Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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Panama

Experience Panama, a country of incredible geographic diversity from mountains to oceans to rain forests. Make an impact in rural under-served communities in the Cocle Province while learning about indigenous cultures and taking advantage of the vibrant urban sites of Panama City and the Panama canal. Groups fly into Panama City-Tocumen International Airport where our staff greet the group and provide transport roughly two hours west to our base of operations located near the town of Penenome.

Community Partners and Projects

As a Squad, in Panama you will encounter the adventure-of-a-lifetime experience that includes fun and engaging cultural and volunteer immersion activities designed to enrich your understanding of the country while making a positive impact in the local community. You’ll spend your mornings supporting local schools and communities through the follow up and construction of many projects. Panamenian people are unique because of their culture and welcoming people that are are proud of their roots as well as their traditions.

Accommodations and Food

Located in a safe, rural setting, your Home-Base in Panama “La Iguana Eco Resort” offers beautiful views and your very own pools! Thatched hut common areas provide the opportunity to enjoy the evening breeze on the patio with fellow volunteers or bring out a book for some quiet time. Recreation courts and nature trails provide the opportunity play and explore during your down time and sloths are often spotted gazing down from the trees.

During your stay, you’ll feast on a blend of healthy Panamanian cuisine. Typical meals include plenty of starches like rice and, potatoes, with meat while also having plenty of vegetables to balance out your plate. 

Our Staff

Squads Abroad in Panama is led by Juan David Villegas a recognized economic development expert specializing in rural development in Panama. Juan David was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia and from an early age, he has been an advocate of the power of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship in transforming people’s lives. At the age of 17, he moved to Bournemouth, UK, to study and received his Higher National Diploma degree in Business Studies at MLS Management College, England. In the last 7 years, Juan David has been to 25 countries investigating the impact of business, commerce, and entrepreneurship in economic development worldwide Juan David holds a certification of Development Project Management by the Interamerican Development Bank and Strategic Managerial Skills Certificate from the Interamerican University of Panama.

Juan David manages a team of 12 permanent employees and dozens of seasonal staff that work year-round to implement education, health and economic development projects in rural Panama. The Panama team currently operates one of our largest programs with nearly 2,000 annual volunteers participatin

Cultural Activities

On weekday afternoons, our experienced staff will guide your group on local Cultural & Learning activities including Cooking a traditional Panamanian dish, Mola painting & temporary tattoos, Scavenger hunt and Zumba class in home-base, a visit to , Make your own artisan souvenir out of soapstone, sustainable development workshops, and cooking presentations.

Volunteers will also visit “Casco Viejo”, Causeway Amador and enjoy an afternoon at the beach.

Enrichment Opportunities

(OPTIONAL ADD-ON PACKAGES)

On the weekends your group may choose to explore other areas of the country through our guided overnight packages like Soberania National Park Excursion, Embera Quera, Bio-Museum, Monkey Island, Boat Tour Panama Canal/Miraflores Locks (Museum & IMAX), Smithsonian Natural Center and Xtreme Adventures activites. Spend one or two nights exploring rainforests, national parks, and more.

Teachers, join our movement!

LEAD A SQUAD
Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners. Faculty choose their dates, duration (typically 1-2 weeks), and their site location from one of our six program countries.
Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
Sustainable Impact
Where We Work
Partners
About Us
My Squads
Through virtual or in-country programs, Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners.