March 22, 2025

I’m writing this from the Panama City airport, sitting with seven of the fifteen students who came with us to Panama. I was the faculty member who was lucky enough to get the chance to tag along on this incredible journey that the course instructor Alfredo Oliveira (aka “Mr. Fredo”) built entirely from scratch. I’m also the director of Honors Global Challenges and Solutions (HGLO), so I’ve had the pleasure of knowing many of these students since August if not longer. We also had four “honorary HGLO” students joining us, who fit right in with the bunch. 

This was my first time being a faculty member on an Education Abroad trip, and it absolutely exceeded my (very high) expectations. We saw so many cool things, went to such a wide variety of places, and learned so much along the way. I thought I would take this opportunity, now that the trip is over, to reflect on our experiences and what left the strongest impressions on me as a political scientist and an Honors director. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t start with the Panama Canal, which was our first major group excursion last Sunday. When we started the day, I was most excited about the monkey tour scheduled for the afternoon (see video below). But the Canal, and the interesting connections it has to so many aspects of both Panama and the world, really stuck with me. As a professor who specializes in international relations, I found myself thinking of how the Canal could easily be a motivating example for 6 or 7 lectures about a variety of topics. International trade is an obvious one, but there are also myriad connections to issues about sovereignty, neutrality, international law, military intervention, and international cooperation. Panama occupies a unique place in the world in many ways, which I didn’t fully appreciate until seeing the Canal and then touring the city immediately after. It has a colonial history similar to that of many Central American countries, but it has a relationship with the United States unlike any other country in the world because of the Canal. So I thought I’d write about this a little bit, to add an IR prof’s musings to this collection of reflections. I should say, I’m by no means an expert in Panamanian history, but I thought it might be interesting to talk about some of these big picture issues. (So many of these issues also directly relate to topics we talk about in HGLO classes, so it was fun to reference the discussions we’d had in class.)

It’s hard to overstate how crucial the Canal is to the world as we know it today. Our guide made a point of saying how none of us would be doing what we were doing today without the Canal. He likely would have been Columbian, as Panama wouldn’t likely exist as its own country. Life in the US would be different, too. We likely would have still helped the Allies in WWII, but it would have been a lot harder without the Canal. Likewise, we likely would have still been the architect of the post-WWII world order (e.g., the Bretton-Woods system), but our power projection capabilities in terms of trade and military power might not be what they are today. Free trade and globalization would not look the same. US manufacturing would not look the same. Implementing the US-led order would have been a lot harder. Bottom line: the Canal is a pretty big deal. And, interestingly, even before the Canal was built, the railroad that crossed the isthmus of Panama was also a game changer. It was fascinating to learn how many people would travel to Panama to use this “shortcut” for a variety of reasons. For instance, people from the United States would often opt to sail to Panama from New York, take the train across, and then sail to California to participate in the Gold Rush. Learning about how important the Canal has been for so long, and how relevant it was to so many historical events in ways I never knew before, was fascinating.

Once you appreciate how important the Canal is, it’s easy to understand why so many people, going back literally hundreds of years, were so determined to make it happen. Going through the Canal saves so much time and money compared to going around the bottom of South America. But perhaps the most amazing aspect for me is that anyone ever thought it would work! I feel like I didn’t appreciate the sheer scale of the Canal until coming here. I’d only ever seen the locks in videos, which are a tiny fraction of the Canal. In total, it’s more than 50 miles long and includes a man-made lake, Lake Gatun. We had the opportunity to see the Canal at the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side, in a boat at Lake Gatun (where we saw the monkeys), and while swimming in the Chagres River during our visit with the Emberá people. Several students mentioned how this variety of experiences made it easier to understand the vastness of the Canal and how it is truly deserving of its “Modern Marvel” status. There are a million videos about the history of the Canal online, but I still am in awe of the fact that humans were able to pull off this tremendous feat without computers or modern construction equipment. The human cost was enormous, to be sure–tens of thousands died. But once it was done, the Canal changed the world. 

March 21, 2025

Due to scheduled protests in the city, we set out bright and early at 7:30 AM for the Emberá community. Some of the most valuable sightseeing portions of the trip are the ones from our events: bus rides. The different architecture and landscapes were fascinating as we traveled further north of Panama City. Despite the bus making the same trip as yesterday, it was easy to see something new, whether that be the intricate designs on a rural home, a stray dog, or even a sign along the side of the road.

