VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN PANAMA
Panama is a country where you can encounter the wild nature, meet the Caribbean culture and all whine in a country that is considered the safest in Latin America. By volunteering in Panama in 2022, you will discover a country that you could never have imagined.
If this is your first experience of volunteering abroad, volunteering in Panama is the ideal destination because of its safety, scenery, culture and charismatic people.
It was the first country where Adventure Volunteer started social and environmental work, and today it remains one of the most popular destinations for international volunteers.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
In this volunteer programme in Panama you will be able to collaborate in reducing the negative impact created by the lack of awareness in the care and protection of sea turtles and the environment in our coastal communities.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
This programme seeks to preserve the indigenous culture, conserving their customs and at the same time generating support for women, girls and boys in the community to have more opportunities through teaching, workshops, talks and activities.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
The main objective of the volunteer programme with women in Panama is to provide women with work tools and strengthen their roots, so that they can access job opportunities and enrich themselves on a personal level.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME
We are looking to build a Montessori school in the village of Chame to provide quality education for 20 children in different shifts. In addition, in this centre that we are going to build during 2023, we will also hold workshops with women and it will be a space for all activities.
EDUCATION AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
In the teaching and school revision at home, the volunteer can accompany and transmit their knowledge to children of different academic levels to reinforce and improve their school performance, as well as guide them in the study process where most of the children have difficulties in general knowledge of subjects such as mathematics, Spanish, English, among others. Since the economies at home do not allow them to have access to an adequate education.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
If you want to be part of this beautiful project, where as a volunteer you can be part of the main objective, it is intended to become a centre for education, conservation and recreation that inspires awe, pride and action to conserve Panama’s biodiversity.
BASIC EDUCATION IN PANAMA
This programme was the first one where the association started to collaborate in 2015, cooperating in the schools of Panama you will find smiles, hugs, friends and hundreds of inexplicable experiences. You will also be able to focus on special education for people with disabilities.
TEACHING PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN WITH FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY
The teaching and reinforcement programme for children with intellectual disabilities and autistic spectrum in schools, seeks to demonstrate a better integration and education, promoting participation and learning values such as solidarity, through spaces of effective participation in the community.
SOCIAL MEDIA PROGRAMME
We need volunteers with knowledge in design, photography, programming and WordPress to support social projects.
SPORT, LEISURE AND NUTRITION PROGRAMME
Sport has the capacity to change lives. Not only does it promote a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness, but it helps young people to gain self-confidence and self-fulfilment.
Hear what it will be like to volunteer in Panama
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER IN PANAMA?
Individuals, groups of friends, students or families who want to be part of a volunteer programme with Adventure Volunteer in Panama must:
- Be committed people, as you actively participate in educational and social activities that require your commitment.
- Be willing and able to work in a team. This is important, as you will be working with other volunteers and people from different cultures.
- Be empathetic (respect for other cultures or ways of life).
- Be flexible and adaptable.
- Be of good behaviour.
- Be of legal age.
In each volunteer project in Panama, you can consult the specific requirements that are requested.
WHERE WILL I BE DURING MY VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
The volunteer projects in Panama take place throughout the country of Panama, which lies between Colombia and Costa Rica.
- To collaborate in the indigenous community you will live in the area of Chagres.
- To collaborate in the social, women’s, teaching and construction programmes, you will stay in Chame, a village 1:30h away from the capital of Panama, very quiet with beaches nearby, you will love it.
- For the turtle programme you have the option of staying in Punta Chame, 1:30h from the capital of Panama, a very quiet and beautiful area where you will live very close to the beach, or in the southwest of Panama, it is 7 hours from the city, so for this programme you will have to spend the night in Panama City the day you arrive.
WHEN TO VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN PANAMA?
- Programmes in Chame are open all year round, except for the school teaching programme which is closed from December to mid-March for school holidays.
- Sea turtles from about May to the last week of January.
- Indigenous communities are open all year round, except December to mid-March.
You must arrive between Friday afternoon and Sunday.
For more information, questions or assistance with a colleague of our team you can contact us via phone or Whatsapp here.
The steps to follow to register are as follows:
- Fill out the form to reserve your volunteering.
- Wait for our confirmation of availability.
- Make a 1st donation for the registration to the Adventure Volunteer association.
- You will receive an email with the volunteer agreement to be completed by you.
- You will return to us by email all the requested information and you will be able to purchase the flight.
- A few weeks before you start you will receive information from the local organization.
