Panama

Living Conditions & Daily Life 

Students participate in structured classes and field activities from 8 AM to 7 PM most weekdays, with occasional weekend commitments. Evenings and weekends generally offer free time for personal exploration, relaxation, or community engagement within the Bocas Archipelago. Independent travel beyond Bocas is limited to mid-semester break, when the SFS Center is closed and students travel independently. 

Students live in shared dormitories with communal dining facilities, where meals are provided. While students enjoy some privacy and independence, the center environment is communal in nature, and a daily curfew is enforced throughout the program (except during mid-semester break). Students typically remain in the Bocas area on weekends, and independent travel is otherwise restricted to ensure student safety and program cohesion. 

Physical Readiness 

Field activities are physically demanding, including snorkeling and swimming in open ocean waters (20 minutes to 2 hours) without life vests, hiking in tropical forests (up to 3 hours), and conducting research in marine and terrestrial settings. Students must pass a swim evaluation upon arrival and comfortably carry gear weighing up to 20 pounds. Panama’s climate is tropical—hot, humid, and frequently rainy. Mobility-impaired accessibility is limited due to terrain and activity demands. 

Travel & Transitions 

Students are based at a central field station in Bocas del Toro, with frequent short boat rides to neighboring islands and coastal areas. Boat travel can be uncomfortable and noisy. Semester programs include one to two overnight stays away from the center, requiring flexibility and adaptability. 

Program Location & Natural Environment 

The program is based in the island town of Bocas del Toro, a dynamic tourist hub offering rich sensory experiences from vibrant biodiversity to bustling town life. Students quickly become familiar with local amenities and favorite walking routes, cafes, and spots around town. Expect high humidity, daily rain during rainy seasons (May–August, November–January), and frequent muddy conditions on roads and trails. Wildlife encounters with insects, reptiles, and marine life are common. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Panama’s cultural diversity includes Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, and Spanish influences within a conservative, predominantly Catholic society. Students engage with local communities, adapting to Panamanian customs and social norms. Public displays of affection or open expressions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity may be culturally discouraged. 

Spanish is Panama’s primary language; proficiency varies outside tourist areas. While many people in Bocas speak some English, students benefit from learning basic Spanish phrases for daily interactions. All SFS classes are in English, and language instruction is offered to support cultural immersion. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Typical meals include rice, beans, vegetables, eggs, and chicken, with limited gluten-free alternatives available. Due to local conditions, alternative protein options may be scarce. Students with dietary restrictions or allergies must proactively communicate their needs. While most preferences can be accommodated at the SFS Center, cross-contamination risks may exist. Confirm dietary accommodations with studentlife@fieldstudies.org before applying. 

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not mandate specific vaccinations but advises students to consult a travel medicine professional before departure. Although the SFS Center does not operate in malaria or yellow fever regions, independent travel may expose students to such areas. 

Medical care in remote environments can be delayed up to 24 hours. Basic medical facilities are 10 minutes from the SFS Center, and advanced care is approximately 2 hours away in David or Changuinola. Critical emergencies may require air evacuation to Panama City. 

Routine medical and counseling services are not available during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic drugs, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills are typically not feasible without prior arrangements.