Panama is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and one of the few countries that is carbon negative. Additionally, it is a transit country, with migrants continually coming from South America to pass through the Darién Gap.

Last year, Notre Dame Global introduced a new summer study abroad program in Panama. While the country is known as a tourist destination for its beaches and islands, its value as a study abroad location goes beyond the stunning scenery. Notre Dame Department of Economics Professor Eva Dziadula, Ph.D., who taught the course in Panama, expresses that the indigenous communities adapting to the flow of migrants and the impacts of climate change made it “a perfect setting to study sustainable tourism.”

During their three weeks in Panama, students were able to explore the unique challenges that the country faces—both through learning in the classroom and by going out into the community. With the help of the local Red Cross, they spent an afternoon with migrant mothers and their children playing games, doing potato sack races, and painting in the park as a form of art therapy.

“The experience transcended all language barriers and made everyone's day,” shares Dziadula. By engaging with the very people who are most impacted by Panama’s economy and climate struggles, students were able to take their studies to a deeper and more intentional level. They also explored and worked with the land firsthand to better understand the work that goes behind fostering a culture of sustainability.

“On our trip to the interior of the country exploring sustainability, we helped with the maintenance of mangrove trails, helped build a new turtle hatchery, and worked with the locals to update and paint their community center,” Dziadula says. “We left with the most amazing memories!”

For one student, the work didn’t end with the flight out of Panama. Energized by what he experienced and studied, Rajaie Asbah decided to continue working with Professor Dziadula to further study the topics of sustainability and economics.

“I had an incredible experience learning about indigenous cultures and meeting the people of Panama. Seeing both worlds—urban development and indigenous traditions—really opened my eyes to pressing global issues like climate change, sustainability, and migration,” Rajaie says. “Since then, I’ve been deeply engaged in research opportunities and courses that explore these topics further, and I’ve truly enjoyed broadening my understanding of the world and its people.”

In light of the success of last summer’s program, Notre Dame Global will once again be offering the Panama Summer: Migration & Sustainability program. Professor Dziadula will return to teach the three-week, three-credit course that will address issues of climate change and sustainability, such as food insecurity, flooding and hurricanes, disease outbreaks, ethnic-based inequalities, and more. It will explore the role of economic development and public policy, the role of businesses and social corporate responsibility, and the implications of undocumented migration to neighboring countries and to the United States. Just like last year, students will have the opportunity to explore Panama by engaging with the local communities throughout the area.

“Beyond its natural beauty, Panama plays a crucial role economically and politically, especially in the shipping industry and migration trends,” Rajaie shares, “making it an ideal location to study these global dynamics firsthand.”

To learn more about the Panama Summer program, visit the NDG study abroad website or contact Brigitta Richmond.

Originally published by Jessie Carson at studyabroad.nd.edu on February 14, 2025.