Faculty-led Short-term Study Abroad Program in Panama
This program provided students with hands-on learning of sustainable construction techniques in rural Panama. Students learned about traditional construction using adobe to build a small house, as well as more modern and innovative practices using plastic bottle “eco-bricks” to build a bench.
Students also received guided tours from some of the country’s most important architects and designers of sustainable buildings. They also enjoyed two of Panama’s best beaches, stayed in two eco-friendly lodges, and visited the Panama Canal and Panama City’s historic Old Town.
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Program Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and orientation. Transfer to La Miel, a small rural community in the interior of Panama where the group will participate in a sustainable construction project. Join local residents in preparing clay to build a small house. This method of construction has been used in this area for generations, and involves a community gathering and celebration. The house is framed with wood and the walls are built of clay and hay (type of adobe) mix formed into blocks. A well-built house will last well over 100 years and provide great insulation in this hot and seasonally wet environment. Dinner with local family. Transfer to beach-side lodge for evening.
Day 2: Complete the construction with a large gathering of local residents, followed by singing tipica music and a tamborito performance, both very traditional local culture elements. Lunch with local family. After construction cool off in a nearby creek and swimming hole. Transfer to hotel.
Day 3: Beach day! Take a surf or paddle board lesson or enjoy the beach.
Day 4: Return to La Miel to learn from Peace Corps volunteer about an innovative construction approach that makes use of plastic bottles filled with trash to reduce amount cement used in construction. Lunch with local family. Return to beach for the evening.
Day 5: Guided tour of three sustainably designed properties with the architect. Free time in the afternoon. Optional activities include surfing or surf lessons, hike in tropical forest, horseback riding, massage, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.
Day 6: Tour of permaculture farm to learn about the principles of permaculture design. Transfer to Panama City. Dinner at leisure in Old Town.
Day 7: Tour City of Knowledge, a campus for international nonprofits and corporations housed in a sustainably-repurposed US Army base, now with the largest concentration of LEED certified buildings in Panama. Visit the Panama Canal Locks and Museum. Free time in the evening and group farewell dinner.
Day 8: Departure.
Amenities: Shared accommodations in beach-side eco-lodges and a boutique hotel in Panama City.