- Now you only have to pack your suitcase, you have a whole team that will make everything easier for you and you will be in contact at all times, so you don’t have to worry.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
To be part of the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka, it is not necessary any specific training and it is only required:
- To be of legal age (possibility minor with guardian or parents).
- To be a participative and committed person.
- Be respectful of people, culture and customs.
- To know how to adapt and work in a team.
- Criminal record certificate for social work.
- Sign cooperation agreement and interview with our team.
- Appropriate clothing for the destination.
- Knowledge of English or Spanish.
VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATIONS IN PANAMA
Accommodation depends on the type of volunteering you are going to do.
- Teaching, school reinforcement, sports, women’s program, construction, special needs support, communication and photography, and reinforcement in community houses: Lodging is in the volunteer’s house in Chame.
- School reinforcement with children from indigenous communities: Family house in the Chagres Zone.
- Turtle program in southwestern Panama, volunteer house with shared rooms.
- Turtle program in Punta Chame, volunteer house with shared rooms and the beach within walking distance.
- Wildlife conservation program, volunteers stay in a hostel with shared rooms with other volunteers and common areas.
They live in houses or sometimes also in hostels for volunteers.
Volunteer accommodation in Chame
Accommodation for sea turtle conservation volunteers
What does the accommodation offer in the volunteer programs in Panama?
- Beds, in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of common areas.
- 3 meals from Monday to Friday in the social projects in Chame, during your stay as a volunteer.
- 3 meals from Monday to Sunday in the turtle program in Southwest Panama (in Wildlife Conservation and Tortugas Puncha Chame does not include meals).
- 3 meals Monday to Saturday, and Sunday breakfast only, in indigenous communities.
- WIFI connection in Chame (internet) in the sea turtle project and children of indigenous communities, the WIFI signal does not reach.
WHAT WILL THE ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION BE LIKE?
When you arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is 24 km from the center of Panama City, you can be met by a logistic cab (low cost). The organization will leave you an explanatory document so that you can arrive step by step directly to the main volunteer house where the local coordinator will meet you at the time you decide to arrive.
Depending on the time of arrival at the project, you will be given an orientation of the house, project and activities to be carried out. At that time the coordinator responsible for the project or area where you will be assigned will tell you the norms, rules and procedures to follow during your volunteering.
Two types of arrival at Chame
- Optional guided arrival option: 12 $ approximately: Take the subway from the airport to Albrook (bus station) and then take the bus to Chame.
- Fast option: 120$ approximately, direct cab to Chame.
Important facts to keep in mind when arriving in Panama:
- When passing through immigration controls, if you do not find the person who will be waiting for you (if you have contracted a pick-up), do not move from the airport. Remember that you can contact the numbers provided for inquiries.
- If you do not have local currency (money), you can withdraw it at ATMs or go to the exchange office at the airport.
- If you want to have data (internet) to be connected at all times, the coordinator will guide you where the best options are, since at the airport it costs three times as much as anywhere else in the city.
VISA IN PANAMA
To enter the country, you will need a passport valid for at least 180 days, with this you will get the visa on arrive (stamp in the passport).
Spaniards are not required to have a visa for a maximum stay of 180 days, but you do need the following documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Ticket to leave the country.
SECURITY IN PANAMA
Panama is considered a safe country in Central America. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries of the world, it is necessary to take certain precautions and know how to handle yourself in certain zones and areas of the city.
Generally the whole country is very safe, but we still recommend you to keep these details in mind:
- Notify your coordinator, in case you are going on an excursion, so that he/she can warn you about the places.
- Keep your coordinator’s phone number and the address where you are staying handy in case you need it.
- Avoid giving out information about where you are staying, the project and your fellow volunteers for safety reasons.
- Do not bring anyone who is not from the organization to the volunteer’s house.
- Avoid risky areas in every place you visit.
- Travel frugally in your daily transfers and excursions.
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself with jewelry and accessories.
- If possible, avoid taking out your cell phone in public places.
- Try to use safe transportation services in the country or services such as Uber or cabs.
- Avoid walking alone on unfamiliar streets at night.
- Never take someone you do not know in an unfamiliar vehicle or in your own vehicle.
- Do not drink any beverage whose origin you do not know.
The financial contribution is divided into two parts:
- The registration fee, which you will donate to Adventure Volunteer.
