the time of application.