Panama – Colombia Program

Welcome to Panama City! Where east meets west, many describe Panama City as the hub of Central America – a meeting point central to transportation, trade, and finance, and also a cosmopolitan city that’s become a true destination. Welcome to Bogotá and Medellin! You can describe this newly resurgent cities as colonial cool. Bogotá has experienced an undeniably hip kind of economic, culinary, and lifestyle revival in recent years – all of it among a fascinating history. Grab a Colombian coffee, and dive in!

Travel Dates: February 21-March 3, 2017 Ground Program Price estimate: $2,755 (based upon double room occupancy)

- Based on enrollment of 25 students

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Working Itinerary – Emory University

Panama, Medellin & Bogota

The following itinerary is a working document and is subject to change. Revised August 9, 2016.

February 21, 2017 Depart US/Arrive Panama City

Tuesday Depart US Arrive in Panama City

Welcome to Panama City! Where east meets west, many describe Panama City as

the hub of Central America – a meeting point central to transportation, trade, and finance, and also a cosmopolitan city that’s become a true destination. Upon arrival, group is met by private coach and English-speaking guide for

transfer to hotel (bottled water provided on coach) Check in hotel

Evening free Overnight: Panama City (1) Occidental Panama City Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included:

Per airline

February 22, 2017 Panama City : Business Visits Wednesday Breakfast at hotel

Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within city limits (bottled water provided on coach)

Business Visits #1 & #2: To be arranged by WorldStrides Lunch on own, stop provided After visit, return transfer to hotel

Evening: Roundtrip transportation with English speaking guide to Welcome Dinner Welcome Dinner at local restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person

included) Overnight: Panama City (2) Occidental Panama City Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included:

Breakfast Dinner

Attire:

Business

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February 23, 2017 Panama City : Business Visit & Cultural Visit Thursday Breakfast at hotel

Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within city

limits (bottled water provided on coach) Business Visits #3 To be arranged by WorldStrides. Lunch included at local restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person included) Cultural Tour: The Panama Canal, known as the 8th wonder of the world, is an

80-kilometre (48 miles) ship channel that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is a key conduit for international maritime trade. During our visit to this

engineering marvel, you will see the Miraflores Locks. They work as water lifts, raising ships 26 meters from sea level (the Pacific or Atlantic) to Gatun Lake water level. The ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide. Miraflores Locks are one of three locks available to the Panama Canal and has a Visitor Center. We will see a 10-minute video summarizing the past and the present Canal, visit the four floor exhibits which include historic pieces,

interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, and

objects used in Canal operations. At the end, you will see the day to day operation of the waterway from the Canal terraces.

After visits, return transfer to hotel Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Panama City (3) Occidental Panama City Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lunch

Attire: Business

February 24, 2017 Panama City: Free Day or Cultural Tour Friday

Meals Included:

Breakfast Lunch (Optional)

Attire:

Casual

Breakfast at hotel Optional Cultural Tour Optional lunch included at local restaurant included with cultural tour (one non-

alcoholic drink per person included) Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Panama City (4) Occidental Panama City Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

February 25, 2017 Travel to Medellin Saturday Breakfast at hotel

Check out of hotel Transfer by private coach and English speaking guide to airport (bottled water

provided on coach)

Intra-Program Flight: Panama City (PTY) to Medellin (MDE) (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes)

Upon arrival, group transfer via private coach and English speaking guide to hotel (bottled water provided on coach)

Lunch on own Hotel for check in Dinner on own and evening free

Overnight: Medellin (1) Hotel Poblado Alejandria, Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included: Breakfast

Attire: Casual

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February 26, 2017 Medellin: Cultural Tour Sunday

Breakfast at hotel

Morning free for exploration

Half day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural visits within city limits (bottled water provided on coach)