- The remaining part of the cost of the programme will go to the partner organisation which we will send on your behalf as a supplement or you can hand it in directly to the project.
| WEEKS | EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING, SPORTS | SPECIAL NEEDS | WOMEN AND CONSTRUCTION | PUNTA CHAME TURTLES | TURTLES IN SOUTHWEST PANAMA | INDIGENOUS | COMMUNICATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY | WILDLIFE CONSERVATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | _ | 420€ | 445€ | _ | 390€ | 390€ | – |
| 2 | 545€ | _ | 575€ | 545€ | 670€ | 545€ | 545€ | – |
| 3 | 725€ | 725€ | 755€ | 715€ | 890€ | 715€ | 725€ | 725€ |
| 4 | 905€ | 905€ | 935€ | 885€ | 1110 | 885€ | 905€ | 905€ |
| Additional | 180€ | 180€ | 180€ | 170€ | 220€ | 170€ | 180€ | 180€ |
- The social, construction and communication programmes will be located in Chame.
- The women and construction project has a direct contribution of $50 in projects for specific improvements.
- The indigenous community programme in Chagres.
- The turtle programmes can be in Punta Chame or in the southwest zone of Panama.
- The turtle programme in the southwest of Panama has a donation of $50 for the natural environment.
- The animal conservation programme is located in the Corregimiento de Ancón.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA OFFER?
- Orientation and induction to the project or programme
- Monitoring and evaluation of the programme
- Certificate of weeks spent in your volunteering
- Tax certificate to be deducted from your income tax return
- Help in choosing the programme
- Liability and volunteer insurance
- Accommodation for the duration of your volunteer placement
- 3 meals during your volunteering (No meals in the Animal Programme and Punta Chame) (Social projects only from Monday to Friday, Indigenous Communities Project from Monday to Saturday and Sunday breakfast only)
WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
- Flight to Panama
- Pick up from airport if guided and follow up on arrival
- Visa if required
- Internal transportation or excursions
- Trips or excursions inside or outside the country
- Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
- Beverages, special diets or meals
Information provided by the local organization so that the visitor of this website who wants to travel to Panama takes into account the following aspects.
Day and time of arrival at the house – day and time of departure from the house, airports – taxis – subways – buses
- You will only enter the volunteer’s house from Saturday at 3:00 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you must wait until the check-in time, in case you arrive after 10 pm due to flight issues, you must wait until the next day to join.
- The departure from the house must be given before 12:00 noon, since we receive more volunteers and we need to have the rooms ready.
- If your flight is delayed one or two days, all claims must be made to your insurance company. The organization does the induction on Monday, which is our first day.
- If your flight arrives very late, you must stay in a hotel or hostel and go to the volunteer’s house the next day.
- Due to the rest of the local staff, we will not be able to give you arrival advice before 7:00 am or after 9:00 pm, we consider the time differences between the countries where our volunteers come from.
- A guide is provided on how to get to the volunteer’s house by the different means of transportation currently in Panama. You should also verify if there has been any change, this is the information that we currently handle.
- As we are not volunteering in a group, we do not contact volunteers who are about to arrive, considering the privacy of the contact information provided by the volunteer.
Money
- If in your agreement or in the information provided to you prior to your trip, it indicates that you must make the contribution in cash at the destination, it will be at the time of arrival at the volunteer home.
- If you make the contribution by PayPal you will have to assume the commission that varies according to the amount, which can be from 3.4%
- It is not accepted to receive money from parents, you must come with enough money or debit cards for your entire stay.
- Transportation to go to schools, homes or activities scheduled during your volunteering are not included, so you must cover them yourself. The cost of a bus route is usually .50 cents.
- Your contribution to the local organization is a donation to the program that is divided into many concepts: the percentages vary according to the needs, do annual projects, grant scholarships to children of the town to the university, generate events with the community staff, buy food products cleaning etc, cover the expenses of the person who helps us with cleaning, cooking meals, internet expenses, electricity, water, gas, garbage, taxes, agencies, repairs and maintenance of the volunteer’s house and the spaces where we give our classes. In addition to developing activities and supporting families and schools with which we collaborate and work hand in hand.
- Do not have a lot of money in cash, since many people can enter projects or houses. We recommend having it on top or locked up. Almost everything can be paid by card.
House’s rules
- Breakfast hours at the volunteer’s house where meals are provided is Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch hours Monday to Friday (only lunch is provided on Fridays) from 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (can be brought forward or delayed a bit)
- Dinner hours Monday to Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (can be brought forward or delayed a bit)
- There is a space (laundry) that you can use to wash by hand. If you require laundry with dryer in Coronado there are laundries. (in the house it is only for sheets and Staff).
