Panama

Panama is much more than its famed canal. The country’s curvy, narrow land mass serves as a physical—and cultural—land bridge between North and South America. Its natural beauty is unsurpassed, with hundreds of deserted islands scattered through warm seas, densely forested wilderness, and beautiful wildlife.

Panama City is one of the most cosmopolitan, culturally distinct, and enjoyable capital cities in all of Central America. Modern commercial buildings blend with cobbled streets and Spanish colonial architecture. West of the capital lies the Panama Canal, the legendary feat of humankind that unites two entire oceans.

If you’re interested in experiencing true rainforests you can visit the Soberania National Park, just 25 miles north of Panama City. The Bastimentos Marine National Park in Bocas del Toro offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in Central America!

You will probably live in a small town or rural area, where the whole neighbourhood will make you part of the family! Don’t worry – since Panama is small and public transport is good, you will have lots of opportunities to see other towns! Your host family will want to know your whereabouts, so check in with your host parents before you make decisions. Also, like your host siblings, don’t forget your household chores.

90% of hosted students go to families in the “interior”, to tiny villages or small cities. Life in these communities tends to be more relaxed, based around the family and simple community activities. AFS participants stand out as different but everyone in your small town will consider you part of the family! Your host family will want to know your whereabouts, so check in with your host parents before you make decisions. Also, like your host siblings, don’t forget your household chores.

Traditionally, Panamanians have not placed a lot of importance on preparing daily meals and complicated dishes. Most families usually eat dishes that are easy and quick to prepare, rice being the main staple for lunch and dinner. Rice is accompanied by portions of meat, beans, plantains and, sometimes, vegetables. Most families do not sit together at the table for meals, each member usually eats at different times and locations in the house – this is the way Panamanian families have had their meals for centuries!

The primary language in Panama is Spanish, and many people speak English as well. Panama has one of the highest literacy rates in the region (97%).

You will probably attend a public school, and you will definitely wear uniform – all Panamanian high schools have strict uniform policies! Public high schools tend to be large, with between 1,000 and 2,500 students in grades 7 to 12. School runs in two shifts, and most AFS students attend the morning session to allow for afternoon activities. The school day can begin as early as 6:45am and end at 1pm!

The curriculum for each school year is comprised by approximately 16 subjects, with a different schedule each day. Students choose their field of study, like Sciences, Business, or Humanities, and take all the classes for that field.