Caribbean
Dates
May 13 – May 29, 2025
Subjects
African American Studies, African Diaspora, Indigenous Culture & Identity, History, Spanish
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Panama is home to a rich diversity of cultures and inhabitants. It is a true melting pot of racial and cultural identities, including Caribbean, Spanish, mestizo, indigenous, and the African diaspora. Panama is also home to one of the most diverse biospheres in the world. While Panama City boasts impressive colonial neighborhoods, an amazing skyline bordered by the Panama Canal, and a vibrant artistic scene, cities like Colón and Bocas Del Toro are neighbors to dense tropical rainforests and vibrant indigenous communities. Packed with art, culture, literature, history, and contemporary experiences of all kinds, Panama offers and exceptional introduction to the western Caribbean. During these three weeks of summer study abroad, we spend time in Panama City, Colón, Guna Yala (San Blas), and Bocas del Toro. Spanish Language knowledge is not necessary or required for this program.
From President Theodore Roosevelt to President Bill Clinton, the directives of American administrations have pursued economic and political interests that haven’t consistently benefitted the regimes of Caribbean countries, including Panama. We will explore questions of Black and indigenous identity and representation, colonialism, resistance to slavery and its afterlives, transnationalism, and diaspora. Offering insight into Afro-Latinx and indigenous lives and new ways to understand culture, ethnicity, nation, identity, and anti-racist politics, our time in Panama seeks to develop a complex hemispheric view of native and Afro-descendants.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
This place has some of the best beaches in the world, turquoise waters that shimmer like jewels, and a charming small-town vibe, Bocas Del Toro has captivated both the local population of Panama and travelers from around Latin America and the world. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler’s May 2023 issue recognized Bocas Del Toro as one of “The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World.”
A visit to Panama City wouldn't be complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Head to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can marvel at massive ships passing through the canal's intricate system of locks. The center offers an IMAX production that provides a glimpse into the significance of this iconic and controversial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.
The modern and historic Panama City is located where the Atlantic meets the Pacific. This tropical paradise has a vibrant culture blends seamlessly with astonishing indigenous and Afro-Latino heritage.
A visit to Panama City wouldn't be complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Head to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can marvel at massive ships passing through the canal's intricate system of locks. The center offers an IMAX production that provides a glimpse into the significance of this iconic and controversial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.
The province of Colon is a small and colorful Caribbean province that is rich in history and incomparable scenery. It boasts the Panama Canal Zone and proximity to the canal itself, in all its historical splendor and beauty.
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic old town. Discover the rich heritage of this city as you visit landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Plaza de la Independencia.
The Island El Porvenir has the main ports in the San Blas. It is often referred as the capital of autonomous region Kuna Yala of Panama. The island is located on the west side of San Blas not far from mainland Panama and the islands Ukuptupu, Wichubwala, Sindup, Nalunega and the Cayos Los Grullos.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,250 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), personal expenses (approx. $150-$400 depending on your spending habits), Vaccinations (approx. $150), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Description
Dates
May 13 – May 29, 2025
Subjects
African American Studies, African Diaspora, Indigenous Culture & Identity, History, Spanish
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Panama is home to a rich diversity of cultures and inhabitants. It is a true melting pot of racial and cultural identities, including Caribbean, Spanish, mestizo, indigenous, and the African diaspora. Panama is also home to one of the most diverse biospheres in the world. While Panama City boasts impressive colonial neighborhoods, an amazing skyline bordered by the Panama Canal, and a vibrant artistic scene, cities like Colón and Bocas Del Toro are neighbors to dense tropical rainforests and vibrant indigenous communities. Packed with art, culture, literature, history, and contemporary experiences of all kinds, Panama offers and exceptional introduction to the western Caribbean. During these three weeks of summer study abroad, we spend time in Panama City, Colón, Guna Yala (San Blas), and Bocas del Toro. Spanish Language knowledge is not necessary or required for this program.
From President Theodore Roosevelt to President Bill Clinton, the directives of American administrations have pursued economic and political interests that haven’t consistently benefitted the regimes of Caribbean countries, including Panama. We will explore questions of Black and indigenous identity and representation, colonialism, resistance to slavery and its afterlives, transnationalism, and diaspora. Offering insight into Afro-Latinx and indigenous lives and new ways to understand culture, ethnicity, nation, identity, and anti-racist politics, our time in Panama seeks to develop a complex hemispheric view of native and Afro-descendants.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
This place has some of the best beaches in the world, turquoise waters that shimmer like jewels, and a charming small-town vibe, Bocas Del Toro has captivated both the local population of Panama and travelers from around Latin America and the world. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler’s May 2023 issue recognized Bocas Del Toro as one of “The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World.”
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings in Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic old town. Discover the rich heritage of this city as you visit landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Plaza de la Independencia.
A visit to Panama City wouldn't be complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Head to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can marvel at massive ships passing through the canal's intricate system of locks. The center offers an IMAX production that provides a glimpse into the significance of this iconic and controversial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.
The modern and historic Panama City is located where the Atlantic meets the Pacific. This tropical paradise has a vibrant culture blends seamlessly with astonishing indigenous and Afro-Latino heritage.
The Island El Porvenir has the main ports in the San Blas. It is often referred as the capital of autonomous region Kuna Yala of Panama. The island is located on the west side of San Blas not far from mainland Panama and the islands Ukuptupu, Wichubwala, Sindup, Nalunega and the Cayos Los Grullos.
The province of Colon is a small and colorful Caribbean province that is rich in history and incomparable scenery. It boasts the Panama Canal Zone and proximity to the canal itself, in all its historical splendor and beauty.
A visit to Panama City wouldn't be complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Head to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can marvel at massive ships passing through the canal's intricate system of locks. The center offers an IMAX production that provides a glimpse into the significance of this iconic and controversial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,250 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), personal expenses (approx. $150-$400 depending on your spending habits), Vaccinations (approx. $150), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term |
