Last month, 20 high school faculty and administrators arrived in Panama for a Professional Development Program to see behind-the-scenes of our international Health, STEM and Spanish Immersion Programs. The goal was for faculty to understand how our programs engage students in impactful service learning projects across the country.

After arriving in Panama City and enjoying a delicious Panamanian ‘tipico’ dinner and welcome ceremony and good night’s rest, the group headed out to the community of Boca de Chiguiri for a hands-on activty with the kids of the community. After lunch at our homebase lodging facility Iguana Eco Resort, teachers spent the day with local community leaders and children practicing their Spanish and getting to know the cultures and customs of the region.

On the following day, we visited another partner community, La Candelaria, for a public health activity. This was an inspiring day as the local community and students joined us to work together, and even provided a lunch of “arroz con pollo” and gifted each faculty member with a Panamanian Hat! The hospitality of the community and kindness of the local people is one of the beauties of working in rural Panama.

After 4 days in Panama, we celebrated with a final dinner in a famous historical neighborhood of Panama City, and faculty reflected on their time and set intentions for bringing this travel opportunity to their students. All of the teachers hope to organize a Squad Abroad program in 2023, and we hope that you will too!

We have 3 more Ambassador Programs coming up this summer, and we are accepting applications now. Please learn more and sign up today!