Rain or Shine: Canoes, Wildlife, and a Warm Welcome

Though cloudy when we began our journey on the canoes, it soon began to rain. Little did we know that this would continue almost throughout the entire portion of the day we were out. While it was pouring on our canoe ride, we still saw a stray dog, the occasional fish dipping above water briefly, and various birds. Eventually, we arrived at the Emberá village and were given another warm welcome by Isac and other Emberá members.

While shopping, some of us had the pleasure of seeing a pair of toucans travel from one distant tree to another. Their flashy beaks made them easily identifiable. We shopped at the artesian market where different families sold unique handmade crafts such as baskets, jewelry, and carvings.

Names and New Connections: Embracing Culture Through Volunteering and Language

It was then time for the naming ceremony. We grouped ourselves into our corresponding activities for the day (gardening, community cleaning, and English lessons). Isac gave Mr. Fredo a few Emberá words, and each group randomly picked a slip of paper with one of those words on it. The first group received the name Euma, which means rainbow in the Emberá language. The second group received Imbisu, meaning hummingbird. And the third group received Chiivigui, which means turtle (how fitting!). Each slip of paper had a color dot, and our groups then used the corresponding color marker to make their sign, incorporating the Emberá name.

After we made our signs, we began our volunteering activities. The English lessons group split into three teams to make more personal connections with the students, mainly women and children of the Emberá community. One group spoke with two Emberá girls: one was 17 years old, and the other was 14. Both knew basic English from school, but not very much else. The girl who was 17 attended university where she studied tourism. Both girls asked where the group had traveled previously and expressed interest in traveling outside Panama. The Emberá girls also taught them some words in their language including mena, which means hello.

Another group spoke with some older women of the community, including the wife of the village chief. These women wanted to learn how to communicate with tourists to make deeper connections with them. Unfortunately, they also explained that the language barrier presents other issues, such as tour guides taking advantage of them. Our trip to the village was organized directly with the community leaders, ensuring that we would respect their land and people, but that may not always be the case with other tourists, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in tourism. In addition, while they were initially nervous about their English speaking skills, they did not hesitate to practice with some support. Not only were they grateful for the lesson, but they also were eager to ask questions and share their language and culture.

Lunch and Tokens of Gratitude: A Special Thanks from the Community

After we finished our volunteering sessions, we took a break to eat lunch. During our free time, we watched the children running around and playing in the rain. A different group of tourists gave the children bubble blowers, and they surrounded us with a sea of bubbles. We all laughed and popped the bubbles together, and when it was time to leave for our hike to the waterfall, some of the children didn’t want to say goodbye and tried to join us. We took pictures and gave them hugs, reminding them that we would miss them but would treasure these memories.

Before we headed down the hill back to the canoes, Isac and Cacique Euclides, gave a heartfelt speech, thanking us for our donations, volunteering, and overall support. He specifically addressed Dr. Croco and Mr. Fredo, expressing his gratitude for bringing our cohort to his village by giving them each a handmade beaded necklace. Dr. Croco received one with a yellow sunflower and Mr. Fredo received one with a tiger. These symbols are meaningful in their community, as flowers represent beauty and tigers represent strength.

Into the Wild: The Hike to the Waterfall

Following our final visit to Puru Biakirú, our group waited under torrential downpours for the final part of our journey: a hike to a beautiful waterfall on a tributary of the Chagres River. A hike we were told would be quick and painless. Perhaps the pelting raindrops were there to warn us otherwise because we hadn’t the slightest clue what we were in for.

Because we visited during the dry season, when the water levels were at their lowest, our hike began right where the narrow tributary enters the mainstream of the Chagres. On its muddy banks was a cleared path ahead to the waterfall. While the path, too, was narrow, it seemed to pose no problems. The ground was still solid despite the rain that day, and it wasn’t steep or bumpy. We soon found out, however, that our path stopped short of our destination. Far, far short. 

