Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystem, & Biodiversity Conservation
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About this Program
Panama has some of the world’s most biodiverse and complex ecosystems, from highland cloud forests to Caribbean coral reefs. You will conduct seven 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 four 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.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $10,000
- Spring Semester: $10,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with high humidity. This period is part of the dry season, making it a great time for outdoor activities.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and rainy, with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). Expect frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
- Autumn (September to November): Wet season continues, with temperatures from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). Rainfall is heavier, especially on the Caribbean side.
- Winter (December to February): Dry season, with temperatures between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), making it the peak travel season.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major airports include Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which serves as a hub for Central and South America. Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" Airport offers domestic flights.
- Train: The Panama Canal Railway connects Panama City with Colón, offering scenic views along the canal.
- Public Transport: Panama City has an efficient metro system and buses. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Top attractions include the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (historic district), and Bocas del Toro for beaches and marine life.
- Language: The official language is Spanish, though English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and business settings.
- Festivals: Major events include Carnival in February, the Panama Jazz Festival, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Panama is known for dishes such as sancocho (chicken soup), ceviche, patacones (fried plantains), and fresh seafood.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more available, especially in cities like Panama City, but traditional meals often include meat and seafood.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Panama City: Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton, Panama (Phone: +507 317-5000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Panama is improving its accessibility, especially in Panama City, where modern infrastructure includes accessible public transportation and buildings.
- LGBTQ+: Panama is moderately accepting, with increasing visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in urban areas like Panama City.
- Religion: Panama is predominantly Roman Catholic, with religious freedom protected, and growing Protestant and non-religious communities contributing to the country's diversity.
- Race & Ethnicity: Panama is ethnically diverse, with significant Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, and Mestizo populations, though Indigenous groups often face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in Panama, with legal protections in place, but traditional gender roles and challenges like gender-based violence remain prevalent, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders will be issued a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival; students without a U.S. passport may be subject to additional or different requirements for obtaining a visa or meeting other conditions of entry into the country (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.