Bowie State University Study Abroad
African Diaspora and Congo Culture in Portobelo, Panama
IDS 230 (3 credits)
March 16-24, 2024
Professor Sumanth Reddy
sreddy@bowiestate.edu
Deadline to register: October 25, 2023
Contact Dr. Sumanth Reddy to inquire about late registration: sreddy@bowiestate.edu
Program Summary
This program allows students to participate in interactive workshops on drumming, dancing, costume making, and Caribbean cooking with a local artists who support and perpetuate Congo culture with young people in Portobelo, Panama. Portobelo is one of the most historic and storied towns in the Americas. It was famously attacked by Captain Morgan and other pirates who tried to steal gold and silver from the Spanish during colonial times.
Students will have ample free time and will visit beautiful beaches, historic forts, and the Panama Canal, among several other important sites in Panama. Students will also be able to participate in hiking and wildlife viewing.
Itinerary
Day 1 - March 16. Portobelo
Early morning arrival
Transfer to Portobelo (1.5 hours)
Group lunch and time to rest after a red eye flight
Historical tour of Portobelo
Welcome dinner
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 2 - March 17. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Attend church service in the world famous Iglesia de San Felipe, known for its statue of “Black Jesus of Nazareth”
Group lunch
Free time with option to hike or kayak
Short but steep hike to a fort located on a hill above the town
Two 2-person kayaks are available for exploring the bay and the mangroves
Life jackets are available
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - March 18. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Drumming workshop with Escuelita del Ritmo, a local organization dedicated to preserving the Congo culture through music
We will invite local young people to participate in this and all workshops during the program
Students will buy items for a picnic lunch on the beach
Transport to beach with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling (snorkel gear not provided)
Return to Portobelo for group dinner
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 4 - March 19. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Workshop with Congo dance group led by a well-known local, Mama Ari
Students will learn about the symbology of the dance and the associated music and practice the dance moves that have been passed down through generations
Independent lunch, free time
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 5 - March 20. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Costume making workshop with Diablo mask maker
Elaborate masks and costumes full of symbols and metaphors are an essential part of Congo culture.
Student will learn how the costumes are made and what they mean, and practice making their own paper mache masks
Independent lunch
Cooking workshop and dinner
Students will learn to make coconut rice, one of the most important and essential local dishes
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 6 - March 21. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Painting workshop with local artist
Portobelo is known for its unique art with several generations of artists following the techniques developed with the support of famous Panamanian photographer Sandra Eleta, who is also the owner of the hotel Casa Bruja
The themes of the art works are often related to African diaspora
Ride the Diablo Rojo to a nearby beach
Diablo Rojos are exquisitely painted former US school buses that get a second (and third) life in Panama, and other Central American countries. Riding in one is an exhilarating experience.
Independent lunch on the beach
Return in the afternoon for group dinner
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7 - March 22. Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel
Travel approximately 1 hour to visit the Indigenous community of Embera Quera, located in the Panama Canal watershed
Tranquil boat ride down a river and into the Canal to access the community
Enjoy several cultural presentations and an opportunity for conversation to learn the traditional way of life and culture of the Embera
Tour of the community and discussion of medicinal plants with an elder
Opportunity to purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs
A traditional lunch of fresh caught fish, fried plantains, and fruit will be served
Travel approximately 1 hour to visit the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal to see giant ships passing through a canal just wider than the ship
Miraflores also has an excellent museum and visitor center, which are currently under remodel, but we hope the project will be completed by next March
Free time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage designated Casco Viejo on a self-guided tour
Guide will make suggestions and will be available for anyone interested in a guided experience
Opportunity to buy souvenirs
Farewell dinner in Casco Viejo
Lodging: Magnolia Inn, Panama City
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 - March 23. Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel
Depending on the time of the flight, students will have additional free time in Casco Viejo
Transfer to the airport for departure
Lodging: None
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Details
Registration deadline: October 25, 2023
Cost
We estimate the total cost, with airfare to be approximately $2,900.
Includes:
All lodging in multiple occupancy
All ground transportation in private van or minibus
Meals as listed in the itinerary, including one free non-alcoholic drink per student
All activities described in itinerary, including entrance fees when applicable
Carbon offset for air travel
Guide/translator with the group the entire trip from airport pickup to drop-off
24-hour emergency support
Excludes:
Tuition (12-18 credits at BSU cost the same, so there would not be an additional cost for tuition as long as you are not enrolled in more than 18 credits).
Travel interruption and medical insurance
Payment Process
$500 - 1st deposit due November 15, 2023
$1000 - 2nd deposit due December 15, 2023
Balance amount (approximately $1400) due January 31st, 2024
Cancellation Policy
Less than 90 days prior to departure - Refund excludes $500 deposit
44-31 days prior to departure - 50% of program fee refunded
30 of fewer days prior to departure - 0% of program fee refunded
We recommend all participants to purchase travel insurance with cancellation coverage.
Requirements to participate:
Must be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student during Spring 2024
Must be a minimum of 18 years.
Minimum 2.5 overall GPA.
Open to all majors.
Must enroll in IDIS 230 – Study Abroad and Globalization (3 credits) during the Spring semester.
Selection Criteria:
Must submit a 250-word minimum essay describing why you would be a good fit for this program.
30-minute in-person interview.
Course Information
Study Abroad and Globalization. (IDIS 230 - 3 credits) - All students will be required to register for IDIS 230 for Spring 2024. Course is required to participate.
Complete this form as Step 1 of the application. Step 2 will require an essay and a 30 minute interview with Dr. Reddy, who will contact you.
Dr. Reddy will be in touch with you soon. Email with questions: sreddy@bowiestate.edu
Do you have questions?