Our guides hadn’t warned us that the hike would take us through the river, whose bed was comprised of thick, quicksand-esque mud that could creep up to one’s knees. Taking reluctant first steps into the river, our group emerged, caked in the earth, on the rough, rocky surface on the other side. The hike to the waterfall only got more challenging and treacherous as we ventured further into the jungle. Most of us were equipped only with swimsuits and sandals, our group faced steep, slick, muddy hills, sharp, slippery rocks, and twisted, malignant tree roots. Several more crossings of the river took us through chest-deep water and soft soil. The frequency of unfortunate events became comical, raising our exhausted spirits back up for one final push forward.

One final climb over the large rocks holding back a pond revealed our destination, and the stunning view of the waterfall alone was enough to wash away our fatigue (and almost the dirt). The white, foamy waves rippled down the cliffside into a pond supported by smooth, solid ground, and not a hint of mud was to be found. One of our Embera guides demonstrated the pond’s depth with a striking leap off of a high-up rock.

The waterfall’s bliss was short-lived, however, as twenty minutes vanished in the blink of an eye, and our group had to hike forty minutes back to the canoe landing site at the main stream of the Chagres. Once again, the slippery, wet, jagged terrain put our remaining stamina and willpower to the test, and this time there was no washing off at the end.

Dripping wet and with mud up to our knees, we boarded the canoes and reclaimed our rain-ravaged belongings for a short ride back to the bus stop. While most of us were silent, we celebrated internally that we escaped the jungle unscathed. All that was left was to endure the last hour and thirty minutes until we could take a hard-earned shower.

A Toast to the Journey: Final Dinner and Reflections

After a muddy and wet bus ride back, we got some rest and left for our group dinner at Palacio Lung Fung. Our meals were served family style, and everyone shared their meals via the large lazy susan. We all reflected on our trip, and Dr. Croco raised a toast to Mr. Fredo as this wonderful trip would not have been possible without him. 

It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of our time in Panama, but we know that just because we’re heading back home, that doesn’t mean it’s over. We will continue to grow our new friendships, share all the photos we took, and remember the memories we created as the first cohort to share this experience in Panama. We hope the next cohort will be able to read our blog and be filled with anticipation of their travels, where they will be making their memories as well. Thank you for joining us on our journey, and we look forward to the next adventure. ¡Hasta luego!

Blog entry by: Daniela Cornejo, Natalie Haugen, and Rylan Venable. 

March 20, 2025

Today we traveled to the Puru Biakiru community (translates to “Beautiful People”), one of four Embera communities along the Chagres River. We traveled to the village on canoes led by members of the village and were greeted in song by women from their tribe. After being welcomed, a member of the community, Ricardo, took us on a tour of the village and surrounding land. 

Walking the Land: Plants, Projects, and Purpose

As we hiked along the path, we passed many plant species and new projects the community is working on. This included a new church, a future school, and even a botanical garden. Also along the trails, our guide showed us the many plant species that they use for clothing and medicine, as well as those that are culturally significant. One of the most important plants was Cucua bark which was previously used to make clothes but is no longer used for this purpose as to protect the sacred species. Another important part of the Embera’s way of life is the use of plants for medicine like to help with asthma or even venomous snake bites. 

Leadership and Lunch: Meeting Noku and Sharing a Meal

After the hike, we spoke to Noku, the community’s current tribe leader, who changes every five years through a democratic vote. Afterward, we were given plantain and yuca chips, granola bars, fruit juice, and water. We then had a break where we could swim in the Chagres River. After spending some time in the cool waters of the Chagres River, we headed back up to the village for lunch. As we waited for lunch at the pavilion, we were able to look through the shops and goods they were selling, and some of us received temporary tattoos. Their tribe wears temporary tattoos made from dye from Jagua fruit and offers them to tourists so we can share their culture with our own respective communities. For lunch, we were served fried fish with plantains, held in a leaf pocket. We were also given various fresh fruits, including pineapple, watermelon, and papaya.

Culture in Motion: Dance, Music, and Meaning

After our delicious meal, we were given a cultural presentation. The other tourists along with members of the community gathered at the pavilion and the dancing began! The first cultural dances were presented by a few women of the community and included a Flower dance as well as a special dance for a tourist who was celebrating their birthday. The music for the dances was provided by Embera men playing various instruments, including a turtle shell! Following this, many men and children joined the women, and the dancing continued. The participating Embera members began pulling people from the audience, including many of us and danced around the center of the pavilion. It was a beautiful display of their culture and how welcoming their community is, and was a lot of fun for everyone involved!

