Explore rainforests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and coastal mangroves as you study tropical conservation, marine ecosystems, and ecology.
16
Relevant previous coursework
Spanish
English
Sep 2 – Dec 15
Panama
Costa Rica
Panama City
Climate & Environment
Panama has some of the world’s most biodiverse and complex ecosystems, from highland cloud forests to Caribbean coral reefs. You will conduct seven weeks of field studies in five unique settings in Panama and Costa Rica. Learn how to estimate forest biodiversity, evaluate coral reef health, calculate mangrove carbon, identify tropical fish species, and quantify neotropical mammal abundance among other skills.
In Panama City, one of the leading bases for international NGOs and the United Nations, you’ll explore conservation topics such as sustainable agriculture, Indigenous resource use, and ecotourism. You will also conduct four weeks of independent, original field research on a topic of your choice.
Your program also includes four homestays during which you will learn about urban and rural life, experience local culture, and examine the environmental challenges these communities face.
In addition, you will develop the Spanish language skills needed to discuss ecological issues and conduct field research through classroom learning, cultural immersion, homestays, fieldwork, and excursions.
Previous college-level coursework or background in environmental studies, ecology, biology, or related fields, as assessed by SIT. There is no language requirement. Taking coursework in or independently studying Spanish prior to arrival is highly encouraged. Students will spend time in the water and must be able to swim.
Experience the cloud forest highlands in La Amistad UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the only one of its kind in Central America and one of only two in Mesoamerica. La Amistad is considered one of the most diverse biospheres in the world due to its geographic location, altitude gradients, and unique ecosystems. You will study tropical forest dynamics within the park. In the reserve’s buffer zone, you will learn from conservation NGOs and local conservationists.
Travel upriver by canoe to the Naso-Teribe Indigenous territory, home to the Naso people who have recently gained autonomy over their forests and rivers against threats by huge development projects. You will learn about Naso resource management and way of life. In Bocas del Toro, you will also visit a teaching agroforestry farm that grows sustainable, organic chocolate and an industrial banana plantation.
Located in northwest Costa Rica, EARTH University is the foremost agriculture and conservation university in the hemisphere. Students from 33 countries come here to study sustainable technologies, sustainable design, waste management, carbon management, and resource conservation. You will live with a Costa Rican family, meet EARTH students, learn about technologies the university has developed, and practice carbon measurement.
In 1925, the Guna Yala Comarca became the first indigenous region to be granted autonomy in Latin America. Because of its remote location and historically low pressure on marine resources, Guna Yala is largely an intact and diverse marine ecosystem. You will spend up to two weeks studying mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This requires physical stamina, as you will spend most of your time snorkeling and conducting coursework in the water.
At the top of the continental divide and the tail end of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, Burbayar is an extraordinary place to study mammals and amphibians. It is one of only a handful of places in Central America where the chytrid virus has not decimated amphibian populations. Tapir, ocelot, monkey, agouti, jaguar, and peccary sightings are recorded regularly.
Soberania National Park is home to 525 bird species. You will spend four days here learning about bird diversity and research along the famed Pipeline Trail. Learn to set up mist nets early in the mornings and to manipulate, measure, and release birds safely.
On a clear day in the country’s central highlands, you can see the Pacific and Caribbean from the same point. You will spend all day in the forest learning and practicing environmental field research methods for understanding forest dynamics and ecology.
In the Panama Canal watershed, Barro Colorado is part of a collection of islands managed by the Smithsonian Institute and dedicated to biological research.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Human Ecology and Conservation in the Tropics – syllabus
(ENVI3000 / 3 credits)
This interdisciplinary seminar, conducted in English, includes both lectures and a strong field component. Students explore the relationships between human use of natural resources and natural resource conservation efforts. Topics studied include the challenges faced by internationally protected areas and national parks, the relationship between poverty and the environment, community forestry, indigenous cultures and conservation, industrial and sustainable agriculture, and the harvest and conservation of marine resources. As a part of their study, students learn from diverse local communities when they engage in rural homestays with subsistence farmers and families living in protected areas and in urban homes.
Comparative Tropical Ecology – syllabus
(ENVI3005 / 3 credits)
Through a comparative approach, students learn about the characteristics and dynamics of distinct yet interdependent tropical ecosystems. Students conduct field exercises in tropical cloud forests, rainforests, lowland dry forests, coral reefs, sea grass beds, and coastal mangroves. Students are introduced to tropical flora and fauna, rainforest biodiversity, ecological resilience, and similar topics.
Spanish for the Natural Sciences I – syllabus
(SPAN1003 / 3 credits)
Spanish for the Natural Sciences II – syllabus
(SPAN2003 / 3 credits)
Spanish for the Natural Sciences III – syllabus
(SPAN2503 / 3 credits)
Spanish for the Natural Sciences IV – syllabus
(SPAN3003 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
Spanish for the Natural Sciences V – syllabus
(SPAN3503 / 3 credits)
In this course, students build their speaking, reading, and writing skills through classroom and field instruction. They practice reading scientific literature as they learn the formal terms and local expressions needed to discuss ecological issues, to conduct field research, and to interact in settings related to the program themes. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in classes according to their language level and receive further language practice in the homestays and on field visits.
Environmental Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ENVI3500 / 3 credits)
This course focuses on learning how to collect and systematize ecological data to understand ecosystem function and adaptation. Through field lectures, practice, and classroom learning, students learn and apply a range of ecological research methods. They examine the ethical issues surrounding field research related to ecology and conservation and are guided through the World Learning / SIT Human Subjects Review process. By the end of the course students will have learned, applied, and collected data from a minimum of 20 field research methods.
Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)
The Independent Study Project offers students the opportunity to conduct field research on a topic of their choice within the program’s thematic parameters. The project integrates learning from the various components of the program and culminates in a formal research paper and oral presentation. Depending on student interest, research can be conducted in cloud forest highlands, coral reefs, lowland forests, mangroves, rural villages, indigenous communities, or other approved sites within Panama.
Sample research topics include:
Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.
Although exact locations may vary each semester, rural homestay locations typically include:
Live with a local family for about three weeks in Panama’s capital and largest city. Experience rural customs amidst international banking and trade businesses; hone your Spanish skills; and learn about Panamanian traditions and culture. As a major base for international NGOs and the United Nations, Panama City offers many opportunities to explore environmental and conservation issues and initiatives.
Live with a family for three days and learn about traditional resource use, livelihoods, and contemporary threats to the Naso-Teribe way of life, such as mega project and industrial interests.
During this four-day homestay, you will see conservation efforts in La Amistad UNESCO Biosphere Reserve buffer zone and learn how local farmers have adapted to living near a protected area and about local organizations’ work on environmental education, advocacy, and preservation
Live with a farm family who partners with EARTH University to develop sustainable technologies and participate in daily work on your host family’s farm.
Hostels, farmhouses, cabins, or small hotels.
Students on this program represent a wide range of colleges, universities, and majors. Many of them pursue academic and professional work that connects back to their experience abroad with SIT. Recent positions held by alumni include:
Associate professor and program coordinator of environmental studies at San Francisco State University
Participating scientist at NASA
Director of a sustainable energy program in Maine
Medical doctor, New York, NY
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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SIT Study Abroad Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
Two program participants, SIT Panama alum Clara Maxwell and Panamanian student Julissa Guevara, share their experience with the program, their interest in ecology, and why they think cultural exchange is important.
In 2022, the SIT Panama alumni organization, Few for Change, awarded 62 scholarships to students in the Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Comarca in Panama. SIT Panama alumni collaborate throughout the year to support students to ensure that they have the opportunity to stay in school.
