Undergraduate Research Summer Study Abroad Program in Panama

SFS Panama and SIT Panama 

The Office for URaCE application deadline for this program is 11 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Funding is available to help offset the program costs.

Applicants may select from either the SFS or SIT Panama Program. Please see detailed information about each program below. Applicants will select their program preference in the application form.

Select from ONE of the Panama programs below.

SFS (School of Field Studies) PANAMA - Tropical Island Ecosystems: The Human Impact

Dates: This is a 4-week program, which runs from June 1 - June 30, 2026.

The following information is excerpted from the SFS website: 
Study abroad in Panama and immerse yourself in the dynamic community of Bocas del Toro. Snorkel and hike through the diverse environments of Bocas - from coral reefs and mangroves to beaches and rainforests - and study human impacts, such as tourism, on the island's ecosystems and communities. Meet the local residents who depend on both tourism and natural resources and learn about current approaches to sustainable development in the archipelago.
 

SIT (School for International Training) PANAMA - Marine Ecology and Blue Carbon Conservation in the Pacific and Caribbean

Dates: This is a 6-week program, 2026 dates TBD.

The following information is excerpted from the SIT website: 
Panama's diverse ecosystems ecosystems and species are among the most threatened on the planet. In this small country, where you can travel from one coast to the other in an hour, you'll spend extensive time studying ecosystems of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. You will study carbon accumulation and marine ecology in spectacular settings, including Coiba Island UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Guna Yala indigenous territory. You will snorkel in one of Panama's top diving sites and conduct research guided by renowned marine biologists. You'll also complete a two-week independent field project on a topic of your choice related to the program theme. To complete this project, you will use scientific methodologies, apply field research techniques, gather and analyze data, and present your research results.

Program Eligibility

Student Applicants must:

• Be current, degree seeking undergraduate students in good academic and judicial standing at the time of application, and during the program. Applicants must be enrolled UTC undergraduates with a graduation date of December 2026 or later.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Successfully complete all application steps listed below.

Before You Apply

Visit the SFS website or SIT website (depending on your selected program) for full program details including program length, credits, housing, and scholarship information. These programs include an intensive research experience. Before you apply, please carefully review the Our Research page on the SFS Panama Program website and make certain this is the type of experience you are seeking.

Application Materials

Save application materials (items 1 and 2 below) as either PDF or Microsoft Word files. You will submit your statement and CV or resume with the electronic application.

1. Statement of Interest

Submitted with the e-application form.

The statement must address the 4 items listed below.

• Background Information: Include your major, academic interests, extra/cocurricular activities, involvement in clubs and organizations, and any other non-academic information or accomplishments you wish to share.
• Why do you want to participate in a summer research-intensive program and how do you see your participation "fitting in" with current and future academic and professional goals?
• What can you contribute to this program? Describe your skills relevant to this experience. For example, you may address your time management, communication, or organizational skills.
• Explain why you selected this program location and topic area. Also address how you will prepare to study abroad in the selected location. What do you know about this location?

2. A copy of your CV or Resume

Submitted with the e-application form.

Application Process

1. Review and make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above. Review and make sure you can fulfill all the participant responsibilities listed below.
2. Submit your Office for URaCE program application form.
3. Once your application is reviewed, and if you meet the applicatioin criteria, you will be contacted for an interview with program directors Laura Livermore, UTC Study Abroad, and Dr. Lisa Piazza, Office for URaCE.
4. Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Applicants will receive the study abroad application link via email once stems 1-3 above have been completed.

 Students selected to participate in the program must:

• Submit the UTC Office of Study Abroad application. NOTE: Students selected to participate in the program will receive the Study Abroad application link via email once steps 1-3 above have been completed.
• Complete and submit Office for URaCE directed assignments in Canvas between April - August 2026. Canvas assignments are submitted at various points between April and August. Participants must also attend an in-person orientation meeting in late April or early May. Before you apply, please make sure you are available to dedicate time to this program from April - August 2026.

The Office for URaCE application deadline for this program is 11 pm on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

Application link will be available at the beginning of the fall semester.

Program Participant Responsibilities 

Prior to Departure (April - June 2026)

• Attend in-person group meetings and events scheduled in April and/or May.
• Attend in-person pogram orientation.
• Complete pre-experience training via Canvas.
• Complete all pre-departure training and attend meetings as assigned.
• Attend Office of Study Abroad pre-departure orientation (Study Abroad 103).
• Other items/activities as assigned.

During the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Follow UTC policies and Code of Conduct.
• Successfully fulfill all responsibilities and requirements of the experience, and complete Office for URaCE Canvas activities.
• Attend virtual check-in meetings with program directors during the program.

At the Conclusion of the Research Study Abroad Experience

• Submit post-experience materials to the Office for URaCE.
• Prepare a presentation about your experience for the virtual UTC Fall Research Conference (Fall 2026).
• Complete Office of Study Abroad Post-Study Abroad Scholarship Requirements.
• Attend a debrief.

Questions? Contact Dr. Lisa Piazza ([email protected]) OR send a message to the URaCE mailbox ([email protected]).