Build bridges across cultures while living with your Panamanian host family on a group trip!
Discover AMIGOS is a two-week introductory AMIGOS experience led by seasoned facilitators. Participants live with a host family in Panama, practice their Spanish, and work on a service project. Choose Discover AMIGOS in Panama to surround yourself with Spanish, build bonds with your host community, and experience Panamanian culture. Participate in a reforestation working day with local youth and support ongoing community projects related to recycling and the environment. Apply now - the deadline is July 15th!

About the Region

Climate

Tropical. Hot in the daytime but nights can be cooler.

Slang

aguacero = rainstorm

refrigerio = snack

¿Qué sopa? = what’s up?

Food

Rice, beans, lentils, plantains, chicken. Suitable for vegetarians.

Citizens

Panameños

Project Features

Spanish Immersion
AMIGOS participants increase their language ability through immersion that goes beyond what can be achieved in a classroom. They improve their fluency, learn local slang, and increase their confidence with real-world practice.
Host Family Stay
Living with a host family is central to the AMIGOS experience. All host families volunteer to open their homes to young people from another culture. Participants and host families build long-lasting relationships and often stay in touch after the project has closed.
Community Service
While in country, AMIGOS participants work on a community-led service project. Every service project is unique, but each channels young people's ideas to create postive change.
Independence
The opportunity for independence and self direction makes AMIGOS unique. Participants shape their time in country according to their passions. the possibilities are endless - what each participants takes out of their experience is up to them!
Mentorship
Every Amigo is mentored by a member of our project leadership team through regular check-ins and personalized feedback. This allows participants to experience the independence hat sets out programs apart, with the support of a passionate facilitator.
Training
Participants build their leadership and community development skills through hands-on training. Not only is AMIGOS training fun and engaging, it gives participants the necessary tools for success in the field and beyond.
  • Panama: Discover AMIGOS
  • Length
    2 weeks
  • Training Dates
    Online and incorporated into briefing
  • In-Country Dates
    August 8 - 22
  • Ages
    13 - 15
  • Price
    $3,500 (includes international airfare)
Ready to start your application?

Pack your bags and meet your new host family! The deadline to apply is July 15th.

APPLY NOW
“
AMIGOS absolutely changed my life. Through the challenging experiences I faced as a volunteer and project staff member I proved to myself what I am capable of accomplishing and now when I face an obstacle I have concrete examples to look back on and prove to myself that I am capable of accomplishing whatever I set my mind to.
2013 Summer Program Participant
“
Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation and follow the mental health procedures if necessary
  • Receive required immunizations and medications
  • Be 13 - 15 years old at the start of the program
  • Have taken two years of Spanish or the equivalent
Resources
Schedule a call with an Admissions Officer
Still need more info?
Return to Summer Programs RSVP for an online information session!

DISCOVER PANAMA Project Itinerary

*This is a tentative schedule. Dates may be subject to change.

August 8 – Participants arrive. Project Leadership Teams pick them up at the airport and the group travels to the briefing site.

August 9 – 10 – Briefing. Project Leadership Teams lead all participants in a country-specific orientation to AMIGOS and the Discover AMIGOS Project.

August 11 – Travel to community as a group and meet host families.

August 11 – 19 – Cultural immersion in your host community. In the mornings, participants will lead workshops centered around recycling and other environmental topics. In the afternoon, participants will collaborate with the school or the community on an ongoing project. These will be related to recycling and plant and vegetable nurseries. Participants will also join in a reforesting work day with local youth.

August 19 – Last day in community and despedida (goodbye party). Travel to debriefing site.

August 20 – 21 – Debriefing in Panama City: a workshop to process your experiences together and prepare for your return home. Participants will also go on excursions to some cool spots, like the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo!

August 22 – Participants depart.

 

 

 

 

lyoung

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