Purdue University Study Abroad Program in Panama

The International Affairs Office of the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) invites motivated and globally minded students to apply for participation in the Purdue University–UTP Study Abroad Program, which will take place in Panama from May 19–22, 2026.

1. Program Overview

This program brings a group of student leaders from Purdue University (USA) to collaborate with selected UTP students through a week-long academic, cultural, and leadership experience. This unique opportunity allows UTP students to engage in meaningful intercultural exchange without leaving Panama, while strengthening their professional skills and expanding their international network.

Throughout the program, Purdue and UTP students will work together in guided tours, research visits, group discussions, team-based activities, and a full-day leadership workshop. Participants will develop essential competencies such as leadership, effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and intercultural awareness. Selected UTP students will serve as peers, collaborators, and local ambassadors during all program activities.

This experience is ideal for students interested in internationalization, research, innovation, global leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration. Participants will receive a certificate of participation, and build valuable academic and professional connections.

2. Itinerary / Agenda Overview

May 18-22, 2026 - Panama City, Panama

Day 1 - Welcome & UTP Campus Tour

Day 2 - Cultural Visit: Miraflores Visitor Center & Casco Viejo

Day 3 - Research Labs Visit (Tocumen Extension) & UTP Interpretative Trails (Scavenger Hunt Activity)

Day 4 – Field Visit

Day 5 – All-Day Workshop & Closing Dinner

To review the full agenda, you can access here!

3. Who can participate?

UTP students from any faculty who meet the following requirements:

• Interest in leadership, internationalization, science, and/or technology.
• Intermediate or advanced level of English.
• Good academic performance.
• Interest in collaborating with international students and representing UTP.

4. Benefits of Participating

• International certificate of participation.
• Direct experience in academic and cultural activities with foreign students.
• Opportunity to strengthen skills such as: leadership, intercultural communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and academic networking.
• Contact with Panamanian and foreign professors, researchers, and professionals.

5. How to apply?

Interested students must complete the following application form (link) and attach:

• Copy of identity document
• Resume, showing academic and extracurricular activities (maximum 2 pages)
• Short letter of motivation
• Official credits
• English language certification (less than one year old)
• Proof of enrollment for the second semester of 2025

6. Application Deadline

Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Note: Selected students will be notified by mail in mid-Janueary 2026 and must attend a pre-program orientation meeting.

7. Contacts

• Interested students may contact o[email protected]
• Phone: 560-3201
• Attention in person at the International Relations Office from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
• Find us on social networks as @dri_utp