Traditions and Trade: Clothing, Crafts, and Community Roles

After the dancing, we spoke with the second leader of their community. He explained that their leaders are selected through a democratic process where all members of the community over 12 years old vote for their leader by lining up behind them. The nominated leaders are not allowed to look at who is in the line, but they are told afterward who received the most votes, and the person with the second-most votes becomes the second leader. After describing their political process, he explained more about the traditional clothing they wore and some of the goods they made. In terms of their clothing, the women wear flower crowns to represent their village's beauty, and while they used to make clothes out of the Cucua bark, to preserve the trees, they now design patterns that are then printed onto cloth and worn by the women. The women also wear metal coins on their beaded tops. The metal used to be passed down through families, but now the generational metals stay within each family’s homes. They also explained about their tattoos. Before any village-wide congress or event, everyone covers their whole body in tattoos. For women specifically, they are given geometrical patterns on their faces if they are single, and a single color if they are in a committed relationship and have their own family. In terms of goods the women make, this includes seeds that are carved into animals and painted with dyes, naturally dyed fibers (dyed from turmeric, mud, tree bark, and flowers/fruits) that are woven into plates, bowls, baskets, and small vases (sometimes taking three months depending on how detailed and intricate they are), and Cocobolo statues, carved from the very heavy bark of the Cocobolo trees.

Giving Back: Donations for a Brighter Future

After the presentation, we brought out the donations we had collected for the village leading up to the trip. One of the community's goals is to build a school in order for the children to learn in their local community and to teach English. In the village, there are over 20 children who have to take a 40-minute canoe ride to school every day. This can be especially difficult during the rainy seasons, and the tides are often high and dangerous to maneuver. To avoid this long journey the community is building a school where they will also teach English. To help with the development of this school, the HGLO program collected a variety of donations. These donations included notebooks, pencils, markers, erasers, English books, mouthwash, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.

Course Connections: Advocacy and Inequality in Focus

• Indigenous Advocacy: It was interesting to learn about how the community elects its leaders and what responsibilities they have. Leaders of the Embera community do more than just run the village; they also have the responsibility to communicate with the Panamanian government. This was interesting to learn about how the community collaborates with the government about internal needs and legislation.

• UN Sustainability Goal - Reduced Inequality: Due to their remoteness and traditional way of life, the Embera communities have limited access to everyday products that many of us use every day. We hope the donations of school and hygiene supplies will be useful to them as they build their school and bridge some of these gaps that many of us take for granted.

Blog entry by: Veronica Eurich, Sara Saidel, and Brianan Teal.

March 19, 2025

Today we spent the day on a catamaran, cruising from a point near Casco Antiguo (the Old City) and heading to Taboga Island. There were about 45 people on board in total (our group has 17), and we had a blast! The sun was shining and there was plenty of space to lounge on the fine mesh nets in bețween the hulls. As we neared the island, the crew dropped anchor and several of us enjoyed frolicking in the cool water. 

Exploring Taboga Island

After lunch, we sailed to the beach area of Taboga Island where we were ferried to shore in the catamaran’s zodiac. Once we were on the beach, we meandered through the shops and several people bought molas as souvenirs. Molas are made by combining several layers of fabric in geometric shapes or silhouettes of animals. After taking another group shot at another sign, some of us stayed at the beach to swim in the ocean while the rest took the zodiac back to the boat. Once everyone was back on board we settled in for the cruise home. Several of us dozed on the mesh nets while others looked at the huge cargo ships sailing alongside us. The sheer scale of these ships never ceases to amaze!

Karamel Rush

Upon returning to the hotel we took showers and a short rest and then headed out on the town! We’ve been here long enough that students have discovered some places to get tasty treats, so we went to a bakery and enjoyed sharing different desserts. Then a few students wanted to try zip lining! We headed over to a hotel, Poin Panamá, that is right in the heart of downtown and that has all kinds of fun activities. Our three fearless zipliners sailed across the city at 500 feet! Following this, a bunch of us went to dinner and enjoyed talking about our day together. By the time we got home, we were all beat after a long day and ready for bed!

