Volunteering Projects in Panama

Boquete enjoys a sunny, cool mountain climate, with temperatures ranging between 60° - 80°F (16° - 28°C).

The projects will be predominantly located in Boquete and surrounding areas. However some volunteers will be based in David

You must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper limit, you just have to be in good health.

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 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 participate in a Spanish language crash course included with orientation. Volunteers will have access to our partnering language school for additional lessons during their stay for an additional fee.

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. Please note airport pick-ups cannot be arranged for those arriving on a Sunday. Volunteers will need to cover the costs of additional accommodation. Special arrangements can be made to start anytime throughout the month if needed.

Most projects are closed during special holidays such as Easter Week, Christmas and Carnival. Some of the teaching projects are not available during the summer months of January-March; however there are alternate placements available during this time.

Our partner works with many organizations and we work diligently to place our volunteers with the project most suited to the volunteer's knowledge, skills and talents.

Many of the projects are within walking distance from the volunteer house, however for those further away, you will be able catch a bus or taxi to your project each day. The cost for the bus is around US $.50 - $2 each day, or for a private or a shared taxi the cost is around US $.50 - $3 per day.

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 (see notes below)
• Tuberculosis

Malaria is not needed for Boquete or David. Discuss closely with your doctor if you plan to travel through the rest of Panama.

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.

The majority of volunteers will live in either shared gender dorm rooms in a volunteer house, or more traditional home stays are available in certain areas. The volunteer house is equipped with basic western style amenities. There is a male and female dorm and one private room in the volunteer house. The home stay accommodation is more rustic than for those in Boquete. The Boquete Volunteer House can accommodate up to 13 volunteers. There is a male and female dorm and one private room.

Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.

After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.

Each project will provide you with the resources you need. However, for the teaching and childcare projects we encourage our volunteers to bring additional resources such as: teaching resources, craft materials, sports equipment, toys or games to assist you. Our partner organization also has a selection of resources including games, books, pens and paper etc.

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. During Christmas & Carnaval many organizations are closed for more extended periods of time.

Yes. Volunteers have their weekends free for traveling and we recommend you take advantage of being in Panama to see 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.

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, pants/jeans), and light/loose clothing for the day (t-shirts, shorts).

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. You may also require extra money 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 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.

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.

As with any overseas travel, 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.

Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). 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. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.

As volunteering in Panama involves working closely with children and other vulnerable individuals, volunteers need to provide a police clearance document before volunteering commences. There are different types of police clearance but at minimum the check must include your full name and date of birth. Note, minor offences such as traffic infringements will not be taken into account. If you come from a country that does not issue police clearances for volunteer work, three character references from reputable sources (employer, justice of the peace, landlord, the minister of your local church, teacher, etc) may be substituted. Your character referees should know you well enough to vouch for your character.

David is situated on gently rolling plains about half way between the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Cordillera Talamanca Highlands to the North. On the ocean, a short drive away, you will find the city of Puerto Armuelles and the beaches of Lar Barqueta, Las Lajas and Playa Hermosa. David is the second most populous city in Panama. In David you can encounter several museums and cinemas where you can go to the movies, shopping malls and plenty of more dance clubs, bars, and restaurants. It is the capital of the Chiriqui Province and the center of a rich farming region. The city’s heart is its fine central plaza, the Parque de Cervantes and is located 1.5km southwest of the highway.

David is located 38 kilometers (23 miles) away from Boquete. You can arrive in car between 30-40 minutes and by bus in one hour. It is also the halfway point between Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica.

For those seeking warmer weather, David, which is close to sea level, is the place for you! David is hot year round with less rainfall than Boquete, with average temperatures usually between 78F and 82F (25C – 28C).