Universidad de Panama

The history of the University of Panama is very much integrated with the history of its country. The oldest in Panama, its founder and first President was the distinguished citizen Dr. Octavio Mendez Pereira. This university is a state institution of superior, independent education, inspired by the highest civic, moral, and ethical values. Moreover, financed by a budget that represents 20% of national expenditure, the programs in this university, are oriented to the needs of society for well-trained and educated individuals. This facilitates the need for new demands in the advancement of the country through the Maritime, Scientific, Ecological, and Communication  sectors.  

In realizing the needs of the country, the University therefore seeks to promote sustainable development of its citizens via specially designed programmes inclusive of Entrepreneurship. In today’s competitive world, the University further realizes the need for graduates to become bilingual which facilitates trade negotiations with key global partners.

The University of Panama organized scheduled visits to different units of which was coordinated by the International Co-operation Unit . The goals of this  such unit are linked to ensuring that the university becomes globally recognized by collaborating with other universities that share  a similar  vision. It was further established that all international agreements that with which the University becomes affiliated are managed by this unit.

 Panama has a rich cultural heritage, and the University of Panama actively contributes to the preservation of its traditions by means of its Faculty of Fine Arts.  This faculty offers programmes in painting, music, dance theatre and architecture, just to name a few.

As we entered the art gallery, priceless facial expressions were made, as majestic pieces of art hung from the gallery’s wall. A wide selection of paintings was proudly displayed from the rich-color infused which depicted the country’s wealth of flora and fauna to the simple and unfussy portrayal of the county’s first settlers.

Further to being in the presence of marvelous art, we were given the privilege to meet descendants of the country’s first settlers, dressed proudly in traditional wear. They stood elegantly in the gallery, adorned with beautiful traditional jewelry attracting our attention just as much as the art pieces did.

In addition to the spectacular display of art, we have an opportunity to visit the only “Dome” in Panama, which is located at the University of Panama. The “Dome” is the facility used by the students of fine arts to present spectacular displays of their work in dance, theatre, etc. The facility houses one thousand (1000) people and serves as the academic judging point for all students in the faculty.

We visited the department of physical education at the University of Panama where we learnt all about the programs they offer and the variety of sports that the university teaches. Sports activities vary from the familiar soccer and swimming to fencing and gymnastics . The University has several programmes in the physical education department such as sports management and physiotherapy. A key point that stood out was the university’s policy that in order to graduate from a program, each student must take and pass an English course.

The tour of the facility was quite interesting as they took the class from one building to the next. We saw the gym, gymnastics room, the twin basketball courts and above them was the male gymnastics room. The university is home to a magnificent sporting field where athletics is practiced by many of the students. After a tour of the facilities we shared in a toast which included a pastry and a drink called “chichi” that celebrated the inauguration of the campus’ cafe.

By: Nazma, Nalini and Nadine