24 charismatic students from Michigan State University traveled to Panama to volunteer their time working with doctors and in medical clinics for 2 weeks. We started our trip in Panama City and then traveled to the beautiful Bocas del Toro by bus and boat. We stayed on Isla Colon, the main island in Bocas at two different wonderful hostels. Each clinic day we visited a new island and a different community to provide check-ups and medications for areas that do not have access to proper health care. Medical problems ranged from normal check up to more serious issues such as babies with jaundice. Assisting the doctors while they spoke with and diagnosed patients gave a new insight to the medical field in another country. One day of our trip was spent visiting a local elderly home to spend some time with the residents which was a great way to learn more about the health care system in Panama. Additionally, we held an education day for young students to encourage them and teach them proper health practices. Lastly, we spent some time touring Panama and doing incredible activities such as deep-boarding, snorkeling, zip lining, bike riding and dolphin watching!
Thank you to the VAW Staff, VAW doctors, and all our friends and family who helped us have this amazing trip!
Thank you to the VAW Staff, VAW doctors, and all our friends and family who helped us have this amazing trip!
WHEN: May 22nd - June 5th 2016
WHERE: Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Location: Central America; south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia
Language: Spanish, indigenous languages (including Ngäbere)
Town: Bocas Del Toro (& Panama City for arrival and departure)
Point of arrival: Panama City
Sleeping Arrangements: house (4-6/room)
Food: Three meals/day, provided by restaurant/local staff
What is there to do locally (Bocas del Toro): hanging out at the beach, snorkeling, deep boarding, biking, zip lining, chocolate tour, surfing, wildlife watching, clubs and restaurants...and more!
What is there to do locally (Panama City): Panama Canal, ruins (Panama Viejo), shopping, clubs and restaurants...and more!
Vacation Hotspots: You’re in it! Bocas del Toro is the vacation hotspot for Panama.
WHERE: Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Location: Central America; south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia
Language: Spanish, indigenous languages (including Ngäbere)
Town: Bocas Del Toro (& Panama City for arrival and departure)
Point of arrival: Panama City
Sleeping Arrangements: house (4-6/room)
Food: Three meals/day, provided by restaurant/local staff
What is there to do locally (Bocas del Toro): hanging out at the beach, snorkeling, deep boarding, biking, zip lining, chocolate tour, surfing, wildlife watching, clubs and restaurants...and more!
What is there to do locally (Panama City): Panama Canal, ruins (Panama Viejo), shopping, clubs and restaurants...and more!
Vacation Hotspots: You’re in it! Bocas del Toro is the vacation hotspot for Panama.
schedule for 2 week trip
Saturday (Day 1): travel to Panama; night in Panama City
Sunday (Day 2): Partial free day (Panama City); overnight bus to Bocas
Monday (Day 3): arrive Bocas; training and orientation; rest day
Tuesday (Day 4): Medical Work Day 1 or Free day
Wednesday (Day 5): Medical Work Day 2 or Education day
Thursday (Day 6): Medical Work Day 3 or Medical Work Day 1
Friday (Day 7): Medical Work Day 4 or Medical Work Day 2
Saturday (Day 8): Medical Work Day 5 or Free day
Sunday (Day 9): Free/rest day or Medical Work Day 3
Monday (Day 10): Medical Work Day 6 or Medical Work Day 4
Tuesday (Day 11): Education day or Medical Work Day 5
Wednesday (Day 12): Free day or Medical Work Day 6
Thursday (Day 13): Partial free day; overnight bus to Panama City
Friday (Day 14): arrive Panama City; free day (Panama City)
Saturday (Day 15): travel to USA
Sunday (Day 2): Partial free day (Panama City); overnight bus to Bocas
Monday (Day 3): arrive Bocas; training and orientation; rest day
Tuesday (Day 4): Medical Work Day 1 or Free day
Wednesday (Day 5): Medical Work Day 2 or Education day
Thursday (Day 6): Medical Work Day 3 or Medical Work Day 1
Friday (Day 7): Medical Work Day 4 or Medical Work Day 2
Saturday (Day 8): Medical Work Day 5 or Free day
Sunday (Day 9): Free/rest day or Medical Work Day 3
Monday (Day 10): Medical Work Day 6 or Medical Work Day 4
Tuesday (Day 11): Education day or Medical Work Day 5
Wednesday (Day 12): Free day or Medical Work Day 6
Thursday (Day 13): Partial free day; overnight bus to Panama City
Friday (Day 14): arrive Panama City; free day (Panama City)
Saturday (Day 15): travel to USA
cost of trip
Panama: $1,750
This fee includes 3 meals a day, housing, in country transportation, and translators. Flight is not included in this fee and volunteers will pay this separately once flights are booked!
This fee includes 3 meals a day, housing, in country transportation, and translators. Flight is not included in this fee and volunteers will pay this separately once flights are booked!