Starstruck at Starfish Beach by Ailani Garcia Balderas

As someone from Charleston, SC who had never left the state—let alone the country—our beach day in Bocas del Toro quickly became one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring experiences of my life. For someone used to brown-gray, misty coastlines, the dream of seeing turquoise-blue water had always felt a bit mythical. But that day, it became real. It wasn’t just about studying abroad; it … Continue reading Starstruck at Starfish Beach by Ailani Garcia Balderas

Study Abroad Reflection by Julia Piermattei

I had so much fun during my study abroad experience.  I enjoyed my time during adventures on the island of Bocas and sightseeing in Panama City.  My favorite activities that we did was exploring all of the beautiful beaches in Bocas, seeing all of the unique wildlife during the night-hikes in the rainforest, and going to the Old Panama City.  I was proud of myself … Continue reading Study Abroad Reflection by Julia Piermattei

Reflection by Caitlyn Costa

After a few days back in the city, in the comfort of my own apartment, I have had some time to reflect on my study abroad experience in Panama. Even while I was still there, I knew that this trip was something I would never forget, and I had already been mentally cataloging the main takeaways. My study abroad trip to Panama reinvigorated my sense … Continue reading Reflection by Caitlyn Costa

Panama City by Julia Piermattei

Panama City was a large, populated city with many tourist things to do.  We mainly visited the Panama Canal and the Old Panama City.  I learned a lot about the Old Panama City.  This part of the city is considered the second Panama City and is on the outskirts of the new Panama City.  The first was attacked by Europeans and is no longer standing.  … Continue reading Panama City by Julia Piermattei

Isla Colona, Bocas del Toro by Caitlyn Costa

To get to the ITEC Biological Field Station where the fieldwork for our study abroad program was to take place, the main method of travel is by boat. In fact, the main method of travel in Bocas del Toro seems to be via boat. In Bocas del Toro, a province of Panama off the Caribbean coast, water taxis are ubiquitous, and you can’t forget that … Continue reading Isla Colona, Bocas del Toro by Caitlyn Costa

Panama by Julia Piermattei

While staying at the field lab station in Bocas del Toro; an island off of the Northern Panama coast,  we did so many activities such as snorkeling, caving, and hiking in the rainforest.  These hands-on activities were very different from the typical classroom setting at the College and I loved it.  Our lectures before each of these adventures were helpful supplemental material to what we … Continue reading Panama by Julia Piermattei

Intro by Julia Piermattei

Julia Piermattei: Biology Major/Chemistry and Music Minors, Senior, CofC Faculty-Led Maymester Panama trip  I chose this study abroad program because I thought Panama would be a great place to learn about ecology by observing and studying all of the biodiversity the country has to offer from the oceans, mountains, and rainforests.   The goals I set during my study abroad was to try new things and … Continue reading Intro by Julia Piermattei