Panama: Culture and Classroom

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, transportation to all program related activities, and a farewell dinner.

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.

Panama: Culture and Classroom - Summer 2025 - Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet

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 funding pages.

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,  apply for your passport 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  Visa Information Page.

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens  can be found  here.

Resources

• Health and Safety
• Additional Information on Country
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations