Panama Spring Break 2026 – Program Itinerary

Panama
Written By World Walker

Program Dates: Saturday, March 14 – Saturday, March 21, 2026

This itinerary provides a high-level overview of our time in Panama. While specific activities and timing may shift based on logistics, weather, or local availability, this outline reflects the core structure and goals of the program.

The Panama experience is designed to balance cultural immersion, historical context, academic engagement, and reflection, while allowing space for flexibility and rest. Students should expect full days with guided activities, as well as intentional downtime built into the schedule.

Day 1 — Saturday, March 14

Arrival in Panama

  • Students arrive in Panama and meet WorldWalker staff

  • Group transfer to accommodations

  • Time to settle in and rest after travel

Evening:

  • Welcome briefing and orientation

  • Overview of the week, expectations, and communication norms

Day 2 — Sunday, March 15

Panama City: Orientation & Context

  • Introduction to Panama City and surrounding neighborhoods

  • Guided walking and observation-based activities

  • Discussion of Panama’s role as a global crossroads

Focus areas:

  • Geography and urban layout

  • First impressions and cultural norms

  • Group expectations for the week

Day 3 — Monday, March 16

History, Sovereignty & the Panama Canal

  • Visit connected to the Panama Canal and its history

  • Guided discussion on U.S.–Panama relations

  • Exploration of nationalism, sovereignty, and identity

Academic themes:

  • Colonial legacies and global trade

  • The Canal Zone and Panamanian resistance

  • Infrastructure as power

Day 4 — Tuesday, March 17

Community, Space & Inequality

  • Engagement with historically marginalized neighborhoods

  • Site-based learning focused on community resilience

  • Reflection on urban development and spatial inequality

Academic themes:

  • Race, class, and urban planning

  • Community identity and survival

  • Respectful engagement with place

Day 5 — Wednesday, March 18

Culture, Language & Identity

  • Exploration of cultural institutions and public spaces

  • Discussion on language, globalization, and identity

  • Time for observation, journaling, and informal exploration

Focus areas:

  • Spanish and English in Panama

  • Cultural expression and daily life

  • Student-led reflection

Day 6 — Thursday, March 19

Experiential Learning & Reflection

  • Experiential activities tied to cultural immersion

  • Opportunities for independent exploration in small groups

  • Group reflection session

Focus areas:

  • Connecting readings to lived experience

  • Personal reflection and discussion

  • Synthesizing learning across the week

Day 7 — Friday, March 20

Program Wrap-Up

  • Closing discussions and group reflection

  • Final site visits or activities

  • Preparation for departure

Evening:

  • Program closing

  • Review of takeaways and next steps

Day 8 — Saturday, March 21

Departure

  • Group departure from accommodations

  • Students depart Panama

Important Notes

  • This itinerary is subject to change based on logistics, weather, and local conditions

  • All students are expected to participate in scheduled activities

  • Additional details, including exact timing and locations, will be shared during pre-departure sessions

The Panama program emphasizes learning through place, history, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to arrive curious, respectful, and open to new perspectives.

World Walker
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