High School in Panama

Eligibility Requirements

Winter departure: Participants must be between 15,5 and 17,11  years old on the day of departure.

Summer departure: Participants must be between 14,5 and 17,11  years old on the day of departure.

The AFS Program

After your host parents greet you with traditional hospitality, it shouldn’t be long before you feel at home in their open, friendly community. By going to a local high school, you’ll be totally immersed in a new language and customs, and what you learn during the day will be reinforced at night when you spend time with your host family. This is your chance to break out of your comfort zone and join in this diverse and ever-evolving culture.

Your high school

Every experience is different, but you’ll most likely go to a public high school. You’ll work with AFS Staff to choose your field of study among topics like business, humanities, sciences, etc. While not all of your classes will focus on that subject, it will give you the chance to explore what you’re passionate about, and talk to other students with shared interests. High schools in Panama have either morning sessions from 7 to 12:30, or afternoon sessions from 1:15 to 5:30, so you’ll have lots of free time to study or see friends. Like in most areas in the world, you’ll wear a uniform.

For more information on fees and scholarships.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad.
“Transformed” is another one. When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. That transformation isn’t visible only to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers, ranging from language fluency to intercultural competence and critical reasoning. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.