It’s hard to believe there are only two days until you finally arrive!

As program coordinators, we’ve been working hard for the past three months to make this 16-day itinerary the best that it can be! Traveling all around the region we’ve met with tons of awesome people who can’t wait to share with you the amazing culture, history, and complexities of the Azuero peninsula. We’re super excited for you to get to meet and learn from them as well as to see all the researching, planning, and sweating we’ve done (it is hot here!) become a reality once we get started on the best part of our job–guiding you all on this journey of learning, discovery, and growth! Now, a bit about ourselves…

My name is Erik, and I’m a 24-year-old almost-graduate in graphic design. My first intercultural experience started when I was six. My mother is Panamanian and made the decision to move back to Panama just as I was starting the first grade. At the time, I spoke some three words in Spanish and moving left me few choices other than learning quickly. When I’m not working, I’m usually trying to get some rest, but when I’m not doing that I like to paint and listen to people be enthusiastic about the stuff they like.

 

And I’m Lucas. 26 years old, from New York City. I loved growing up in the hustle and bustle of NYC but was lucky enough to get to study abroad in Panama during my junior year of college. Seeing a country with such diverse cultures, amazing biodiversity, and fun, friendly people was eye-opening, but even more so was the reality of inequality and other problems that have arisen from rapid development. Needless to say, I was hooked and was determined to figure out how to create a life for myself down here. I started with a job teaching English in Colombia, and two years later found my way back to Panama. In my free time, I like to read, continue to practice Spanish and most of all, play basketball with the locals!

While these blog posts are great, we can’t wait to meet all of you in person! So make sure to prepare for some fun, hot, exciting, challenging but rewarding adventures with us and see you soon!