Visit Panama and Earn 3 GenEd Credits! Spring Break 2020 Study Abroad Trip

APPLY at http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/program/11720  

TOP 5 REASONS TO CONSIDER THE SPRING BREAK 2020 PANAMA GLOBAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCE!

1) Great Educational Experience
If you love the idea of learning about different cultures, meeting new people, earning credit, and traveling, then the Spring Break 2020 Panama Global Immersion Program is the course for you!. The March 2020 Spring Break Term class fulfills THREE General Education requirements: I-series; Diversity; Scholarship in Practice.

Panama serves as the crossroads of trade for the Americas. Panama is the perfect location to address the i-series question "What are the new realities of international business given the changing global economic environment?".  The centerpiece of this course is a global experience in Panama to evaluate the challenges and opportunities that globalization has brought to the country. The course provides a cross-disciplinary examination of the present and future impact of globalization on Panama with a focus on its political, economic, technological, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. 

Home to one of the most strategic waterways in the world, Panama plays a significant role in global trade and the world's logistics infrastructure.  From Panama City to Lake Gatun, to Colon, students will identify and understand contemporary issues that impact the global economic environment. The strategic location of Panama as a bridge between two oceans and the meeting of two continents has made the country a maritime and air transport hub as well as an international trading, banking, and services center. 

Over the past decade, Panama has been one of the fastest growing economies worldwide. Panama is politically stable and a free economy, making it an attractive marketplace. The growth is likely to remain one of the highest in Latin America. Panama’s favorable economic development has been triggered by the fact that it is the fastest growing tourism market in South America and the second largest banking sector in the world. The expansion of the Panama Canal and its major Colon Free Trade Zone are significant factors in Panama’s success. Panama has also made notable progress in reducing poverty in recent years. Panama is well positioned to continue making progress on ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity as a result of growth prospects and the Government’s renewed attention to inclusion. Panama presents an excellent economic development case study to examine international commerce and evaluate the impact of global trade and climate change

2) Value for the Money

This part of the world is definitely easy on your personal budget. Generally speaking, your money goes a lot further in South America compared to Europe or Oceana. The program fee is estimated at $2,200. plus airfare of $575. This makes the course one of the cheapest overall education abroad offerings for Spring Break 2020! The program fee includes UM tuition, Education Abroad fees, hotel accommodations, fees for all academic site visits, field trips, and other program-sponsored excursions, transportation to all visits, one or two meals per day (lunches or dinner), and course reading materials.

3)  Culture

Panama has a strong ecotourism industry, offering a wide range of cultural experiences, eco-friendly accommodations, adventure opportunities, and community-based tours. Enjoy local flavors, such as the famous Sancocho -a chicken stew that is considered the country's national dish. Those with a more adventurous palate can try their tongues at Ropa Vieja (translating to Dirty Clothes), a dish that has been deemed much more delicious than the name implies. Interact with locals in both the rural and urban areas of Panama, picking up bits of the language and culture along the way. Explore coffee and chocolate farms, which are a staple of the country due to the high elevation and rich volcanic soil. Gain insight into the lives of the local Emberra Indians; a Native American group in Panama that is known for its ingenuity and resourcefulness in the local jungles. 

4) Enjoyment and Adventure

Along with a great learning experience, you will have fun in a sunny and warm climate with plenty of wonderful attractions and great nightlife. The diverse landscapes, including tropical rain forests and active volcanoes, provide unique wildlife encounters and great opportunities for learning about and experiencing ecotourism. Some particularly interesting experiences include: 

-Volcan Baru: The tallest active stratovolcano in Panama. Although rare, on certain days it is possible to see both shorelines of Panama from the peak.

-Rainforest Hike: Panama City is one of the few cities in the world to have a jungle within its center. Trek through the wilderness to see the local plant and animal life. 

-Casco Viejo: Venture through the streets of historic Panama City, admiring the architecture and listening to local musicians.

-Panama City Fish Market: Home to some of the tastiest cuisine in Panama, the Fish Market is sure to offer great food options - especially those with a soft spot for ceviche; one of the region's most popular dishes.

-Snorkeling and Scuba: Regardless of whether you choose to adventure into waters or look on from the boat, there is no doubt you will see both breathtaking sights and colorful marine life that are characteristic of Panama.

5) Friendship and Professional Connections

International travel is known for bringing groups together, and is often described by students as "one of the best parts of any study abroad program." The Panama Global Immersion program is a notably strong networking experience, as students will be traveling in a smaller group in a particularly foreign environment. Upon completion of the trip, students will share exciting and enjoyable memories of their interactions with the people, language, and culture of Panama. Further, the program will provide opportunities to visit local businesses, which will allow for students to better understand what it means to work in Panama. It is not unheard of for students to reach out to contacts made on study abroad trips and return to the country for employment or business ventures. Perhaps your professional future has a connection with Panama!

More information is available at: http://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/education-abroad/program/11720

DEADLINE; Sept 24

If you are interested please contact Dr. Mark Wellman @ MWellman@rhsmith.umd.edu