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Panama Lifestyle and Culture

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(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

Nothing is so uncomfortable as being caught-up between deciding how to behave and not having the chance to do so especially if you're in a foreign land!

We understand that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Panama, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip by helping you also understand the culture and etiquette in Panama. 

We recommend that you thoroughly go through this guide to enhance your peaceable stay with the Panamarians.

At the crossroads of the Americas, the narrow isthmus of Panama bridges not only two continents but also two vastly distinct paradigms of Panamanian culture and community.

Roughly one hour from the gleaming skyscrapers of Panama City, you can see an indigenous family paddling a dugout canoe. Sharp contradictions simply coexist in the country. But when they clash it raises the question: what exactly is the Panamanian culture like?

The country is one of the only countries in the Central and South America region with a big indigenous population. More than five major tribes continue to live traditional lifestyles here, and the largest rule autonomously in massive preserves.

Small groups of travelers are welcome to visit and learn about the tribes and their efforts to keep their lands in pristine condition. The culture of Panama today is mainly taken from the Spanish, who were dominant in the country for three hundred years, and not much of the native culture is left, although there are still significant Kuna traditions to be found in the San Blas Islands.

Also, a lot of the Spanish culture has been blended in indigenous influences, such as through the dance called the tamborito, which is a Spanish traditional dance but mixed in with local rhythms that have passed down the generations.

Other dances and music styles that are popular in Panama are salsa, reggaeton, and compas; as well as European and North American style jazz, blues, and rock. To find out more about the mix of cultures that has made Panama the diverse country it is today, you can visit the Museum of the Panamanian in the capital.

You can learn more about how the importance of the Panama Canal has orchestrated Panamanian, and global history, at the Museum of the Panama Canal in the capital more so.

There is also a museum of contemporary art here which houses many modern paintings and sculptures that blend local influence with European and North American styles. Significant traditions that have survived into modern times include ancestral hunting, fishing, and the custom of living in elevated huts. Emberá women still tend to go bare-chested and wear colorful cloths from the waist down, with flowers in their hair. 

Panamanians are people full of compassion and courtesy! This is evidenced by the level of security and peace the country offers. You will likely stay for the entirety of your study period unbothered here!

There is no need to contemplate about studying here. The country lives up to its fame! Make your application today with RocApply and get started to roll with everyone else here.

" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada

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