Let’s get the paperwork out of the way so we can focus on the fun stuff.

Your passport must

• be valid for at least six months after your return.

• match your name and birthday on file with EF.

• have three blank pages available.

A visa may be required for travel depending on where you're traveling and/or your citizenship.

For more information on passports and visas, visit our Passports & Visas help center article.

Traveler tip: Make two photocopies of your passport and any additional travel documents: one to bring with you and one to leave at home.

Not to sound cliché, but we can’t say this enough: pack light! Different airlines have different carry-on policies and checked bag fees, so ensure your bag meets their guidelines by checking your specific airline's baggage policy.

Most travelers find it easiest to go without checking bag. Here are some tips for getting as much as possible into that carry-on suitcase:

• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Same thing goes for jackets and heavier clothing.

• Packing cubes or vacuum seal bags can save space and help you stay organized.

• Make the most of your personal item by using a tote bag or backpack that you can reuse throughout the trip.

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Pack the bigger items first and use smaller items like socks and underwear to fill in the gaps.

Remember to pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around at airports and hotels, so bring only what you need and ideally in a carry-on bag.

To see a full packing list, visit our What to Pack article in the help center.

To get started, here are the essentials:

• Passport—bring a photo copy and leave one at home too

• Visa—if applicable

• ATM card—call your bank prior to departure to alert them of your upcoming travel

• Purse or small day bag with a zipper

• Converter/adapter for any electronics

• Toiletries

• Medications and a copy of any prescriptions*

• Comfortable, casual clothing check the weather before you pack!

• Dressier outfit

• Raincoat and umbrella

• Reusable water bottle

• Comfortable walking shoes for example, one pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals

• Versatile layers

• Comfortable, casual clothing in breathable, lightweight fabrics

• Bathing suit

• Comfortable shoes like sneakers and waterproof sandals

• Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug spray

• EF’s emergency numbers

  • Calling from within the US: 1-800-873-2250

  • Calling from abroad: 001-617-619-2913

 *All medications should be in their original containers. Put medications in your carry-on bag only in case a checked bag gets lost or delayed.

Traveler tip: The weather in the Panama can be unpredictable - it may be pouring rain one minute and hot and sunny the next, so pack layers and clothes that will keep you cool and dry. Additionally, because you will be close to the equator, the sun is extremely strong. Protect yourself from sunburns and heat stroke by drinking water and using sunscreen.

The best things in the world are free (like seeing the Panama Canal). Still, a little spending money can go a long way while you're abroad:

• Spending money: Budget $40 to $60 per day for pocket money. This will cover three lunches, five dinners, souvenirs, and additional activities. If you’re an especially avid souvenir hunter, you’ll want to give yourself more wiggle room—financially and in your suitcase.

• Currency: USD. We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. At the start of your program, we recommend bringing the equivalent of $60 in the currency of the initial destination. After that, ATMs are the most convenient way to withdraw cash since they accept a wide variety of bank and credit cards.

• Tipping: We suggest $8 per day for your Field Director, inclusive of the day you arrive and meet your Field Director and ending the day you depart for home.

Traveler tip: Be sure to let your bank know you’ll be traveling so they can put an alert on your account and inform you of any international fees.

Traveler tip: Panama's currency is technically the Balboa, but because the Balboa's exchange rate is fixed to the dollar, most currency seen and used in Panama will be U.S. dollars. 

Imagine it: you’ve finally arrived. It’s been a few hours since you left home, but your feet are firmly planted on the ground again. Today’s challenge? Fight off jetlag and make the most of the day.

Unless you arrive at night, be prepared to hit the ground running. Staying awake on arrival day is the best way to fight jet lag and adjust to any time difference. If there are other groups on your program, you may wait at the airport for them to arrive. To make things a bit easier:

• Pack toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on for when you land.

• Stay hydrated—it helps reduce jetlag.

• Travel in comfort, not necessarily in style, and get as much sleep as you can on the flight before.

Your dedicated Field Director—a physical and cultural guide—will be with you throughout your program. Our Field Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate logistics like managing reservations and making sure everything flows seamlessly, so that you can enjoy your time without sweating the details. They are there to acquaint you with each new city and make sure everyone is safe, confident, and making the most of every moment.

You'll spend most of your time abroad learning and exploring, but you should also know what to expect when you settle in for the night.