Blog entry by: Dr. Sarah Croco

March 18, 2025

On the third day, we had the privilege of going back to Ciudad del Saber (The City of Knowledge), where we received a presentation from Maria Gallar Sanchez, a World Food Programme (WFP) personnel. She shared her experience of working with WFP and the challenges they face in combating food insecurity. It was insightful to learn about their efforts in providing humanitarian aid and addressing global hunger. Maria also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in making a lasting impact. This session broadened our understanding of food security and inspired me to think critically about global solutions.

Fundación Probidsida

After lunch, we visited Fundación PROBIDSIDA. This organization dedicates its resources to the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. We learned about the history of HIV/AIDS in Panama as well as the prevention and treatment of this virus. We learned that the director of the program has lived with HIV for decades. We also learned about specific laws that pertain to Panama in regards to HIV. For example, expecting mothers who infect their newborn may be criminalized and penalized. This is due to the fact that they have the resources to prevent the spread of the virus to their child. Overall, this was a very informative session that is filled with facts, but most importantly, hope. They are fighting on a daily basis to bring adequate information and resources to Panamanians so they may live a life free of HIV.

Dinner & Show

There’s no better way to bring people together than good food and live music! This evening, we had a culturally immersive dinner at El Trapiche. We walked over as a group, getting a better view of our hotel’s local neighborhood, and headed in together, where we were seated at tables right by the stage for an excellent view of the show. For dinner, we had Panamanian dishes, such as arroz con pollo panameño (Panamanian-style chicken and rice with vegetables), including an appetizer and a dessert. The show — performed by some of the most accomplished musicians in Panama — included dancing, singing, and instrumentals, with cultural dances representing daily life, courting, holidays, and more. The costumes were colorful, incredibly intricate, and all handmade! It was a vibrant and educational way to end our third day in Panama.

Blog entry by: Ilayda Dogan, Lynnet Opara, Gloria Sanchez.

March 17, 2025

Our day started off at the Ciudad del Saber, or the City of Knowledge! We were welcomed by Rachelle, whose role is more related to academia. Her role entails providing study abroad opportunities for mostly students who live in the U.S. so they can come and discover Panama. Additionally, during an interview with Rachelle, she informed us about the business development department. The main responsibilities of the business development department are attracting businesses and international organizations from all over the world to be established on the City of Knowledge campus. 

Ciudad del Saber

During the first presentation we learned more about the City of Knowledge Foundation from our speaker, Alessandro Francolini, who is the business manager at the City of Knowledge. He explained the fascinating history of the Ciudad del Saber from being the US military base, Fort Clayton, to the Panamanian government giving the foundation only ten years to become self-sufficient. In only seven years, the foundation built an ever growing center for research, technology, and academic centers full of NGOs, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs. The campus features not only many different United Nations organizations, humanitarian organizations, and intergovernmental organizations, but also several universities and even an international high school! It was amazing to see so many resources being put into progress in an area with such a complex history!

Organization of American States (OAS)

Our second presenter was from the Organization of American States. A representative of the organization shared the history and current influence of the organization on both the member states and on other worldwide organizations. He explained more about the General Assembly that meets yearly, how the representatives vote on issues, and some of the Member States’ complicated relationships with the organization. The goal of the OAS is to facilitate good relationships between the countries for economic, political, and cultural development for the Americas. The Organization of American States is the world's oldest regional organization, and it served as a model for many similar coalitions across the globe. The numerous treaties between the countries have led to very low intercontinental conflict throughout the years. The speaker described his interesting career as a lawyer from growing up in Peru to working for the OAS in Washington, D.C., and now working as an ambassador in Panama. He gave very thoughtful answers to our questions and was clearly very enthusiastic about his job!

The Plaza at Ciudad del Saber - Lunch

It was finally time for a lunch break, and we walked to The Plaza at City of Knowledge, which is their food court. On our way, we passed many groups of high school students on their lunch break speaking both Spanish and English. It was very interesting to see the mix of school students and professionals out and about on their lunch break. At the food court, we even met another spring break study abroad group from Illinois!

