The Latin American and Latino Studies Program and the Communication Department at the University of Louisville offer an Annual Study Abroad Program in Panama, during the month of May. The program was initiated in May of 2003, by Dr. Rhonda Buchanan, Director of Latin American and Latino Studies and 2010 Panama Program Director, and is now in its 8th year.  Dr. Buchanan will be joined by Dr. Frank Nuessel, Professor of Spanish, and Dr. Al Futrell, Chair of the Communication Department.  Ricardo Acosta, a Panamanian Professor, will teach the course on Panamanian Culture.  The Program begins May 3, 2010 with classes on Belknap campus on May 3, 4, and 5, 2010.  We travel to Panama on May 6, 2010 and return on May 28, 2010.

Students may earn up to 6 credit hours, taking courses in Spanish language, Communication (taught in English), and Panamanian Culture (taught in English) at the Quality Leadership University, Uof L’s branch campus in Panama City. The total program cost for the 2010 Program is $3500, and includes: 6 credit hours of tuition, round-trip airfare to Panama, all ground transportation expenses for excursions and transportation to and from the airport in Panama, housing at a hotel in Panama City, and organized excursions.  Some of the special features include: visits to the Panama Canal, El Casco Viejo and the Presidential Palace in the colonial part of the city, the Causeway in the Canal Zone, the Emberá Indigenous Community in the Gamboa Rainforest, service learning opportunities, two days at the Decamerón Beach Resort, and optional weekend activities.  For applications and more information about the Panama Program and scholarship opportunities, please contact:

Dr. Rhonda Buchanan, Panama Program Director and Director of Latin American and Latino Studies: rhondabuchanan@louisville.edu  502-852-2034

 Dr. Al Futrell, Chair of the Communication Department: al@louisville.edu, 502-852-8170

Dr. Frank Nuessel, Professor of Spanish: fhnues01@louisville.edu, 502-852-0503

How to Apply:

-Fill out the Application Form

-Fill out the Emergency Information Form

-Obtain two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty members familiar with your academic work

-Make a copy of all transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

-A typewritten statement (750 words) indicating your academic goals in applying for the program, your qualifications, and the specific course of study you would like to achieve

-Photocopy of Passport photo and ID

-A program deposit of $100 (non-refundable for students accepted to the program)

 Application Deadline: February 1, 2010

Please make 2 copies of all forms and send (along with checks) to:

Dr. Rhonda Buchanan
Department of Classical and Modern Languages
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky 40292

If you have questions, feel free to email Dr. Buchanan at rhondabuchanan@louisville.edu, call (502) 852-2034, or visit the LALS Office (Humanities Building 329 C).

2009 Panama Scholars