8/7/2019 Spanish Abroad Panama City Spanish School

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SA PANAMA CITY #2

City: Panama City

Population: 3 million

School Name: SA Panama City #2

School Location: Altos del Chase

Website: www.spanishabroad.com

PANAMA CITY

Panama City abounds in cultural and eth-

nic contrasts: from the colonial towns to the

modern city of skyscrapers. From the dense  jungle to the archipelago with one of the pur-

est indigenous cultures left in the hemisphere-

the Kunas. But Panama is much more; Pana-

ma is defined by its people, the popular salsa

danced by its people, the human warmth of 

the Panamanian who confronts his difficul-

ties with the rhythm of his “tamborito”, or folk

rhythm. Within this tropical wonder, we also find

a world of international commerce and finance

where merchandise from all over the world

is sold at bargain prices throughout the year.

Panama City is made up of three distinct

eras: The Old, the Colonial and the new. Old

Panama was the center for Spanish explora-

tion and expansion in the direction of Centraland South America as well as the center of 

commercial transactions between the Span-

ish colonies of the Pacific and the Spain and

the Caribbean. The ruins of the Cathedral of 

Piedra, the Monasteries, the custom houses

and stone bridges are found in Old Panama.

Colonial Panama was constructed with a

fortress wall to prevent the attacks of pirates

during the colonial era. Some of the houses

have been converted into restaurants, and

have retained the charm of the Spanish colonial

era. Other sites of interest include museums,

a restored cathedral and the “Arco Chato”- a

marvel of architectural technology of the time.

Modern Panama is composed of modernbuildings and a International Banking Center. In

this area, we can include the Panama Canal, one

of the most outstanding architectural feats of the

contemporary world and a point of strategic im-

portance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

WHY PANAMA CITY?

• Great shopping

• Colonial ruins

• Rich in culture and history

• Stunning archetecture

• Wonderful friendly people

• Exciting city life and teeming nighlife

• A lot less tourists than Costa Rica

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Our partner school (SA Panama City #2)

is a small, friendly language institute run by pro-

fessional instructors specializing in international

relations and Spanish as a second language. The

school has programs for people of all ages and

levels of Spanish fluency. At the school you will

have the option of staying with a family and learn-

ing about the culture, or we’ll help you arrange

accommodations at a local hotel or apartment.

SCHOOL FACTS

• Small, friendly school

• Well trained staff and facuilty

• Flexible programs

• Personal attention

PROGRAM OPTIONS

The Spanish language school has programs for 

people of all ages and levels of Spanish. From

beginners to advanced

Standard Program. 4 hours of Spanish daily.

Generous offering of activities , materials, lec-

tures and amenities.

Spanish and Culture. 4 hours of Spanish dai ly,

city tour, activities and more.

ACCOMMODATIONS

A key part of the programs offered by

the school is the opportunity to have ac-

commodations with selected Panama fami-

lies. All students are encouraged to par-

ticipate in this opportunity, as it provides an

invaluable source of Spanish instruction as

well as a wonderful interpersonal experience.

Homestay. Staying with an upper middle class

Panamanian family will allow you to practice

Spanish after class and share in the rich Latin

culture of this beautiful country. A wide variety of 

families are available to fit your individual needs,

if you smoke or have a particular aversion to chil-

dren or pets you may indicate upon enrollment.

Homestay families are located in El Dorado and

most students walk to class or ride the local bus.

Other Accommodations. There are also

hotels and bed and breakfast establish-

ments conveniently situated nearby fo

those who prefer not to stay with local family

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Excursions. If you want to travel more ex

tensively in Panama, we can help you

make all the necessary arrangements

Salsa and Merengue. Every Friday the Insti

tute sponsors classes in these popular Latin

dances. You’ll have a chance to practice and

live the language through the rhythm, lyrics and

melodies of popular salsa and merengue songs

Lectures and Current Events. A series otalks on the current political, economic, socia

and cultural life of Panama. Discussions also

focus on history and the national park system

Fishing Harbou

Panama Cana

45 www.spanishabroad.com