2019

"Being able to study abroad, in light of all of my studies, has been the most beautiful thing. This program has allowed me to explore my interests and discover new ones within myself." –Alarah Gillum

"This program has given me the opportunity to learn, explore and build new friendships with my classmates. I have gotten to see everything from wonderful beaches to an Indigenous community that I would not have been able to see otherwise." –Amaray Coca-Venegas

"When I first made the decision to go to Panama, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but now I am more grateful than ever that I got this opportunity. We had many excursions and I engaged in activities that I normally would not see myself doing and it broadened my horizon to see how other people's’ lives operate differently." –Desirae Harper-Payne

"Even since high school, I’ve known I’ve wanted to study abroad, and this trip not only allowed me to do that, but it gave me many other opportunities, too. I got the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture, to meet new people from Panama and University of Louisville, and to experience a different way of life." –Kate Valentine

"The excursions of Panama required me to interact with native speakers and speak the language in every situation. I have gained so much confidence in my speaking abilities in just three weeks thanks to my professor and the people around me."–Mackenzie McCamish

"The benefit is not only for us going to another country but also to the local university, in this case QLU. The exchange we had was fantastic. We did not have any language or culture barrier between the local students and ourselves. We all adapted and shared differences and similarities." – Mariela Ramírez

"This trip was truly life changing for me. I have learned so much about the world, about Panamanian culture, about myself, and even made plenty of local friends. Not only has my Spanish drastically improved, but my understanding for the importance intercultural communications has improved as well." –Nicholas Nuccio

"As a future teacher, I can now connect with students of diverse backgrounds better; particularly Latinx students in my classroom. Because of this connection that I can now enjoy with my students, I can positively impact their lives even more so. To build on this, and equally important, is my enriched appreciation for the culture of Panama." –Nicholas Yopp

"My expectations were exceeded. I enjoyed every single activity that we completed, and each activity was diverse from the others. I was able to interact with locals from all over the country, even going out with some of them to enjoy the nightlife. I sharpened my Spanish speaking skills, as everyone I spoke to was welcoming and friendly." – Whitley McGovern