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

After lunch, we met back up in the conference room for the presentation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which is a United Nations organization. Our presenter, José, explained the history of the IOM, what they do to help specifically in Panamá, and a little about how he got to his position. The IOM supports governments in ensuring migration is mutually beneficial for all. They aid in emergency response, which in Panamá, usually occurs in the Darien jungle in the East and in the West for the Ngäbe-Buglé cyclical migration into and out of Costa Rica for the coffee harvest. He was very friendly and gave very knowledgeable answers to our many questions about his organization. 

Upon returning to the hotel, many of us took the opportunity to relax, either in our beds with a nap, or in the rooftop pool with stunning views of the city. In the evening, we broke off into groups exploring the city and trying various restaurants from Italian to Peruvian to traditional Panamanian.

Blog entry by: Mika Hsu, Taiwo Omisore, and Grace Yeh.

March 16, 2025

On Sunday, March 16th, our group went to see the Panama Canal as part of a guided tour that later took us to Casco Antiguo, the “Old City” of Panama. Our guide Jorge explained the history behind the Panama Canal on the bus ride, and some of us chose to learn even more by watching an informational movie at the Canal. Those who did not see the movie had the pleasure of watching a cargo boat move through the locks of the Canal. Interestingly, the US originally thought of building the canal in Nicaragua. However, they decided on Panama due to its structural stability with few earthquakes and volcanoes. After leaving the Canal, the bus took us through El Chorrillo, an area known for social issues, crime, and poverty that Jorge compared to a ghetto. Seconds after leaving El Chorrillo behind us, the bus pulled into Casco Antiguo, a popular tourist destination and home to the wealthy. Casco Antiguo was brimming with Panamanian history. Spanish, French, American, and even Italian influences were seen in architecture and statues. Statues celebrating Thomas Herrera, one of the leaders in Panama's revolution with Colombia, and French leaders in the Panama Canal’s construction. Panama honors its history that made it into the nation it is today.

A Taste of Panama

Once at the Old City, we finished our walking tour and got a well-deserved lunch at a restaurant called El Nacional, which served traditional Panamanian food. Some examples of menu items were tamales for appetizers, chicken and rice, and seafood ceviche. The menu had many delish options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. The staff was friendly and could gather what we were saying despite our varying levels of Spanish proficiency. This experience brought our prior research on Panamanian culture and cuisine to life.

Adventure on Gatun Lake

After lunch, a tour guide agency arrived to pick us up on a bus. On the ride over to the Gatun Lake, our tour guide, a Panamanian citizen, gave us an overview of the country’s history and the significance of the Canal. He described Panama’s rich history, and thriving economy and revealed that the country is welcoming to American retirees and expats because it is a source of income. At the lake, we climbed into a boat and headed towards the areas with dense forestry around the perimeters. Luring the monkeys out, with special calling sounds and bananas, we got up close to white-face and tamarin “titi” monkeys. The monkeys were excited to jump around the boat collecting grapes and banana pieces from tourists’ hands. Howler monkeys stayed in the trees, howling when they heard tourist boats coming. Throughout the tour, we saw many species of birds and learned Panama has over 1,000 species. There were also iguanas sun-basking on tree branches. The tour reinforced what we had learned ahead of the trip about Panama’s extensive and unique biodiversity.

Evening in Casco Antiguo

After returning to the hotel and freshening up, most people decided to return to Casco Antiguo for a group dinner. The food at Bruma seemed to take ages to arrive as our stomachs begged for food, but we were eventually met with an assortment of squid ink pasta, cauliflower steaks, and good ole’ classic burgers. We ended the evening by briefly exploring Casco Antiguo then returning to the hotel for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Reflections on Globalization and Inequality

Sunday’s events illustrate Panama’s globalization and inequalities to students. The Panama Canal is a major hub for world trade and is essential to economic activities in the Americas. Thus, it assists with globalization as products from around the world can be shipped much faster and more efficiently. Panama’s canal touches every aspect of Panama from its history and place in the world to its water source and main revenue source. Without the crucial placement of the canal, the world would have to wait many more weeks for goods to be shipped across the ocean. The Casco Antiguo was filled with impressive architecture, history, and food. Sadly the Old City also demonstrates inequality in Panama. Casco Antiguo was originally surrounded by a wall separating the poor and wealthy. Though the wall is no longer present, remnants of the wall can still be seen today. Beyond Casco Antiguo is a far poorer part of two, while inside Casco Antiguo lives the wealthy. Panama is making great strides in globalization, while also dealing with domestic inequalities.

