Panama

TBA: 2026

Service-Learning

Known for its diverse culture, gorgeous beaches and renowned canal, Panama is home to a number of growing metropolises and acts as a link between Central and South America.

With Movement Exchange, you will have the opportunity to meet and dance with the Panamanian people by taking local dance classes and immersing yourself in folkloric rhythms. Additionally, students will guide and facilitate dance classes for the community and perform at the culminating community dance concert.

The experience will be followed by a 3-day sightseeing trip of San Blas Islands and Tobago. Come learn about the importance of community, movement, entrepreneurship and activism through the exploration of this fascinating country rich in history and tradition.

You must enroll in FPA 491 – Latin American Dance & Music & The Embodied Community. This course fulfills the FPA core requirements and elective requirements. It may also be taken toward the BA in Arts Leadership as well as the FPA minor (based on specific disciplines: Theatre, Visual Arts, Music or Dance.)

• Estimated Cost: $2,500-$2,800
  • This includes, on-site transportation, hotel accommodations, International health insurance, cultural excursions, all meals and round trip airfare.

Requirements

• Must enroll in FPA 491 – Latin American Dance & Music & The Embodied Community
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of departure
• Students under any active form of academic or disciplinary probation at the time of departure will not be permitted to participate in the program.

Course

This course is designed for students interested in Latin dance and music and merging performing arts, teaching and social activism. It teaches students to use movement arts, music and literary arts in community settings such as senior centers, children and youth recreation and community centers and k-12 outreach programs. The emphasis is on examining the role of dance and music in Latin culture(s) and understanding the cultural and aesthetic differences in styles associated with different regions of the Americas. In studio sessions, students will learn fundamental characteristics of Latin dance and music and how to construct and facilitate dance and music performances/community events and/or teaching for community sites. Students will reflect on movement and music practices that help inform the body and musical instruments as sites for community-based learning in dance and music, as well as the body and instruments as mediums for personal and cultural narrative, and develop theoretical bridges between the role of the university and community concerns, needs, and assets. Much class time will be spent together exploring Latin dance and music, as well as service learning theory and pedagogy, through hands on experiences where students themselves will facilitate movement/music/creative experiences.

Apply Now: Panama

Contacts

Professor Hannah Park
Email: hpark@iona.edu

Dr. Adam Rosado
Email: arosado@iona.edu

Iona Study Abroad Office
Email: studyabroad@iona.edu