Going abroad was something I always wanted to do but was scared of the initial steps. Once I was given the chance to go for a week to Panam? with the Regents’ Ambassadors Program, I knew this was my time to spread my horizon. I had no prior knowledge until signing up for this trip but I was able to learn more about Panam? through the program course by hearing and reading about business and its culture. My first impression of Panam? was having a feeling of familiarity. The city felt so peaceful and truly not what I expected. You could see the differences between the city structures. Seeing how from the span of a 10-minute drive we could see the change from the original city to the modern city it?s wanting to become. Getting to see that sense of national pride when talking to people. It?s quite obvious tourists here because, in 90-degree weather and 90 humidity, people here still wear pants. So people noticed and immediately made my group feel welcome. Asked questions out of curiosity but also without a doubt gave us places and things to go explore.
We have gotten to see the original structure and city of Panam?. The sites are so breathtaking and knowing the stories behind them makes them even more interesting. Panama has so much history that it utilizes in their daily lives and especially business. Seeing the famous Panam? canal and watching a movie about its history. Being able to see it up close and watch how intricate the process for ships to go through are. I hope through more time here I?m able to get to hear businesses’ views on the canal and how important it is to them.
Yet my favorite part so far has to be getting to see the culture up close. Having the opportunity to visit a local indigenous village. Canoeing to reach a jungle where we hiked to a beautiful waterfall and later went to the village to watch traditional dances. Panama has developed so much but things like the village show how they never let their history die. They celebrate it and continue to share it with anyone.
Having this be an eye-opening experience because, in the United States, we don?t have much of how it originally was. But in Panam? it?s a mixture of both. Both countries allow seeing historical structures through to be able to see a piece of history. Keeping important structures and locations the way they were. Also showing how the location of a country truly plays a role in how the country is run. Since Panam? is surrounded by oceans the fish market here is big. And fish, plantains, rice, and passion fruit drinks can be guaranteed top sellers at restaurants.
I was hoping to gain the knowledge and experience to be able to go aboard again. Also, learn more about the effect of Panam? on the outside world. This trip with trial and error showed me that being abroad isn?t scary at all and it?s only the start. With business meetings and more site seeing I can?t wait to hear more about the history and see its effect on the country Panam? is today.
