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 for trying new foods and…

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 of adventure, sparked a desire…

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 you are on an island…

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 were learning on the island. …

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 become more immersed into the…