Panama: Rainforests, Reefs & Communities

WHY STUDY BIODIVERSITY IN PANAMA?

Panama holds some of the world’s most biodiverse and complex ecosystems, from highland cloud forests to Caribbean coral reefs, all within a country you can cross in a matter of hours. Your program will take you through multiple settings, giving you a firsthand look at how forest, coastline, and reef ecosystems connect and depend on one another.

Your journey begins with orientation in Panama City, one of the leading bases for international NGOs and the United Nations in the region. Here, you’ll get an introduction to conservation topics shaping the country today, including sustainable agriculture, Indigenous resource use, and ecotourism.

From there, you’ll travel to Panama’s highland cloud forests to learn about the country’s mammal and bird life, then on to the Guna Yala Comarca, an Indigenous-governed territory on the Caribbean coast. Here, you’ll snorkel coral reefs and learn how local communities are working to protect them.

Homestays are at the center of your experience. You’ll live with families in both urban and rural communities, learning directly from people navigating the environmental challenges you’re studying. By sharing a meal with your family, interacting with local citizens, and participating in interactive lessons outside the classroom, you will also build your Spanish-language skills and soon be able to discuss a range of topics, from ecology to community life.

LEARN BY DOING

The Experiment’s programs are designed to build skills that will help you succeed. In Costa Rica, you will learn: 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Spanish language
• Field observation and basic ecological survey techniques
• Snorkeling

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Intercultural communication  
• Adpatability
• Resourcefulness  
• Relationship-building 
• Environmental stewardship

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• This program is nature-focused and centers on outdoor activities, including hiking and snorkeling. Be prepared for full days of physical activity in humid, tropical conditions and water. Basic swimming ability is expected.
• The program moves between multiple regions, including highland and coastal areas, with bus and boat transport between sites.
• Panama’s climate is hot and humid year-round. July falls within Panama’s rainy season, so students should expect regular rainfall, especially in the highlands, and pack accordingly. Conditions can shift quickly depending on the region and elevation.
• Homestays take place in both urban and rural/Indigenous communities. Norms and expectations may differ meaningfully between the two, and in-country staff will cover this during orientation. Guna Yala is a self-governed Indigenous territory with its own rules and customs for visitors. The program’s in-country partners will brief students on respectful conduct before arrival.
• Rice, seafood, plantains, and tropical fruits are staples. Vegetarians and vegans may need to plan ahead, particularly in rural homestays.
• Internet access may be limited in rural and coastal homestay communities.
• The Experiment program structure is rooted in experiential learning and cohort-based learning facilitated by trained Experiment group leaders.