Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Gateway | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ Community Service | AUG 19-21 | JAN 28-30 | Miami | 18-29 |
| 18+ University Study | AUG 19-21 | JUL 7-10 |
Miami | 18-23 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure. For a more detailed look at age ranges see Programs-at-a-Glance.
Panamá Details
The warm and hospitable people of Panamá will welcome you with open arms. The country’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “place of many fish,” and here you’ll find beaches of unparalleled beauty with coral gardens lining their shores and rainforests with exotic animals and rare birds everywhere. Mestizos, people of mixed Native American and European descent, make up 70 percent of the population, but the country is also home to seven different indigenous groups and boasts sizable West Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and American populations. From the cosmopolitan financial center of Panamá City, to the Chiriqui Highlands cloud forest, to the isolated San Blas Islands in the Caribbean, there’s much to experience and learn in Panamá.
18+ Community Service Semester Program
Volunteer in Panamá and make a difference in a rural community! Past projects included working with children; assisting forest rangers of the National Environmental Authority; supporting health workers; or helping teachers in the classroom. AFS also organizes orientations, an optional trip to coastal islands, local activities in the community (trips to the beach and mountains), and educational trips to museums, factories, and craft centers. You may live with a host family or in housing through the community service organization, depending on the project. Take this opportunity to discover the beauty of Panamá and help others as you do! View PDF Brochure for Panama 18+ Program.
18+ University Study Year Program
Spend a year in Panamá, attend university, and live with a host family—what a great learning opportunity! The school year is divided into two semesters: March through July and August through December. Your classes will either be in the morning or afternoon, and before you arrive you’ll choose from a list of subjects. High academic responsibility is required and is measured through homework and exams. At the program’s close, you will be issued a certificate of attendance.