• Hotels: Our hotel partners absolutely must meet our standards for quality, safety and cleanliness. That means your rooms will be safe, clean, comfortable, and equipped with private bathrooms. Hotels are typically 30–45 minutes from the city center by coach bus or public transit or conveniently located to the sites you'll be visiting, which comes in handy if you want to explore different areas.

• What to expect: Hotels abroad may feature smaller rooms than you’re used to and may not have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, television, or elevators. All the more reason to get out and explore.

• Rooming: You may share a room with someone from another group if you’re traveling with more than one college or university—which has led to more than a few incredible cross-country friendships. Since hotels vary from city to city, room assignments might also be different from one hotel to the next. Standard accommodations vary based on age. For more information, visit our Rooms & Roommates help center article.

Traveler tip: Electrical outlets in different countries may be different from the ones we're used to. Make sure you research what type of converter and/or adapter is needed for your travels!

P.S. Tropical conditions make insects and small animals (such as ants, mosquitoes, lizards, spiders and frogs) more prevalent.

You should expect food and portion size to be different than what you're accustomed to at home. Kick off each day with an included continental breakfast. Two dinners and four lunches will be included, too. We work with local restaurants to provide a pre-set menu that includes 2-3 course plated meals inspired by the region, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic dishes. Other dinners and lunches are your opportunity to explore the cuisine as you see fit. 

Panama's nickname, "The Bridge of the Americas," is more than just a reference to its iconic canal. It's a reflection of the country's role as a cultural crossroads where diverse influences from across the Americas and beyond come together, especially in its food scene. This fusion of flavors and traditions creates a vibrant culinary landscape, with dishes that span continents, blending local ingredients with international techniques.

• Panamanian cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Indigenous, African and Spanish influences. Sancoho, a savory chicken stew with root vegetables and spices, is considered the national dish, offering a comforting taste of Panama.

• Street food is also a highlight, with empanadas (stuffed pastries), yuca frita (fried cassava) and tamales (corn dough filled with meats and vegetables) commonly found in markets and food stalls.

• Food in Panama is a  blend of history, migration, and geography. You'll find some tasty Italian, Greek, Lebanese, Chinese and Venezuelan cuisine.

Traveler tip: Water is chlorinated throughout the country and safe to drink, however some people may choose to use bottled water.

Here's how you'll get around to make the most of your travels.

• Flights: Into Panama City and home from Panama City

• Bus: Main mode of transportation on the ground.

• Motorboat: Transportation to and from  included activities.

• Walking: Hands down the best way to explore a new city. Be ready to walk a ton (we're talking 5-7 miles per day) to see as much as possible. 

You will explore Panama City in eight days. In order to maximize your time each day, you will leave the hotel bright and early and return some time in the evening (or later if you’re feeling adventurous). Most days will be a combination of planned activities and exploration time with some days being busier than others. You'll have a mix of time on the bus, walking, and boat to get around. Be prepared to walk between 5-7 miles per day.

 You'll be spending 7 nights in Panama City. Take advantage of the time you have and familiarize yourself with the city, the neighborhoods and local spots.

Exploration time can vary depending on a few factors: the number of planned activities, whether or not your group has decided to add any optional excursions, and general travel variables like traffic. How you spend your exploration time is entirely up to you. You could sit in a café and people-watch, grab a few friends and discover a new part of the city, or do some souvenir shopping. On busier days, you might just have enough exploration time for a quick lunch.

Here is a rough breakdown of exploration time on your itinerary:

• Panama City: Full day

There is so much to see and do, so do some research and plan ahead. If you need inspiration, here are our exploration time suggestions:

• Relax at the Metropolitan Natural Park. If you're craving some nature within the city, this is a hidden gem just a few minutes from downtown. It's a tropical forest reserve with walking trails, bird-watching opportunities and panoramic views of Panama City.

• Take a food tour to experience traditional dishes like sancocho (chicken stew), tamal de cerdo (pork tamales), ceviche and patacones (fried green plantains).

Do learn common words and phrases:

• Hola = hello

• Buenos dias = good morning

• Buenas tardes = good afternoon

• Buenas noches = good night

• Gracias = thank you

Panama is a diverse country, with a rich mix of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and European influences, which is reflected in its culture, food and traditions.

Panama has a well-established public transportation system, including buses, taxis and the metro.

Panama has a rich natural environment, and it's important to respect the ecosystem. Littering is frowned upon, so make sure you dispose of waste properly. A popular destination for eco-tourism, it is essential to respect local efforts to preserve natural habitats.

Tipping is common in Panama, though not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is appreciated if service is good.