Blog

In February of my sophomore year, I vividly recall spending hours scrolling through study abroad websites, deliberating if SFS Panama was the right fit for me. If you’re in a similar position, I hope this post can help shorten your decision-making process, even just a bit! For most of my life, I had envisioned studying abroad in a European country, picturing the traditional classy outfits and cozy cafes. It wasn’t until college that I realized the vast opportunities beyond Europe, especially given how my major encouraged exploration! Panama, with its breathtaking ocean views, rainforest hikes, and ecotourism hotspots, offered a unique allure unlike anywhere I had been before. However, there are numerous other compelling reasons to consider SFS Panama—let’s delve into them!

Studying abroad is an enriching experience in itself but let me share why opting for SFS might elevate your experience beyond what a “traditional” study abroad could offer. Firstly, I yearned to live in a place that would feel like a second home, immersing myself in the culture daily waking up to the sights, smells, and sounds of Panama. While touring Europe would undoubtedly be amazing, I felt that I could explore and backpack across Europe at various points in my life. Thus, I was keen on immersing myself in one country, one town, for my study abroad adventure. So far, this decision has proven to be immensely rewarding I adore the familiarity of Bocas town, grasping the surfing culture, and connecting with locals. Feeling at home in a foreign country is an incredibly gratifying experience, one that I doubt I would have achieved with a more “traditional” program (although, this is just my perspective as someone drawn to European travel).

Secondly, experiencing a beautiful country within a tight-knit community of students, professors, and local/expat staff ensures respectful exploration. One of my favorite aspects of SFS is the opportunity to dine with our professors, bond with fellow students, and relish the intimate campus ambiance. This sense of home away from home makes the distance from the United States more manageable, thanks to the supportive community at SFS. During our time in Bocas, I’ve felt at ease exploring the town, beaches, and neighboring islands, largely due to the invaluable advice from knowledgeable staff—both local and expats—who are well-versed in Bocas’ nuances. Learning about a place directly from locals is an unparalleled experience that makes delving into a new country feel seamless.

Thirdly, SFS offers the chance to embrace a lifestyle that may be radically different from what you’ll encounter again—such as living near a beach and relishing nature daily. Coming from the Midwest suburbs, attending college in a small city, and likely transitioning to a large city post-graduation, I yearned for this contrasting lifestyle (echoing Sylvia Plath’s fig tree analogy). It’s been an incredibly transformative experience—swimming in the ocean at whim, waking up to jungle symphonies, and embracing a more laid-back pace. While I’m unsure if this lifestyle is a long-term fit, it’s undeniably taught me valuable lessons about myself, with more insights yet to come.

Lastly, I was enticed by the prospect of hands-on fieldwork aligned with my interests, spanning both natural and social sciences. While I’ve conducted research at my home university, it often felt disconnected from the actual source. Here at SFS, from gathering data on the surrounding reefs to engaging with locals to understand tourism’s impacts, every experience has been profoundly enlightening. Three months here are just a glimpse into life in Bocas, and I can never fully comprehend the locals’ joys and struggles. Nonetheless, this journey has broadened my perspective on the world and deepened my appreciation for nature’s intricacies.