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CNRE: Issues in Natural Resource Conservation in Panama (Outgoing Program) Featured:

   

Fact Sheet:
 Language(s) in which classes are available: 		English Max credits offered: 3
Program Type: VT faculty-led
Minimum Cumulative GPA: 		2.7
Areas of Study: Ecology, Environmental Studies, Fisheries Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation, Sustainability College Sponsor: *Open to All Majors, CNRE
Program Description:

Panama student group

panama map 

Field(s) of Study

Sustainability, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Agriculture

 

Program Flyer

Panama_brochure-2019 (PDF)
 

Additional Information

Virginia Tech course, VT Faculty led, VT credit (3 cr.)



Itinerary Information

Days 1 - 4: Panama City where we will be staying in the canal zone. Learn about the history and economic importance of the canal. We will visit the Canal and the old Spanish Quarters (Casco Viejo) and will spend a day at the Embara indigenous village along the Charges River (accessible only by boat!).

Day 5: Tour the Panama Canal by boat.

Day 6: Travel to the Cocobolo Nature Reserve by 4x4. Hike through the rain forest with local guides, visit waterfalls, set up cameras in the forest. Assist local scientists with wildlife inventories and GPS mapping.

Day 7: Work with researchers with mist netting, wildlife inventories, and wildlife cameras.

Day 8: Tropical forest exercise / tree mapping. Service learning (working on the farm, tree planting, etc.)

Day 9: Visit subsistence farms and nearby villages. Meet families and participate in farm activities. Hike to the river for a swim.

Day 10: Pack up and travel by road and boat to Guna Yala (the San Blas Islands). Learn about the history, culture, and modern challenges facing this indigenous group. Sleep in huts on Okotupu, Guna Yala.

Day 11-12: Visit other remote islands by boat. Snorkel and enjoy. Visit Guna communities and learn about their culture.

Day 12: Return to Panama City. Wrap up session and dinner on the Causeway.



 
Panama
Panama City & San Blas
Winter Session, 2018-19 (January 6 – 18)

Issues in Sustainability and Natural Resource Management in Panama

This two-week faculty-led program in Panama explores the Global Issues related to natural resource conservation.

You will learn about:
  • Tropical forest ecology;
  • Natural resource management and conservation issues;
  • Indigenous cultures in the Autonomous San Blas Region;
  • The impact of climate change on tropical environments and cultures;
  • Local, regional, international impacts of tropical deforestation;
  • Latin American history and culture;
  • Agricultural practices and related issues in developing countries;
  • Incredible landscapes, unique ecosystems, biodiversity;
  • Field work, data collection, & more.

Why Panama?

Panama is a beautiful country with a diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems. It hosts remote and spectacular rain forests, river gorges, water falls, volcanoes, fertile agricultural areas, coral reefs, pristine remote island archipelago's and tree covered highlands. Panama also is home to indigenous groups, including the Embara and the Kuna. Gain an understanding of how these people attempt to embrace their cultures and traditions, while also welcoming new ideas and change. Panama is rich in history, & serves as a global economic engine via the Panama Canal.
However, Panama's richest asset is the people who call this beautiful country home.

For more information about the program, please visit the college website.

Eligibility

No prerequisites; open to all majors. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Contact faculty program leader for exceptions.

Academics

Participants will earn 3 semester hours of Virginia Tech academic credit.

Application

Click the "Apply Now" to begin an application.

Costs

Program Fee

The program fee is $2,900. This includes airfare, in country transportation, travel insurance, housing, & all meals while in Panama. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required. The deposit is due after acceptance into the program and should be payable to the “Treasurer of Virginia Tech” at the Bursar’s office. This deposit will be applied to the program fee ($2,900).
The program fee does not include: Winter session tuition and associated fees (see the Bursar's website for Winter tuition & fee rates http://www.bursar.vt.edu/), passport fees, immunization fees, and personal ‘spending money’.

University Tuition & Fees

Tuition and university fees are billed separately from the program fee according to University Bursar policy. 3 credit hours of tuition + fees will be billed by the University Bursar. See here for credit hour rates for the appropriate term: http://www.bursar.vt.edu/.

Contact Information

John McGee
VT, Dept. FREC
307C Cheatham Hall,
Blacksburg, VA 24061
jmcg@vt.edu
(540) 231-2428


Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Winter Session 2018-2019 09/28/2018 ** Rolling Admission 01/06/2019 01/18/2019

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be notified of acceptance into this program within a few weeks of submission. Please allow time for review.