South Central College
Global Studies Practicum in Panama
GST 250 (1 credit)
May 23 - June 1, 2025
Professor Kurt Dershem
kurt.dershem@southcentral.edu
Deadline to register: March 7, 2025
Program Summary
This program takes students on a journey through Panama’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Students will explore the iconic Panama Canal, visit the stunning natural reserve of Barro Colorado, and wander through Panama City's Old Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant history and architecture.
The program includes meaningful engagement with nonprofit organizations to understand their impact on local communities. Students will travel to the historic town of Portobelo, a vibrant community shaped by centuries of Afro-Antillean and Afro-Panamanian heritage, where they will learn about the area's unique cultural traditions.
The experience concludes with immersive visits to the indigenous communities of Guna Yala and Embera Maje Drua. Here, students will gain insight into the diverse spiritual practices and the rise of indigenous tourism while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Day 1 - May 23. Panama City
Arrival at Tocumen International Airport
Transfer to the hotel in Panama City (35 minutes)
Orientation on health, safety, and logistics
Welcome dinner
Lodging: Hotel Casa Magnolia Inn, Panama City
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - May 24. Panama City
Breakfast near the hotel
Tour of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about Panama’s rich history, including tales of pirates like Henry Morgan
Independent lunch at the City of Knowledge food court
Meeting with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) (pending confirmation)
Visit to the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks Visitors Center, including observation of lock operations and an IMAX experience
Independent dinner
Lodging: Hotel Casa Magnolia Inn, Panama City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - May 25. Panama City
Breakfast near the hotel
Visit to Asociación de Profesionales Chino-Panameña (APROCHIPA) to learn about the integration and contributions of the Chinese-Panamanian community
Visit to a Chinese Buddhist Temple for meditation and conversations with monks
Group lunch
Meeting with international migration NGO HIAS to discuss migration challenges and humanitarian efforts
Independent dinner
Lodging: Hotel Casa Magnolia Inn, Panama City
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 4 - May 26. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Transport to Portobelo on the Caribbean side of Panama (1.5 hours)
Historical tour of Portobelo, including visits to colonial fortifications and the Spanish customs house museum
Group lunch
Meeting with Catholic church leaders to discuss the Iglesia de San Felipe, its annual pilgrimage, and the statue of “Black Christ of Nazareth”
Free time and independent dinner
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 5 - May 27. Portobelo
Breakfast at the hotel
Congo Culture workshop, including drumming, dancing, and history
Independent lunch
Boat transfer to a secluded beach
Return to Portobelo at sunset for independent dinner
Lodging: Villa Bella, Portobelo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - May 28. Guna Yala
Breakfast at the hotel
Transport to Guna Yala (2.5-hour drive, 30-minute boat transfer)
Visit with community elders to learn about Guna history, culture, and religion
Traditional group lunch
Snorkeling in the pristine Caribbean Sea
Group dinner
Lodging: Asseryaladub Cabins, Guna Yala
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - May 29. Guna Yala
Breakfast at the lodging
Visit to a residential community and hands-on textile and jewelry workshop
Discussion with a local chief about religion and philosophy at the Congress House
Group lunch
Try on traditional Guna clothing (female only)
Visit to a local elementary school and Guna language class
Group dinner
Lodging: Asseryaladub Cabins, Guna Yala
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 - May 30. Embera Maje Drua
Breakfast at the lodging
Visit to the Embera Maje Drua community (30-minute drive, 45-minute canoe ride)
Engage with elders about Embera history, culture, and religion
Tour of Majé Caves and experience traditional dance and music
Receive symbolic body paint and learn about medicinal plants
Traditional lunch and dinner provided
Lodging: Traditional wooden huts, Embera Maje Drua
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 9 - May 31. Panama City
Breakfast at the lodging
Additional activities in the Embera Maje Drua community
Return to Panama City (45-minute canoe ride, 1-hour drive)
Independent lunch
Free time for shopping in the historic center
Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant
Lodging: Hotel Casa Magnolia Inn, Panama City
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 10 - June 1. Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure
Lodging: None
Meals: None
Additional Details
Registration deadline: March 7, 2025
Register below.
Cost
$2490-$3190
Price depends on number of students. Please invite your friends to reduce the cost.
Includes:
All lodging in double or multiple occupancy
All ground transportation in private van or minibus
Meals as listed in the itinerary, including one free non-alcoholic drink per meal
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:
Airfare
Tuition
Travel cancellation / interruption (recommended) and travel medical insurance (required)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
More than 90 days prior to departure - Full refund, less $50 cancellation fee
61-90 days prior to departure - Refund excludes $500 deposit
31-60 days prior to departure - Refund is 50% of program fee
30 of fewer days prior to departure - No refund
We recommend all participants to purchase travel insurance with cancellation coverage.
Course Information
Global Studies Practicum. (GST 250 - 1 credit)
Registration Form
You will be able to make your deposit after completing the form.
Email with questions: kurt.dershem@southcentral.edu
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