
CURRENCY
The Balboa, on par and used interchangeably with
the U.S. dollar. Panamá's own coins match U.S.coins in size
and value, and are thus acceptable in casino slot machines.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the language.
CIVIC CLUB
- Lions Club
- Kiwanis Club
- Rotary Club
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
- January 1st: New Year
- January 9th: National day
- Tuesday Carnival
- Good Friday
|
- November 3rd: National Day
- November 5th: National Day
- November 10th: National Day
- November 28th: National Day
- December 8th: Moter's Day
- December 25th: Christmas Day
|
(During these days the school will be closed, but
We WILL REPLACE YOUR CLASSES ANOTHER DAY. We work during all the year,
We DON'T CLOSE the school on DECEMBER).
Entry
regulations. Valid passport, visa or tourist card which can be obtained
through your airline or at Tocumen International Airport for $5.00.
The tourist card is good for ninety days, renewable in Panama for
two additional months.
- Ticket to leave Panama/ or documents to enter another country.
- Proof of economic solvency.
Tourist who stay longer than 90 days in our language
immersion program in panama, must obtain Paz y Salvo from the Finance
Ministry and a Exit Permit (Permiso de Salida) from Immigration before
departure.
Panama
City, because of its geographical location, is full of cultural and
ethnic contrasts. The language immersion program in panama offers the
student an attractive diversity, from the colonial city to a modern
city of skyscrapers; from the densest jungle in the world to the archipelago
with one of the purest indigenous cultures left in the hemisphere- the
Kunas. And Panama is much more than this. It is the robust salsa danced
by its people, the human warmth of the Panamanian who confronts his
difficulties with the rhythm of his happy "tamborito", a folk
rhythm. Inside of this tropical happiness, we also find a world of international
commerce and finance where you can find merchandise from all parts of
the world at bargain prices year round.
Panama City can be divided into three different areas:
OLD PANAMA
Old
Panama was the center for Spanish exploration and expansion in the
direction of Central and South America as well as the center of commercial
transactions between the Spanish colonies of the Pacific and the Spain
and the Caribbean. The ruins of the Cathedral of Piedra, the Monasteries,
the custom houses and stone bridges are found in Old Panama. The ILERI
spanish immersion school in panama can arrange a visit to this place.
COLONIAL PANAMA
Colonial
Panama was constructed with a fortress wall to prevent the attacks
of pirates during the colonial era. Some of the houses have been converted
into restaurant, and have retained the charm of the Spanish colonial
epoch. Other sites of interest include museums, a restored cathedral
and the "Arco Chato"- a marvel of architectural technology
of the time.
MODERN PANAMA
Modern
Panama is composed of modern buildings and a International Banking
Center. In this area, we can include the Panama Canal, one of the
most outstanding architectural feats of the contemporary world and
a point of strategic importance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Panama is also folklore, customs and traditions,
which are faithfully represented by the central provinces of the country.
Notable in Panamanian folklore are the dances, the music of the accordion
and of the violin.
Panama is also a shopper's paradise. Most stores
open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m seven days a week, though some close on Sundays.
Many drugstores and supermarkets with multiple outlets are open 24
hours a day, and there are shopping centers grouping various stores
with restaurants, banks, car rental, theaters, casinos,and other services.
Since
the population of Panama is cosmopolitan, there are restaurants to
cater to everyone - Spanish, Argentine, Italian, Peruvian, Korea,
Indian, Mexican, Arabian, Kosher and many more specializing in the
national styles of preparing meat, poultry, pasta, sea foods, vegetables
and desserts. Panama's own cuisine is rich with condiments, specializing
in soups, dishes cooked in oil, and vegetables dishes. The national
dish is "Sancocho".
In Panama there are many historical culture museum.
The most important is the Museum of the Panamanian Man, the Historical
Museum, the Colonial Religious Art Museum, the Natural Science Museum,
the Afro- Antillian Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the
in-house Museum of the National Bank of Panama.
SAN BLAS ISLANDS
The
home of the Kuna Indians who preserve their traditions and legends,
their beliefs and myths, their Gods. Their language is rich and extensive.
They practice monogamy and adultery is a crime. They engage in fishing
and agriculture, they grow corn, rice, cocoa, yucca and coconut which
is their main food.
The San Blas Archipelago has approximately 100 unnamed
Keys, 113 with names and nearly 30 islands almost all coralliferous.
It may take a whole year to tour one of his formations.
The San Blas adventure may be a sorjourn in an inhabited
island to enjoy fishing, diving, its crystal like waters, getting
sun-burned, or simply stretch out in a hammac rocked by breeze.
METROPOLITANO NATIONAL PARK & AMADOR BEACH
Natural
Metropolitan Park is one the few dry parks within the metropolitan
area of Latin America. Has an interpretative trail called The Mono
Titi (TiTi Monkey). Its very convenient for birds observation. It
is possible also to observe Titi monkey, the armadillo, the green
iguana, the deer and the three-fingered sloth.
Amador Beach is a one and one half mile long man-made
causeway. On Culebra Island there is a scientifical research institute
and marine biological canter. This site also offers different opportunities
to run, do bicycle riding, skate, stroll, swimming, exercise and fishing.
BEACHES PANAMA
The
Pacific beaches. Choice of glistening white sand or sparkling black
sand. Vast acrees of it. For swimming from, surfing from, running
or jogging on.(Focus Panamá).
Contadora Island
About 37 miles in the Bay of Panama and called
"heaven" by many people, because its a place where one
can really get away from it all. (Turisguía).
Playa Coronado
An attractive beach resort with condominiums, supermarket,
golf course, restaurant and other facilities.
SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK
Has
an interpretative trail called the Gamboa Pond, also the road to the
pipeline, very convenient for birds observation. Fauna: The "Gato
Solo", peccary, the White Tail Deer, among the most representatives.
Flora: a wide variety of vines, naked indian, guicums
and others.
TABOGA ISLAND
An
exotic colonial landmark and picturesque resort, dated from the days
of the "conquistadores". Also know as "The Island of
Flowers" where you can fin cool and blue waters inviting to swimming,
water skiing, fishing and diving.
BOCAS DEL TORO
In
a land already rich in colorful cultural and biological diversity,
one isolated area stands out. On the remote northwest coast of Panama
the archipelago of Bocas del Toro features an uniquely Panamanian
melange of the old and the new, exotic people and terrain that can
be encapsulated in one word - charming. The magic that is "Bocas"
is not missed. (Focus Panamá).
EL VALLE
An
excellent mountain resort in the province of Cocle and about 62 miles
away from Panama City, with sites worth visiting. This paradisiacal
place raises 600 meters over the sea level, with a cool and pleasant
climate. Here the famous golden frogs and the squared trees can be
seen, unique in the world.