SIT Study Abroad Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation
Explore rainforests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and coastal mangroves as you study tropical conservation and ecology.
WHY STUDY TROPICAL ECOLOGY IN PANAMA?
Panama has some of the world’s most biodiverse and complex ecosystems, from highland cloud forests to Caribbean coral reefs. You will conduct 7 weeks of field studies in five unique settings in Panama and Costa Rica. Learn how to estimate forest biodiversity, evaluate coral reef health, calculate mangrove carbon, identify tropical fish species, and quantify Neotropical mammal abundance among other skills. In Panama City, one of the leading bases for international NGOs and the United Nations, you’ll explore conservation topics such as sustainable agriculture, indigenous resource use, and ecotourism. You will also conduct 4 weeks of independent, original field research project on a topic of your choice. Your program also includes five homestays during which you will learn about urban and rural life, experience local culture, and examine the environmental challenges these communities face. In addition, you will develop the Spanish language skills needed to discuss ecological issues and conduct field research through classroom learning, cultural immersion, homestays, fieldwork, and excursions.
Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.
MONEY MATTERS
SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics, costs, excursions, accommodations and meals, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
FIND OUT MORE
Study Abroad Program Application Process:
Steps To Study Abroad
Pace's application deadlines:
- Fall Semester: March 15
- Spring Semester: October 15
- Summer program: March 15
SIT's application deadline (apply only after being accepted by Pace!):
PACE RESOURCES:
- Pace Study Abroad FAQs: Review these Pace Study Abroad FAQs.
- Academic FAQs: If you have more questions about academics related to study abroad, review these Pace FAQs.
- Financial FAQs: If you have more questions about the cost of study abroad, financial aid, and scholarships, review these Pace FAQs.
- For semester programs: Pace tuition and Fees, including a $100 Study Abroad Fee, are billed to the student's Pace account.
- For summer programs: Students pay SIT for tuition and fees; students pay a $100 study abroad fee to Pace
- For semester and summer programs: Rooming charges are the responsibility of the student and are paid directly to the host institution.
- Out-of-pocket expenses (airfare, meals, local transportation, etc.) are the responsibility of the student.
- All Federal and NY State financial aid apply during the semester abroad. Up to $12,500 of institutional financial aid (Pace scholarships/grants) applies to the semester abroad. (Portability of Pace institutional aid is limited to 2 semesters, and Pace tuition remission does not apply.)
ENSURE YOU ENROLL IN ENOUGH CREDITS DURING YOUR SEMESTER ABROAD!!
A minimum of 12 U.S. credits is required during a semester abroad to maintain full-time status (and receive financial aid), defined as being enrolled in 12-18 U.S. credits per semester. However,
we STRONGLY recommend that you take the equivalent of 15 U.S. credits abroad because:
- Any unforeseen changes to your schedule abroad could reduce your course load below 12 U.S. credits (e.g., canceled classes or a change in your class choices)
- Pace students must have full-time status to receive financial aid. If you are eligible for financial aid but enroll in fewer than 12 U.S. credits, you will lose your financial aid.
- Taking 15 U.S. credits abroad acts as a cushion so you’re not at risk of losing financial aid in case of any unforeseen changes.
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