SIT Study Abroad: Panama - Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
- Location(s): Panama City, Panama
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Be immersed in rain forests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and coastal mangroves. Explore critical issues affecting tropical conservation and ecology and engage in seven weeks of field study in one of the world's most ecologically diverse countr... read more
All Reviews
I had an incredible semester seeing some of the most amazing things and places that I've ever seen all while learning about ecology and conservation. It really was amazing and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The travel aspect of this program was what made it so amazing, since trips to some of the best parts of Panama were pl... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained a reaffirmation that traveling and sharing unique experiences with amazing people will always be something I pursue. I gained patience during chaotic times and when not everything was working out perfectly. I gained a ton a amazing friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. Cameron K - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I felt like I learned more about myself in the 3 months I was in Panama than in the 3 years before. This program gave me a chance to push myself, try new things, and work on things I love. Kerry E - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
My experience in Panama was one that I will never forget. After the program I feel a lot more confident in my knowledge of tropical and marine ecology and in my conversational Spanish skills. I really loved how much the program challenged my world view, encouraged me to recognize my privilege as a visitor to the country, and hel... Sophia S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned so much about field work and ecological research while on this trip. I learned how to create and execute my own research project and live by myself in a foreign country, which was an invaluable experience. Soleil F - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself, how to perform scientific research, and so much Spanish. I have zero regrets about going. A student - Davidson College View Entire Review
I learned a lot on this program, especially things beyond the classroom such as how to live in the moment. It was extremely worthwhile and I could not recommend this program more. Katie McErlean - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself as well as how healthy it is to be outside of a stressful academic environment. It was an educational experience inside and outside of the classroom. Mireya - Barnard College View Entire Review
Learning about all kinds of ecosystems, animals, and environmental regulations helped me bring home sustainable practices. I also learned so much about myself and what I want to do in the future. Sophie Kandul - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
This program is unlike any other traditional study abroad experience. I gained so much field experience, was able to learn about both the environmental and human aspects of conservation in so many different ways, and got to stay in so many different and interesting areas of Panama. This is nothing like a tourist vacation or a tr... Julia Stanganelli - University of Virginia View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. Before I was hesitant, but now I know that I really want to work in the field of conservation. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Learned a lot, both academically and otherwise. In terms of our education, we learnt a ton of research methods and got to practice them, we learnt how to go about writing a research proposal/paper, we learnt a great deal about the social/environmental issues in Panama, we learnt many theoretical things as well like the classific... Tara Verghis - Miami University View Entire Review
I learned so much about tropical ecosystems, Panamanian culture, Spanish, and how to function as a foreigner. I gained a more easygoing nature, an appreciation for what our world has and how much is at stake, and 12 lifelong friends. A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
I grew infinitely more confident in my abilities as a person from the obstacles and challenges of this program. The program gives students freedom and choice that requires one to really step up and make their own choices. It means that this program is what you make of it in the best way possible. Rose Z - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
I feel more aware of my place in the world and secure in my own competence and capabilities academically, socially, and professionally Joseph B - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
I learned so much about ecology and conservation in many different tropical ecosystems. I gained experience designing and implementing my own research project. This program was 100% worthwhile, and an amazing experience for people interested in conservation, tropical ecology, or who just love the outdoors. A student - Tulane University View Entire Review
This was absolutely a worthwhile program. I can't think of a better example of experiential learning or learning outside the classroom. I also had the opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life. Isaiah Moore - Lafayette College View Entire Review
I learned about another country and improved my skills as a researcher. It was 110% worth it. Gabriel Lefkowitz - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned an incredible amount about the intersection between humanity and the environment, the way that relationship plays out in society and politics, and how we can act within those dynamics. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo View Entire Review
I gained far more than I ever could have hoped for or anticipated. I feel much more confident in myself as a person navigating the world, I learned invaluable field research techniques, and I learned and experienced ways of life completely foreign from anything I ever knew. A student - Davidson College View Entire Review
This program helped me figure out my academic and career interests. It was such a valuable learning experience, both academically and personally. The Independent Study Project process was extremely valuable as well. Lucy Murray - Tulane University View Entire Review
I learned so much about tropical and human ecology. I also improved my research skills and grew a lot during the independent study project. It was incredibly worthwhile. Kathy L - Scripps College View Entire Review
I learned so much about Latin culture and what its like to travel for a long period of time. Priyanka R - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained new teamwork skills and the ability to communicate with people in another language. YES, definitely worthwhile. Mohini Patel - Stonehill College View Entire Review
I gained a lot of independence, learned a lot about myself, and developed the confidence to travel and jump into unfamiliar experiences. A student - Rice University View Entire Review
About
Be immersed in rain forests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and coastal mangroves. Explore critical issues affecting tropical conservation and ecology and engage in seven weeks of field study in one of the world's most ecologically diverse countries.
This program will provide you with an immersive opportunity to study in one of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems in the world. You will learn about tropical forest ecology; marine and coastal ecology; mammal, bird, and amphibian ecology; ecological field research methods; indigenous resource use; and the human-natural resource interface. You will travel for seven weeks of field study in Panama and Costa Rica and visit world-renowned research institutions, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and EARTH University.
Major topics of study include:
- Tropical forest dynamics
- Neotropical mammal and amphibian ecology, coral reef organisms, and avian diversity
- Marine and coastal ecosystem connectivity
- Ecological field research methods and methodology
- Carbon, climate change, and resource use, including indigenous resource use
- Contemporary socio-environmental issues shaping the tropics
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad awards need-based scholarships and grants. We do not offer merit-based awards at this time. Average awards range between $500 and $5,000 for our semester programs, and between $500 and $3,000 for our summer programs. Our scholarships and grants are available to all students accepted into an SIT Study Abroad program irrespective of citizenship, national origin, or home school. We do not require a separate scholarship application for each scholarship fund; eligible students will be evaluated for all funds for which they are eligible. Please note: SIT Study Abroad scholarships and grants are only applicable to tuition and room/board fees billed by SIT Study Abroad. We do not award scholarships or grants to cover any other expenses, including, but not limited to, immunizations, visa fees, books, or study abroad fees charged by your home school. If your home school has an established billing agreement with us, it is your responsibility to communicate with your home school as to how your SIT scholarship or grant will be passed on to you by your home school. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000
