Panama - FAQ
Tell me more about Boquete, Panama?
What is the climate like in Boquete, Panama?
Where will I be located?
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Do I have to be from New Zealand?
What age do I have to be to volunteer?
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
When do I need to arrive in Panama?
Is the program available year round?
When will I know specific details on the placement?
How safe is it to volunteer in Panama?
Tell me more about flying into Panama?
May I choose which project to volunteer in?
May I volunteer in a combination of projects?
How do I get to the project?
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
What resources will be available?
Can groups participate in this program?
Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling?
Is there opportunity to take classes such as language or cultural activities while on the program?
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
What happens if I get sick or have an accident while I'm in Panama?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
Can you tell me more about your partner in Panama?
What is the course content of the training?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Do I need travel insurance?
How do I pay my fees?
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Tell me more about Boquete, Panama?
The valley of Boquete is located in the western highlands of Panama at 1,200 meters above the sea. Nestled amongst the country's most mountainous region, this peaceful town is situated between the Caldera River and the Baru Volcano. Boquete is considered the ecotourism capital of Panama and is known as the best coffee producer in the world. Surrounded by untouched tropical rain forests it is just one hour away from unspoiled white sand beaches in the Pacific and 3 hours away from Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean. Boquete is home to 20,000 welcoming people whose cultural roots can be traced from Native Indians, Spaniards, Europeans and North Americans among other ethnicities. All give shape to the cultural melting pot that is Boquete today.
What is the climate like in Boquete, Panama?
Boquete enjoys a sunny, cool mountain climate, comfortable year round, considered nearly perfect, with temperatures ranging between 60� - 80�F (16� - 28�C).
Where will I be located?
Many of the projects are based in Boquete.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
The Global Volunteer Network offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities in Panama. Volunteers can work with a range of projects including: orphanages, Literacy, animal refuge, working with the elderly or handicapped, jewelry making and recycling. Our partner will also work with the volunteer closely to place you were your knowledge, skills and talents will be best used.
Do I have to be from New Zealand?
No, you can volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network from any where in the world.
What age do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good health.
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Many of the programs are run in both English and Spanish. If you are a native English speaker and have no Spanish speaking skills, we do recommend that you learn a basic level of Spanish before you start volunteering, as this will truly enhance your overall experience. The staff at our partner organization speaks English, but the locals at your specific project may have very limited English. All volunteers will participate in a crash course included with orientation. Volunteers will have access to our partnering language school for additional lessons during their stay for an additional fee.
When do I need to arrive in Panama?
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive on the Friday before the 1st or 3rd Monday of each month, this will give you time to settle in and explore the area before starting your placement on Monday. Volunteers will need to cover the costs of additional accommodation. Special arrangements can be made to start anytime throughout the month if needed.
Is the program available year round?
Most programs are available year round. Some of the teaching projects are not available during the summer months of January-March; however there are alternate placements available during this time.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
The specific details of your placement are determined a couple weeks before you arrive. Wherever possible, we will see that requests and specific needs are met with regards to both the volunteer and the needs of the community.
How safe is it to volunteer in Panama?
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Panama. Most the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by them, but not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats. You should avoid extremely remote areas where you will be alone. Volunteers will be given further safety advice, including for the case of natural disasters, in their orientation session.
Tell me more about flying into Panama?
Volunteers need to fly to Enrique Malek Airport (DAV). All volunteers will need to fly through Panama City, Panama or San Jose, Costa Rica to make a connecting flight. If you need to spend the night in Panama City or San Jose because of your flights, our partner can arrange an airport transfer and night in a hotel for you.
May I choose which project to volunteer in?
Our partner works with many organizations and we work diligently to place our volunteers with the most suited volunteer positions catered to your knowledge, skills and talents.
May I volunteer in a combination of projects?
Yes, due to the scheduling of several of our partners projects, volunteers are able to participate in a variety projects. Volunteers will have a main project that can be supplemented with additional projects and interests.
How do I get to the project?
