Panama

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!

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.

The primary language in Panama is Spanish, and many people speak English as well. A basic knowledge of Spanish will be helpful.

Panamanian food is varied and delicious. Rice is the staple of the diet and is eaten twice a day. Meals include meat, beans, platanos (a type of starchy banana) and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots and cabbage. Don’t forget to taste the chichas, sweet cold fruit drinks. While food is important, it is not usually the focus for family time – Panamanians don’t often eat as a family!