By Nathan Douglas–
As an experience that has been described as “priceless,” the annual study abroad program in Panama, sponsored by the Latin American and Latino Studies Program and the Department of Communications, will embark on its 10th trip in May of 2012.
Founded in 2002, the then Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, James Brennan, asked Dr. Rhonda Buchanan – now director of Latin American and Latino Studies – to create a study abroad program for Latin American Studies. In its first year, 37 students participated in the program. Since its debut, 210 students have taken the annual trip to Panama as “Panama Scholars.”
The program functions as a partnership between the University of Louisville and the Quality Leadership University in Panama City, Panama. It offers several courses in Panamanian culture, Spanish conversation, and intercultural communication that students who partake in the program can enroll in for up to six hours of university credit.
The program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn or improve upon Spanish language skills. “Only about 15 percent of people in Panama speak English, but they are all very tolerant of people who are trying to learn Spanish,” said Dr. Al Futrell, chair of the Department of Communication.
This year’s program director – Professor Berta Calvert – is a native Panamanian. “Students who have never traveled before often go with us to Panama and find out that they can succeed because the country welcomes them. Students have afternoons, evenings and weekends free to mingle with the people in the town, and it builds confidence,” said Professor Calvert.
One aspect of the program is devoted to service learning where the students volunteer at various establishments in Panama. Natalie Schuetz, a communications and Spanish major at the University of Louisville, took part in the program in 2010 when the service-learning project was at a Panamanian orphanage.
“Before we got there we weren’t sure what was going to happen. But when we got there, they were so excited to see us. By the time we left none of us wanted to get back on the bus to leave. Personally, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of the trip,” said Schuetz.
The deadline to apply for the 10th annual study abroad program in Panama is Feb. 1. More information about program fees and scholarships, as well as answers to general questions can be found on the University of Louisville’s Latin American and Latino Studies website under “Panama Program.”
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