Volunteering, Studying and Working in Panama

Spanish Language Classes

Brush up on your high-school Spanish or sign up for extended lessons as part of a long-term stay with a language class in Panama. Spanish Panama (tel. 213-3121), in Panama City, is Canadian directed with certified bilingual professors and offers a range of private and group classes, as well as month-long programs. Spanish Panama can set up homestays with local families as well. Classes begin at $260 per week. Spanish Abroad, Inc. (tel. 888/722-7623) and EPA! (tel. 391-4044), both in Panama City, offer a range of classes and month-long programs, some of which include homestays. Spanish-by-the-Sea (tel. 757-9518) has inexpensive group classes in Bocas del Toro that run from $150 to $300 per week (20 hr.); private customized courses are also available. Spanish-by-the-Sea can also pair classes with open-water dive certification.

Volunteer Travel 

Volunteer travel has become increasingly popular among those who want to venture beyond the standard group-tour experience to learn languages, inter- act with locals, and make a positive difference while on vacation. Volunteer travel usually doesn’t require special skills—just a willingness to work hard— and programs vary in length from days to weeks. Committing a day or two of volunteer work while you’re on vacation is another popular option: On Bocas del Toro, for example, the Red Frog Beach Resort and the Red Frog Foundation offer a number of short-term volunteer programs you can join during your vacation, including food distribution, sea turtle conservation, or beach cleanup.

Before you commit to a volunteer program, it’s important to make sure any money you’re giving is truly going back to the local community. International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) has a helpful list of IVPA-accredited programs and member organizations, as well as questions to ask to determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program.