Enrollment is now open for 2025! Apply today to reserve your space.

Z. Panama SSSAS

SSSAS 2023
see info below

Course Details

DATES
March 18-March 26, 2023

9DAYS

Departure City
Washington, DC (IAD)
TUITION
$2799 (Plus airfare)

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Applications closed

Alongside our partner, Give and Surf, you will learn about marine conservation, sustainable tourism, climate change, and community development.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will immerse you in the incredible archipelago of Bocas del Toro where you will explore coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforests in addition to supporting the afterschool centers run by Give and Surf.

While in Bocas, you will spend your mornings learning about climate change, marine conservation, and the unique ecosystems of Bocas from several local nonprofits working on conservation efforts. In the afternoon, you will support local teachers in an afterschool center leading activities around marine and environmental education. You will also have the opportunity to be immersed in the Spanish language, connect with local residents, hike to empty beaches, and snorkel coral reefs.

*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 residents and nonprofit leaders.

Experience the rich biodiversity of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Support afterschool centers by running workshops for local children.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will learn about conservation from local nonprofits and deliver lessons and enrichment activities at local community centers.
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.
2
TREKKING
You will primarily walk or take boats to local sites. You will also have the opportunity to explore various sites on the island on a couple of long day hikes.
3
LIVING CONDITIONS
While at the project site, you will live in simple dorm rooms at a local hostel. While in Panama City, the group will also stay in a hostel.
2
ON THE MOVE
After arriving in Panama City, you will take a short flight to the islands of Bocas del Toro. Once in Bocas, you will be based on the island of Bastimentos.
3
REMOTENESS
You will spend the majority of your time on Bastimentos Island, a small island without cars, that is a 10-minute boat ride from the main town of Bocas del Toro.

Itinerary

1

Depart from Washing, DC (IAD), and begin group orientation in Panama City.

2

Half-day tour of Panama City. Afternoon flight to Bocas. Welcome & orientation.

3

Guest Speaker(s) & Lesson Planning. Volunteering at Bastimentos or Cristobal Community Center

4

Chocolate farm tour. Volunteering at Bastimentos or Cristobal Community Center

5

Jungle hike and tour with Rutilio Milton. Volunteering at community centers.

6

Hike on Carenero or to Wizards beach. Volunteering at community centers.

7

Snorkeling & boat tour of islands. Volunteering at community centers.

8

Visit Bocas town. Afternoon flight back to Panama City.

9

Return flight home. Arrive in Washington, DC (IAD) at 3:01 PM.

NOTE

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

Z. Panama SSSAS : 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. The posts below are from past programs.

How Do You Say, "I Have A Gift For You?"

Everyday that we have been in Bocas Del Toro, two of my group members and I have spent an hour at a local restaurant in Cristobol teaching the moms who own the restaurant English. We spent our time teaching them common restaurant phrases such as what would you like to eat, my name is, and how are yo...

Read More

Pure Joy

Today was our last day at San Cristóbal. Two of our leaders let us have a last hurrah with the kids. They provided us with a piñata. The second we got off the boat with the piñata all of the kids started rushing to the community center. It was a really special moment being able to see how happy all...

Read More

A Different Perspective

Working in the community center for the past couple of days has definitely been a change from the active soccer games, piggy back rides and tag that were ever present in the first week of working with the kids. It has taken some getting used to, but having my leg contained in a cast has enabled me t...

Read More

Polo Beach

The past few days we've had the chance to explore the local sites on Bocas. In the midst of our journey we came upon a man by the name of Polo. An eccentric man, Polo has lived on “Polo beach” for 55 years, aptly named after him. Once a millionaire, he blew all his money very quickly and now is supp...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION*

Tuition: $2799

Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE*

$900

REGISTRATION

Registration and payment for this program will be handled by SSSAS.

group flight

Departing Flight (March 18)

COPA Airlines #357 Depart Washington, DC (IAD) 10:07 AM Arrive Panama City, Panama 2:06 PM

Returning Flight (March 26)

COPA Airlines #443 Depart Panama City, Panama 9:12 AM Arrive Washington, DC (IAD) 3:01 PM

 

WHAT TO PACK

Download Packing List

 

Immunizations

Download Suggested Immunizations

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please refer to SSSAS’s Terms and Conditions for information on payment dates and refunds.

Questions?

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Footer Questions Box