For my final blog post, I thought it would be advantageous to both reflect on my thoughts on my trip as well as provide advice for future students who may participate in the same trip. Overall, taking part in the College of Charleston in Panamá trip was an extremely beneficial learning experience for me with regards to both classroom concepts and cultural engagement. Since the study abroad course was considered a transportation elective, a good portion of my time spent in Panamá was with logistics or transportation companies and infrastructure. This included visits to the shipping line Maersk, the Georgia Tech Logistics Research Center, the Colón Free Zone Association, a freight consolidation company called Noritex, and many other logistics, supply chain, or transportation companies. All of these visits included presentations by representatives from the company on both their own firm’s as well as Panamá’s unique position in the global supply chain. The trip provided me new insights into the business world of logistics in Panamá and Latin America as a whole and will undoubtedly be useful as I begin my career in Supply Chain.

Furthermore, Panamá, as a melting pot of different cultures from Latin America and beyond, provided a wealth of cultural exposure. Thanks to our local tour guides, I was able to enjoy traditional Panamanian cuisine, learn about the rich history of the country, and see how daily life in Panamá City unfolded. Aside from learning about the business culture through the site visits, it was very interesting to see everything firsthand from how people dress and drive to how food is ordered and served. I had never travelled to Latin America before, so I was very grateful for this opportunity to experience a new culture.

Finally, there are a few pieces of advice I have for future students attending the trip or visiting Panamá. The first, and most important, would be to pack a rain jacket or umbrella and waterp  roof shoes! The wet season in Panamá runs from May through November, so you can expect at least a little rain every day if you visit during this time. It often comes down without warning, so always carrying your rain gear with you is a great way to stay dry. Next, I would also recommend both sunscreen and bug spray. Being closer to the equator than Charleston, the UV index can be very high for most of the day, even with the rain clouds. Bug spray will also help keep you free from mosquitoes and other pests if you venture into any grassy areas. Finally, it is important to at least brush up on the most basic Spanish skills. Although most white-collar workers have proficiency in English, this is less common with people like restaurant servers or hotel staff; being able to quickly communicate basic topics was a great help on the trip. Overall, visiting Panamá was an amazing experience for me!