- Night hours of silence and lights. lights from 10:00 pm
- If you go out to a party and arrive from Sunday to Thursday after 12:00 and there are colleagues sleeping, you must respect the space of the other colleagues or notify them in advance so that the door can be opened for you.
- The mattresses, the beds are simple, which are regularly used in Panamanian houses.
- There is no air conditioning and many days are hot. Fans are placed in the rooms, 2 per room.
- You have to keep your personal money and passport locked or padlocked, if there is theft between colleagues it is the responsibility of each one. Coexistence in the house and in the project depends on the volunteers.
- There may be water and electricity cuts in the town and it affects the volunteer’s house sometimes even for more than a day.
- Domestic or field animals can enter any animal, cockroach, lizard, etc. It is a house in a rural place and we are in a country where we are characterized by nature, which has bugs.
- It is forbidden to bring outside people who do not live in the volunteer’s house.
About the project
- Hours are between 15 and 20 hours per week spread over 5 or 6 days as specified on the induction day.
- There may be sudden school closings or truancy, in which case material will be prepared from the volunteer’s home material file.
- Clothing, in schools, long pants not tight, closed shoe and short-sleeved shirt (without straps or shirt, shorts).
- Drinking and smoking in the school house, family homes, nesting beach or schools or around the project or any of the institutions is prohibited.
- Talking loudly offensive or insulting inside the house, in the presence of children or schools, is prohibited.
- If a teacher complains to the coordination, you must leave (possible reasons, trying to change the Panamanian educational system, photos of children, exclusive dedication to a girl or boy with nearby games).
- If you have two unexcused absences in a row, you leave the project.
- If you want to organize an activity and want materials to carry it out, you must on your own. Also in the volunteer house we have material that can be used.
- There are no project changes (on some very specific occasion they have told us that they do not like the teacher and want another classroom) that will not be possible.
Culture, adaptability.
- You must bear in mind that at a cultural level there are differences, even if we disagree we must understand and adapt to these cultural differences.
- You may find that they drive with their mobile phones in hand, that they make an appointment for you at an hour and do not show up, or that you find a lack of friendliness depending on which business. you should know that this culture is like that. Not everyone, you can still meet wonderful people.
excursions
- The organization can guide you through the most famous excursions that other volunteers do, we are not responsible for it raining, that you do not like it, that they ask you for extra costs or that you do not read well what is included
- If you extend your excursion and miss the project, it will count as a miss. It is important to remember that we collaborate with institutions which also manage their standards.
- If you arrive at dawn from the excursion, you will have to search through booking, b&b or another way for a nearby hotel (ahem Coronado) since the house remains closed during quiet hours.
- If you need an invoice or receipt, you will contact the tour operator directly so that they can send it to you.
Visits to other projects
- There is no possibility of entering other projects since the agreement and authorization of the authorities to the projects is for the volunteer to be in the selected project.
HOW TO BOOK MY VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
STEP 1
Once you fill in the form to the programme, we will verify and confirm your place.
STEP 2
Make a registration donation to become a member of the organisation.
STEP 3
We send you the volunteer guide, compulsory insurances and the international volunteer agreement.
PANAMA
Located in Central America, separated by two seas and a channel that unites cultures, traditions and wonderful landscapes. It has different unique places like:
- Guna Yala
- Bocas del Toro (Columbus Island)
- Boquete
- Anton Valley
- Portobelo (Big Island)
- Ask for
- Panama City
It is a country that hides a great diversity of fauna and flora. A destination with welcoming people that makes your stay as a volunteer most pleasant and surprising.
CLIMATE
- May and November (wet season) is where it usually rains almost every day.
- December and April (dry season) is where the sun rises every day and at all times.
CURRENCY
The local currency of Panama is the Dollar (Balboa). Convert it.
In your volunteer trip you will use dollars (it has the same value as the Balboa).
Examples of costs in Panama: (1,10$ = 1€)
- A cappuccino coffee 2.64 dollars (2.39€).
A menu of the day, in economic places 7,00 dollars (6,33€). - A bottle of water 1.00 dollar (0.92€).
- Bus transportation 0.50 cents (0.46€). This may vary depending on the type of transport you use.
FLIGHT
For your volunteer work in Panama, your flight must have as its final destination the Tocumen International Airport (PTY), where one of our logistics coordinators will be waiting for you.
