Panama

Location: Panama

Semester: Spring 2026

Course Information: International Studies – 3 Credit Core Course

Course Code: IS 398 Panama

Lead Faculty: Dr. Joni Criswell

Travel Assistant: Dr. Laary Cushman

Course Title: Commerce, Conservation, and Culture of Panama

Course Description: This immersive study abroad course invites students to explore Panama’s unique blend of ecology, commerce, and culture. Participants will experience various forms of ecotourism, from research at tropical field stations to luxury jungle accommodations. The program highlights how the Panama Canal has influenced the nation’s economy, tourism, and natural landscapes. Students will examine these themes through three key lenses

Travel Dates: Spring Break 2026 TBA

Estimate: TBA

Housing/Accommodations: Local Hotels. Rooms are double or triple occupancy.

Travel Itinerary: Panama Itinerary

Contact: jcriswell@andersonuniversity.edu or studyabroad@andersonuniversity.edu for more information.

Eligibility Requirements: Anderson students are eligible to enroll in an international study course (AU Abroad) with their advisor’s approval. This includes freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. However, scholarship eligibility depends upon class rank, GPA and financial need.

AU Abroad Scholarship Eligibility:

Scholarships are awarded to help reduce the cost of the travel fee, which is an additional charge as part of student’s registration for the program. The AU Abroad scholarship ranges up to

$1,000.00 and is awarded upon eligibility, GPA and financial need. To be eligible for the AU Abroad scholarship, students must be a junior or senior. However, students who are sophomores in the nursing and/or education major are eligible for the AU Abroad scholarship. (This exception is made because nursing and education majors have limited availability for classes in their junior and senior year.) First-year students are not eligible for the AU Abroad scholarship but can register and take any international studies course with academic approval.

How to Register for Class: Students can register for the class during open registration for the Spring 2026 semester. Students should speak with their academic advisor regarding how the IS 398 (AU Abroad) course will be used for their academic plan before applying online for this class. (Students can only apply for one AU Abroad course during the semester.)

Payment Details: TBA

Payment: TBA

Payment Link: TBA

Included: Round trip airfare, breakfast at the hotel each morning, accommodations, and entrance to tours as listed on the itinerary.

Exclusions: Transportation to the airport: Please note that we do not provide transportation to the airport. Flights are not determined at this time and are normally out of ATL. However, it can also be GSP or CLT. We do not provide transportation to the airport or cover the cost for this expense. It is up to you to get to the airport. Meals: Normally, only breakfast at the hotel is included. You are responsible for your meals, refreshments, and all food/snacks while abroad. Government Id: Passports and any required official documentation to enter the country are not covered and students are required to pay these charges. Baggage Fees: Normally on an international flight, one bag can be checked for free. Additional baggage fees whether for extra luggage or due to over luggage weight, will not be covered. Additional Tours/Sites: Entrance fees to places not listed on the official itinerary are not covered. Personal Expense: Students should bring additional funding to help cover personal expenses while abroad including funding for meals, personal expenses, gifts, etc.

COVID Vaccination: Anderson University recommends students follow CDC guidance regarding vaccinations.

Passport:

While you can register for IS 398 without a passport. It is recommended that you expedite your passport application or renewal if you need to do so. Passport processing has been delayed, and you need to show proof of passport application within two weeks of registering for the class. Passports are not required at the time of course registration. However, you need a valid passport which is at least six months current to travel. Passports are taking longer to process by the US State Department. Please allow 6 months for renewals or initial passport applications.