Honors Panama Study Abroad Program
During my final semester at IUI, I participated in an Honors study abroad program in Panama, focused on service learning, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a future physician assistant, I wanted an experience that would challenge me to grow outside of the classroom and clinical settings. I chose this program because it offered the opportunity to learn in a global context, develop cultural awareness, and better understand how environmental and social factors shape health outcomes. Studying abroad in Panama allowed me to observe how global challenges such as clean water access (SDG 6), sustainability, and public health impact real communities, and how service learning can promote positive change. By participating in coral restoration, beach cleanups, and recycling projects, I gained a deeper understanding of how environmental health impacts community well-being. This experience reinforced my commitment to health advocacy and sustainability as a future healthcare provider.
Predeparture Pre-reflection
As a pre-physician assistant student, I am very excited to participate in the Honors study abroad program in Panama. One of my main goals is to become more culturally aware and sensitive to the social and environmental issues affecting Panama and South America. I believe that understanding different cultures and backgrounds is essential in healthcare, and this experience will help me become a more compassionate and effective future provider. Another goal of mine is to learn more about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they can be applied in real life, including in my own community and the IUI campus. Learning how global health and sustainability initiatives connect to everyday life will help shape how I approach health advocacy in the future. I am also looking forward to learning about Panama’s tropical environment, especially the native plants and ecosystems, and understanding their role in environmental and human health. Throughout this experience, I hope to stay open-minded, respectful, and engaged as I learn from local communities, my peers, and my instructors. I expect this program to challenge me, broaden my perspective, and help prepare me for the cultural and professional responsibilities of a career as a physician assistant.
This final poster study abroad project examined how Panama is achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our group researched marine life, climate change, sustainable communities and cities, economic growth, and country partnerships. Particularly we focused on SDGs 13, 14, 11, 8 and 17, we evaluated both the progress and shortcomings in Panama.
Achieving the SDGs in Panama Poster
Critical Book Review of A History of Panama
In this book report, I explored Panama’s history, including colonization, political change, and foreign influence. Reading this book helped me better understand how past events shaped Panama’s culture, economy, and social structure. This assignment allowed me to connect what I learned in class to real-world experiences and gave me important background knowledge before engaging with local communities during my study abroad experience.
Skills Developed
This study abroad experience helped me develop several important skills that are directly transferable to healthcare and professional environments. Through service learning projects such as coral restoration, beach cleanups, and recycling initiatives, I strengthened my teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Working in unfamiliar environments required me to remain adaptability and problem solving. Engaging with local communities helped me build intercultural communication skills and cultural awareness. These experiences also helped me become more patient, empathetic, and confident when communicating across language and cultural barriers. Academically, completing research-based assignments such as my final poster and book report strengthened my skills in critical thinking and professional communication. I learned how to analyze complex global issues, connect historical context to present-day challenges, and clearly present findings in both written and visual formats
Reflection on Growth and Professional Development
This Panama study abroad experience was one of the most significant parts of my honors journey. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, view health and sustainability from a global perspective, and reflect on my role as a future healthcare provider. Before this experience, I viewed healthcare through a clinical lens. Studying the Sustainable Development Goals and participating in service learning helped me understand how environmental conditions, access to clean water, and social equity directly impact health outcomes and accessibility. This service-learning experience helped me develop greater confidence, independence, and cultural sensitivity. I learned to adapt to new environments, collaborate with people of all backgrounds and upbringings. These skills will directly support my success in Physician Assistant school and in my future clinical practice. Overall, this experience helped shape who I am becoming as a professional by reinforcing the importance of compassion, cultural awareness, and global responsibility. My Panama study abroad experience stands as strong evidence of my growth as a learner, leader, and future healthcare provider. To read my service learning reflection and see my study abroad recap please click the documents and links below.
Honors Service Learning Reflection
Study Abroad Recap