My name is Jianna Wankel and I am a senior at the College of Charleston studying marine biology. For the May semester of 2023 I am taking General Ecology in Bocas Del Toro, Panamá! I chose to do this program because Panamá has incredibly rich biodiversity. It contains tropical rain forests, temperate rainforests, and coral reefs. A few goals that I have set for myself while I am abroad is…
The first destination of the trip was in Panama City, where we had a two-day layover before heading to the island of Bocas del Toro. The majority of this course takes place in a remote field station located in a tropical rainforest; therefore, we are not as exposed to the cultural aspects of Panama compared to many other study abroad experiences. Thus, our time spent in the capital of Panama…
My name is Ella Salinski and I am a sophomore studying Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. I am attending the Panama Maymester to study General Ecology. I chose this program because I wanted an opportunity to be immersed in what I was learning about. I’m looking forward to seeing and experiencing what I hear about in the classroom in person. Through my research of Panama, I learned…
My name is Solina Long. I am majoring in Biology BS, and I am an upcoming sophomore in school. My host program is CofC in Panama: Ecology. I chose this program because I took the marine biodiversity and ecology course in the spring of 2023, and I really enjoyed being hands on in the field and being immersed in the environment. The goals that I set for my time abroad…
It has been five days since I first arrived in Panama. So far, the experience has been incredible. Being immersed in a country that speaks another language is definitely one to get used to, but I have taken Spanish classes since high school, and that has really given me a chance to practice what I know. I have definitely noticed that it is extremely hot here, and a little bit…
My time in Buenos Aires will be something I will never forget. I made incredible memories and friends that I will have for a lifetime, and I found a home in Buenos Aires that I cannot wait to go back to. As far as accomplishments go, I am most proud of the progress in my Spanish. Although there is always still room for improvement and my Spanish is far from…
Some of my best days abroad were definitely when I traveled, but I have also loved just feeling like I live here. I traveled to Salta and Jujuy (two provinces of Argentina) with my friend Liza for a weekend, and I saw some of the most incredible landscapes and sights I have ever seen. In addition, the group and I have done little excursions through the program, such as to…
Living in Buenos Aires for the past month has been an incredible experience so far. Trying new foods has certainly been one of my favorite parts. I’d say my favorite foods are empanadas de carne and alfajores, but there are so many good foods and desserts here that I want to take back to the United States with me. And dulce de leche is of course delicious and a staple…
Ecuador has been a life-changing experience that provided me with unique opportunities for personal growth and a better understanding of Latin American cultures and some of the challenges faced around the world. Although I have traveled internationally a number of times, this was my first time to a Latin American country. With every international experience, I gain a more inclusive and eclectic appreciation of the world as a whole. This…
I enjoyed every day of the trip, but some of the highlights include learning about the culture and history of Quito, going on hikes in the jungle, and playing pick-up soccer games with locals. While in Quito, we were able to immerse ourselves in the city and learn about its history of the city. We went into one of the oldest catholic churches and saw the immaculate architecture inside and…
