Panama: Energy and the Environment

Navigating New Beginnings

If someone had told me in high school that I would be studying abroad during my first semester of college, I would have called them crazy. The reality of spending my entire first semester of college in Panama did not truly sink in until I arrived at the Ciudad Del Saber (City of Knowledge) dormitory on my first night. Although I was nervous about starting college in a new country, I was eager to experience an unforgettable four months.

My Weekly Routine in Panama

My weekly schedule is a mix of academic learning and cultural immersions. On Monday and Thursday mornings, we start the day with a class called “Introduction to Environmental Studies.”

Currently, we are studying trace elements and their harmful effects on the environment due to toxic concentrations. Our professor is highly knowledgeable about ecosystems in the region and has been educating us through his lectures.

Tuesday mornings are dedicated to Spanish class, which focuses on practicing and expanding our Spanish vocabulary. This class has been beneficial, as I only knew basic Spanish before joining the program and was quite nervous about navigating around the city. This class has improved my Spanish skills and made me feel more confident in my ability to speak Spanish.

On Tuesday afternoons, we visit Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá to meet with our student mentor. I’ve had fun meeting and interacting with Panamanian students and learning about their lifestyle and culture.

Wednesdays are reserved for internships, which are offered to all students who want to be placed in positions that match their desired interests. I’m excited to have the opportunity as a freshman to gain internship experience and expand my professional network in another country.

Discovering Panama

Every Friday, we have a site visit, which is usually developed around themes of energy and environment. One of my favorite visits so far was to the BIOMUSEO, a science museum in Panama City. I was intrigued by the architecture and designs throughout the museum that represented the geological features of Panama. The museum’s aim is to make visitors aware of humans’ impact on biodiversity.

Another memorable visit was to a fish market, which had many vendors and offered a large variety of seafood. I had the chance to taste amazing ceviche, which was refreshing to eat. Overall, I enjoyed this experience and the atmosphere of the market.

One of our most recent visits was to Rocky Shores, a diverse coastal ecosystem that supports a variety of marine species. While there, I saw crabs and fish. I also noticed that the tide lines were extremely visible, which I learned was due to the influence of high and low tides. Overall, the scenery was breathtaking to look at.

Personal Reflections in Panama

Only a month into my stay, I have cherished every moment and learned much about Panama already. The community here has embraced me, and all my professors and classmates are very nice and welcoming.

I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and faced my fears, gaining the confidence to interact with people outside my classes. I’ve also become more open to trying new foods, going on new adventures and exploring the city. I am excited to continue the semester with many more memories to be captured.

This post was contributed by Shreya Gupta, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Shreya is a first year studying abroad in Panama City, Panama.