- Flights range from €500 to €700 approximately.
You can find good flight offers on google flights or skyscanner. - Other companies that offer cheap flights are Lufthansa, KLM, Iberia, and Air Europa.
TOURIST SITES
VALLE OF ANTON
The Valley of Anton PanamaThe joy and friendliness of its people, accompanied by the great nature that El Valle de Anton has, makes it unique.
In a weekend or day, you can visit the different waterfalls, such as El Macho, Chorro Las Mozas, and Salto de Agua. You can also go canopy or bathe in the hot springs. You can also do the routes to climb Cerro Gaital or India Dormida.
Every day you can dedicate it to some of these activities during your volunteering.
BOCAS DEL TORO
Bocas del toro panamá volunteersIn the archipelago of Bocas de Toro Islands, near the border of Costa Rica, you will enjoy a long weekend.
The price of the bus is twenty-seven dollars (27$) per trip plus a $2 boat ride from Almirante to Colon Island.
On the island you can do scuba-diving, snorkeling, fishing and other fun water activities. You can also visit the indigenous community ngobe-buggle or see sea turtles and other aquatic animals such as dolphins depending on the season.
Hostels cost about twelve dollars (12$) a night, in a shared room bed. Apart from other islands, Colón is the most touristic and the one with the most nightlife, you will fall in love with its premises with wharfs close to the Caribbean Sea. Bocas de Toro is a lively destination and you will always find someone to share moments with.
GUNA YALA
This archipelago has 365 islands, located northeast of Panama. Its islands, some inhabited and others tourist have the charm of the typical island paradise of the Caribbean, wooden cabins between white sand and coconut palms.
In order to go to San Blas it is recommended to contact with companies that make this type of excursions. The distance from Panama is 2.5 hours (one way). The cost is between 160$.
SANTA CATALA
Preferred destination for the more alternative, here you will find European and American residents who have hostel or business diving courses. The hostels are around fifteen dollars (15$) a night. The distance from Panama is 5 hours (Ida only), the trip leaves approximately in 18 dollars.
There you can hire a day trip to Coiba Island for about seventy dollars (70$). This excursion includes lunch, snorkeling on three Pacific islands and a trekking excursion through the natural park of Coiba Island.
In Santa Catalina you can also hire your surf class or have fun with the local people living in this beach area.
PORTOBELO AND BIG ISLAND
Destination to spend a weekend in the Caribbean more local, but also cheaper, you can visit Portobelo, a mandatory stop to see the forts of the time of the conquest.
You can sleep in Portobelo one night and another in Isla Grande, or directly go to Isla Grande and stay at Makondo hostel for ten dollars (10$) the approximate night, with breakfast included, you can also visit Isla Mamei, perfect for diving.
IS IT ADVISABLE TO DRINK TAP WATER IN THE VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
Panama is one of the few countries in Latin America that can still drink tap water.
The quality of the water is good, so it is not necessary to be buying bottled water. However, in areas such as the islands of San Blas, it is recommended that all volunteers drink bottled water, since the water you find on the islands cannot be drunk.
DO I NEED TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
Yes, all volunteering who volunteer in Panama with Adventure Volunteer are required to have travel insurance (medical).
WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE NEEDED TO THE VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
In general, no vaccination is mandatory for Spaniards traveling to Panama. It is only required to people coming from countries that are considered carriers of certain diseases such as yellow fever.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ANYWHERE IN PANAMA, WHAT NUMBER CAN I CALL?
It is important that in addition to the telephone number provided by your travel insurance (which is mandatory) for calls from abroad, you have the following 911 number. With this number you can contact the fire department, the police and the local medical service.
WHAT BUDGET SHOULD I HAVE FOR MY VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
The amount of money you decide to take will depend on what you want to see in your free time while volunteering. A figure you can spend per week could be $25, since food and lodging are included. In addition, weekend excursions are approximately $160.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES CAN I BRING FOR MY VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
For collaboration hours, you should pack a pair of long pants, T-shirts (not suspenders) and a pair of closed shoes.
For day to day and excursions, bring summer clothes, a jacket, which is not bad for buses (usually cold, because of the air conditioning) and beach clothes.
WHERE CAN I CHANGE MONEY DURING THE VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
If you carry dollars you will not have any problem, as it is the currency that is used nationally.
Otherwise, you can withdraw from ATMs, or at the exchange house at the airport and in the shopping centers of the city (there are very few).