Many of the projects are in walking distance from the volunteer house, but for those further away, you will be able catch a bus or taxi to your project each day. The cost for the bus will be around US $.50 - $2 each day or for a private taxi or a shared taxi the cost will be around US $.50 - $3 per day.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.
- Hepatitis A & B
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Rabies
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- Cholera
- Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)
- Tuberculosis
Some of these can be taken in oral form so please discuss with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication.
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
The majority of volunteers will live in either a volunteer house or more traditional home stays are available in certain areas. The volunteer house is equipped with western style amenities. The home stay accommodation is more rustic than for those in Boquete.
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
Our partner encourages family volunteerism, so you are able to bring you family, including children of all ages. Childcare can also be arranged at an additional cost if needed for some of the projects.
Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?
Yes we can. Please indicate any dietary restrictions on your application form.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page, which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
The schedule for each project is different, but normally volunteers work 6 hours per day 5 days a week. Some programs offer services on the weekends also that volunteers may choose to participate in as part of their hours.
What resources will be available?
Each project will provide you with the resources you need. However, for the teaching and childcare programs we highly encourage our volunteers to bring additional resources such as: teaching resources, craft materials, sports equipment, toys or games to help you. Our partner organization also has a selection of resources including games, books, pens and paper etc.
Can groups participate in this program?
Yes, we are able to accommodate groups for this program - please contact us for more details on specific group placements that are available.
Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling?
There are many festivals in Panama however this will not hinder your volunteering as when they are on you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone..
Is there opportunity to take classes such as language or cultural activities while on the program?
Yes, all volunteers will have the option of adding Spanish classes each day for the duration of their project for an additional fee. All the Spanish teachers are professional teachers - either certified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language or with a Masters in Education. Volunteers will also be provided with basic terms and phrases during orientation to help with basic daily activities. Many volunteer group activities will give you the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and also explore the outdoor paradise of Panama.
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. Volunteers have their weekends free for traveling and we do recommend that you take advantage of being in Panama to see some other places of interest. Our partner organization is able to assist you in booking tours of Boquete, Bocas Del Toro Archipelago, Panama City, and the Panama Canal.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Generally speaking, what you wear at home, you can wear in Panama. With that being said, as many variations of style differ, volunteers should dress appropriately at all times, according to the customs in Panama. Volunteers need warmer clothing for the nights (light long-sleeved shirts and sweaters and pants/jeans), and light/loose clothing for the day (t-shirts, shorts).
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The program costs cover accommodation, airport pick-up and breakfast daily. If you plan on arriving early or staying on, then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend on doing. Other costs include food, bottled water (if you desire), visa (only required if staying longer than 90 days), travel, and any shopping you will do personally. Volunteers also need to pay for the bus to their project each day - approximately US $.50 - $2 per day. All visitors to Panama are required to pay approximately US $5 for a tourist card at their departure airport; your airline will provide these prior to your flight to Panama.
What happens if I get sick or have an accident while I'm in Panama?
You should contact our partner organization so that they can take you to a clinic with an English-speaking doctor. They will also give you an emergency number during your orientation session. If you are unable to contact our partner organization, you may call GVN using our 24/7 emergency hotline.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This will depend on the time of year and the project you choose. Volunteers are almost always placed with at least one other at their placement and there is room for up to 20 volunteers at any one time in the volunteer house.
Can you tell me more about your partner in Panama?
Our partner organization was founded in September 2005 after a life changing volunteer trip to Indonesia the day after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. It was this event that inspired and empowered her to start the organisation.
What is the course content of the training?
Orientation takes place on the first or Third Monday of the month. Volunteers are given a general introduction to the language, projects and a cultural orientation.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Volunteers from the majority of countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa on entry into Panama. If volunteers wish to stay longer than 90-days, they have the option of crossing the border into Costa Rica and re-entering Panama, where they will be given an additional 90 days. Alternatively, our partner can take volunteers to immigration in David where they can apply for an extension of their visa.
Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.
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Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Click here to apply for the Panama program.
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