Panama: Ecology

Course Details

DATES

June 22-July 1, 2025

10DAYS

Departure City

Miami

TUITION

$4499 (Plus airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY

Available

Alongside our partner, Geoversity, you will learn about rainforest ecology, biocultural leadership, and conservation while exploring the tropical rainforest habitat of the Mamoní Valley and the concrete jungle of Panama City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Alongside our partner, Geoversity, you will learn about rainforest ecology, biocultural leadership, and conservation while exploring the tropical rainforest habitat of the Mamoní Valley and the concrete jungle of Panama City.

The Mamoní Valley, one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. During your time here, you will stay at a sustainably powered, off-grid science and leadership training center in the heart of the lush rainforest.

Amidst Panama’s natural and cultural beauty, you will be actively involved in ongoing conservation projects. You will interact with local rural mestizo communities, supporting their school garden program, and learn about cutting-edge conservation initiatives being led in partnership with these communities. You will also participate in hands-on workshops working with bamboo and guided rainforest treks to discover hidden waterfalls and explore biological living systems.

In Panama, you will develop essential skills in sustainable living using appropriate technology, conservation management, cross-cultural engagement, and biocultural leadership. This immersive Panama experience is unlike any other and where you will deepen your understanding of environmental conservation, innovative solutions to plastic waste, and your role in restoring the balance between humanity and the natural world.

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Practice speaking Spanish while meeting with rural communities and supporting school garden programs

Get hands-on with sustainable building & design using bamboo

Immerse in one of the top 25 global biodiversity hotspots while participating in regenerative conservation initiatives.

Stay in a UNESCO cultural heritage site surrounded by Spanish and French colonial architecture

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5

LEARNING SERVICE

You will learn about rainforest ecology, biocultural leadership, and conservation while participating in scientific research initiatives.

5

CURRICULUM

Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.

3

TREKKING

Throughout the program, you will participate in several easy to intermediate-level hikes ranging from 3-6 miles long.

3

LIVING CONDITIONS

You will stay on an off-grid rainforest campus in rustic cabins built from locally sourced bamboo.

2

ON THE MOVE

After arriving in Panama City, you will take a short drive (2 hours) to the Geoversity Campus in the Mamoní Valley of Panama. At the completion of the program, you will be driven back to Panama City.

3

REMOTENESS

You will spend the majority of the program at Geoversity's off-grid rainforest campus, located about 2 hours from Panama City.

Itinerary

1

Depart from Miami, begin group orientation in Panama City.

2

Take a private shuttle to Mamoní. Eco-Region presentation. Bonfire reflection and next-day review.

3

Continental divide interpretive hike. Introduction to bamboo construction. Bonfire reflection and next-day review.

4

Introduction to Rural Education in Panama. Work in the school garden. Afternoon activities with local students. Bonfire reflection and next-day review.

5

Agroforestry-getting hands-on with bamboo harvesting and curing. Bamboo planting activity. Bonfire reflection and next-day review.

6

Reforestation activity. Harvesting ingredients and tamale-making workshop (whole food diets vs processed foods). Bonfire reflection and next-day review.

7

Depart in 4x4’s to Panama City. Explore the UNESCO cultural World Heritage site, Casco Viejo, on foot. Evening in Panama City.

8

Frank Gehry Biomuseum, Panama natural history and culture. Visit to the Panama Canal. Discussion on Global economies and trade. Evening in Panama City.

9

Visit Isla Grande, Colon-walk the coastal fort, and learn about the island's history. Bus back to Panama City. Evening in Panama City.

10

Depart Panama City for Miami.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

Panama: Ecology : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. As this is a new program, there are no posts yet.

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition (students from partner schools): $4299
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $4499

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

Estimated Flight Cost: $1000

*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.