CHANGING THE WORLD ALWAYS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Panama
Spanish is the official language spoken in Panama.
Approximately 3,706,596 people live in Panama, generating a population density of 49 inhabitants per kilometre squared.
Panama operates using two types of currency The official, national currency is the Balboa (PAB) but the US dollar is also used legally for trading purposes and day to day transactions.
Panamá is surrounded by water and has two separate coastlines: the Caribbean Sea in the north, the Pacific Ocean in the south.
It covers a surface of 75,517 kilometres squared.
Most of its land is mountainous terrain and is only interrupted by the Panama Channel which was constructed in 1913 and stretches along for 77.1 kilometres.
It’s capital city is called Panama City.
Panama is considered by many visitors and financial investors as being the “Dubai of Latin America.” The huge contrasts which exist are difficult to believe. The country is progressing and growing at an incredible rate, which affects the look and style of the surroundings on the surface. For example, you might find yourself standing beside a five-star hotel whilst at the same time overlooking the work of a street manicure artist on the streets outside.
It’s important to learn more about what happened in 1913, when the United States opened what we now know as the Panama Channel. Up until 1913, commercial activity which crossed from the Pacific to the Atlantic OCean, or vice-versa, had always passed along the Magallanes Channel in the southernmost regions of the Patagonias, close to the Antarctic. The development of the Panama Channel changed all that. Between 30 to 40 ships can pass along the Panama Channel every single day.
Panama is a democratic republic society. The President of Panama is responsible for the state and is also the head of government. It is a country home to a multi-party system and presidents are awarded power by a simple voting system.
Education in Panama is only compulsory for all children during their first seven years of primary school and the first three years of secondary school. However, studies reveal that more than 90% of Panamanians remain literate. The majority of those are based in rural areas.
Part of the healthcare provisions in Panama are provided by the state, but there are also lots of options for private healthcare too. The public healthcare system is funded via the money which is gathered through Panama’s social security system and what the Ministry of Health sets aside for the purpose in its annual budget.
The main issues with healthcare in Panama exist in rural areas. There aren’t enough hospital beds for the number of patients local hospitals have to treat and most doctors choose to live and work in the Panama City, because jobs pay better in the capital.
• Casco viejo — The first (old) city of Panama was destroyed in 1671. Its replacement for Casco Viejo — a walled, fortress kind of a city, which was constructed just a few kilometres outside of the old Panama City with the sole purpose of protecting its residents from possible future attacks. In recent years, a number of conservation projects have helped to restore Casco Viejo to some of its former architectural beauty. It’s a wonderfully historic place to visit.
• Taboga Island — Located at just 20 kilometres from the centre of Panama City is Taboga Island, founded by Spanish colonists in 1515. Sometimes referred to as the Island of Flowers — owing to the rich smelling blossoms during the Spring — Taboga Island is one of the favourite getaway destinations for all those who live in the hustle and bustle of daily city life in Panama. The beaches are white and sandy and the village is very pretty.
• Panama City — Panama’s capital city is in itself reason enough to visit Panama. The construction of highrise buildings along the coast in this tropical paradise seems to be neverending. Even though it’s not home to as many city beaches as Miami, for instance, Panama City is a wonderful place for city lovers to visit thanks to its incredible architectural mix of historic beauty and modern cosmopolitan grandeur.
• Is a visa required?: Depending on your country of origin. For more information, please check this websites: http://www.projectvisa.com
• Allocation of Tourist Visa: Tourist Visa is received at the airport of Panama City or any other international airport
• Duration of Tourist visa: Lasts up to 90 days
• Tourist Visa Extension: It is possible to extend by leaving the country and flying in again or by paying an extension fee of 10 USD
• Passport validation: Must be valid for at least 6 months
• Return/onward flight ticket: Required upon entering the country
• Confirmation of Funds: Declaration of sufficient funds will be required (at least 500 USD in cash or a credit card)
• Currency: US Dollar
• Inform Banks: Give the dates of travel and destinations to prevent security blocks on your bank and credit cards
• Cash: Always take enough cash to cover your expenses for the first week in case there is a problem with your bank cards or access to ATM’s is limited.
• Credit Options: Good idea to have at least two different credit/debit card options i.e. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, or Cirrus.
• Travellers Cheques: Will only be able to exchange in major cities and best to take them in Dollars
• Western Union: If at any time you have any problems in accessing money you can use Western Union transfer. Money can be sent from your home country and received in Panama the same day.
• Vaccinations: Yellow Fever Vaccination, Hepatitis A&B + Typhoid + Rabies + Dengue fever recommended for some regions
• Malaria medication: Necessary if rural areas are visited
• See local GP: If vaccinations or medication is required see the doctor 4-6 weeks before your departure
• Less than 4 weeks before you leave: You should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while travelling.
• Check the following for up to date information: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
TESTIMONIALS
''I spent three weeks studying Spanish in Boquete this summer and loved it. Class sizes were small and the instruction and facilities were great. Widad was a great instructor. She was very patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. The school was so accommodating that I was even able to take my 6-year-old niece with me, who also took classes. Fantastic experience!'' Spanish course. Maya M, USA
''My time in Boquete, Panama, has been awesome! First I took five weeks of Spanish lessons and after that I volunteered at a local social project. The school has always helped me with all of my questions and wishes and especially the office staff was always friendly and helpful. Among the tours I took, I can expecially recomemend the trip to the Chiriqui Golf and the Little Canyons - that was a lot of fun! Teachers and staff have always been friendly. I hope everybody's experience will be as good as mine! Thanks everybody!'' Spanish course. Philip E., Germany
''I returned last summer to Boquete and the language school for the second time. While I enjoyed my initial time at the school and learned some, I learned so much more during my second stay (which was only two weeks compared to a month!) I contribute this both my choice to have private lessons and to the excellent teaching of my teacher, Ivonne Ayala. She was patient, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, funny and had an amazingly positive attitude every day! She is a true professional and a skilled teacher. I hope to return to Boquete this next summer and continue my private studies with her.'' Spanish course. Sonia L., USA
''My trip to Panama was not in vain. My home stay was awesome! The family was very kind and inviting. I especially loved the food. Im sure I gained a few pounds.
The teachers at the school were very friendly. I developed friendships with a lot of new people from all around the world! I went on a few tours but I loved horseback riding and the Natural Jacuzzi tours more! The views were very beautiful! Everyone was helpful around the school and the community. I'm taking another trip next year because I really enjoyed my time!'' Spanish course. Dama C., Bahamas