Blog entry by: Vianne Hughes, Daisy Koffler, Samantha Vert

March 15, 2025

And just like that, we are officially in Panamá! Today marked the true beginning of our adventure, and we are thrilled to report that all students have arrived safely.

Our group had a staggered arrival, with students flying in on three different airlines. Seven students flew with Dr. Sarah Croco on Delta, six came in with Copa Airlines, and one student arrived via American Airlines. One of the cool things about UMD Education Abroad is that students get to book their own flights, giving them the freedom to use travel points or find the best deal. Pro tip from us: no matter which airline you choose, always sign up for the rewards program. Those miles add up!

Fredo, who arrived yesterday, was at the airport to welcome everyone alongside our transportation partners, JRC Transportation Services. With 10 years of experience and a track record of working with universities like the University of South Florida, they came highly recommended. We will be using their services all week.

Settling In

Once everyone cleared customs and gathered their luggage, we headed to our hotel for the week, the TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro. After checking in, students had a well-deserved break from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Some went on the hunt for food, others explored the nearby grocery store, and a few gave in to post-travel exhaustion and took a nap.

At 6:30 p.m., we officially kicked things off with our Welcome Dinner and Orientation. Two student groups presented on the indigenous people of Panamá, giving us all a deeper appreciation for the history and culture we are about to immerse ourselves in. Mr. Fredo also gave a rundown of the week’s itinerary, getting everyone excited for what’s ahead.

The dinner menu featured a delicious spread, including a salad bar, yellow rice, vegetables, steak, chicken, and of course, dessert. But because no meal is truly complete without a little something extra, we took a post-dinner stroll to Churrería Manolo, a beloved local spot that has been serving up churros since 1972. Safe to say, they did not disappoint!

Early Nights & Exciting Tomorrows

With full stomachs and heavy eyelids, we made our way back to the hotel, stopping at the grocery store for water and snacks before calling it a night. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins with a Half-Day City Tour and a visit to the Panama Canal in the morning, followed by an afternoon Gatun Lake Wildlife Tour where we will explore the diverse fauna and flora of Panamá.

To make things even more exciting, students Daisy, Samantha, and Vianne will be our “Influencers of the Day” for Day 2. They’ll be taking over the blog, so be sure to check back for their updates.

Let the adventure begin! ✈️ 🌍

Blog entry by: Fredo Oliveira & Dr. Sarah Croco, Program Leaders

March 14, 2025

Traveling is one of life’s greatest experiences. One of my favorite things to do at the airport is people-watch. As I sat in the Atlanta airport, preparing to board my flight to Panama, I couldn't help but marvel at the thousands of people around me. Each person is on their own journey, with a story I’ll likely never know. It’s fascinating to think about where they’re headed, what adventures await them, and how our lives will intersect for just a moment before diverging forever.

Travel has given me a deeper appreciation for people, cultures, and the shared human experience. It broadens my perspective and reminds me of the beauty in diversity.

Today, I’m heading to Panama ahead of some of our students and Dr. Croco, who will arrive tomorrow. I think of today as “pre-boarding,” just like when the airline staff announces, “We will now begin pre-boarding.” Arriving early allows me to get everything set up, ensure a smooth transition for the group, and handle any last-minute details. One of our students, Gloria, is also arriving today, and I’m excited to welcome her to Panama for the first time.

My flight to Panama was smooth, and the moment I landed, I was reminded why I fell in love with this place back in August. The people, the culture, and the energy all make it feel so special. We are staying at the TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro, a great hotel with an incredibly welcoming staff.

After settling in, I met with Gloria for dinner. She is a student at California State University and chose this program because of her passion for Latin America and its connection to her studies in National Security. It was great getting to know her and hearing about what she hopes to gain from this experience.

Tomorrow, the rest of our students arrive, and the adventure truly begins. Stay tuned for updates as we go. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@hgloumd) and check out our highlights (SB25) for real-time moments from our journey.

Blog entry by: Fredo Oliveira, Program Leader