Half day Social Transformation Tour Tour description: Half day tour to visit those places that best represent

the social transformation that has taken place in Medellín. The tour will show the symbolic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one

of the most dangerous in the world, up to today many projects that fostered the city’s change. Start the tour by visiting the Monaco building in the Poblado district, in the south-east of Medellín, where Pablo Escobar once lived until there was a terrorist attack against him. Continuing to Pablo Escobar district known also like “Medellín sin Tugurios”. Here there are approximately 700 houses donated to the poor by the notorious capo,

who thanks to his charity work, won popular approval but changed the

language and culture of both Medellín and the country in a violent way. Following to barrio Santo Domingo Savio, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín, located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metrocable car that joins the north-east area with the city centre, which has been life changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Santo Domingo Savio houses the Biblioteca España

Park, inaugurated in 2007. It is one of a series of 30 urban and social regeneration projects that helped transform the urban, social and cultural landscape of Medellín; a city with new spaces for culture, knowledge and lifestyle. The library is a space of social inclusion, cohabitation and access to a world of information. It is located on the border of Santo Domingo hill with an open view of the city, and comprises three box-shaped buildings,

each one housing a different part of the library, the community services, and auditorium. Behind the Library stands a mural painted by the local

inhabitants in commemoration of the victims of the violent past, symbolized by a new birth for everybody. Then, go on to La Plazoleta located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses around twenty three Botero sculptures donated by the artist in year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural

transformation around these works placed in a public space. Lunch included at local restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person included) Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Medellin (2) Hotel Poblado Alejandria, Wifi included in rooms and

lobby

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lunch

Attire: Casual

February 27, 2017 Medellin : Business Visits Monday Breakfast at hotel

Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within city limits (bottled water provided on coach)

Business Visits #4 & #5: To be arranged by WorldStrides Lunch included at local restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person included) After visits, return transfer to hotel

Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Medellin (3) Hotel Poblado Alejandria, Wifi included in rooms and

lobby

Meals Included:

Breakfast Lunch

Attire:

Business

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February 28, 2017 Medellin: Business Visit & Transfer to Bogota Tuesday Breakfast at hotel

Half day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within city limits (bottled water provided on coach)

Business Visits #6 To be arranged by WorldStrides. Lunch on own, stop provided Intra-Program Flight or Train: Medellin (MDE) and Bogota (BOG)

(approximately 1 hour) Upon arrival, group transfer via private coach and English speaking guide to hotel

(bottled water provided on coach) Check in to hotel Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Bogota (1) Atton Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included: Breakfast

Attire:

Business

March 1, 2017 Bogota: Cultural Activities Wednesday Breakfast at hotel

Full day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural activities (bottled water provided on coach)

Bogota City Tour including Monserrate & Gold Museum: Tour description: Enjoy a half day visit to the historic centre of Bogotá

known as La Candelaria. This archaic suburb has great significance in the

country´s history due to its cultural heritage and is also a great example of Spanish colonial time architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great emancipator Simon Bolivar is located. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the same spot where the first church was built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks,

collection that has been built over four centuries. The central area of the

Capitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. The visit continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Gold Museum which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000

pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. End the visit in the Santuario de Monserrate, a symbol of Bogotá. Ride the cable car or funicular up to it, at 500 mts above Bogotá (total of 3140masl). The site offers the incredible panorama of the city on one side and the Andes on the other (entrances to the Gold Museum and Monserrate Hill included).

Lunch included at local restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person included) After visits, return transfer to hotel Dinner on own and evening free

Overnight: Bogota (2) Atton Hotel Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included:

Breakfast Lunch

Attire: Casual

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March 2, 2017 Bogota: Business Visits Thursday

Breakfast at hotel

Full day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural activities (bottled

water provided on coach) Business Visits #7 and #8: To be arranged by WorldStrides Lunch on own (stop provided) After visits return to the hotel Evening:

Transfer on foot with English speaking assistant to dinner

Farewell dinner at Andres D.C. restaurant (one non-alcoholic drink per person included)

Return transfer to hotel Overnight: Bogota (3) Atton Hotel

Wifi included in rooms and lobby

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dinner

Attire: Casual

March 3, 2017 Bogotá: Depart for the US Friday

Meals Included: Breakfast per airline

Attire: Casual

Breakfast at hotel Hotel check-out and load bags for airport transfer

Transfer by private coach and English speaking guide to airport (bottled water provided on coach)

Flight to the US Same day arrival

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Packing Information for Your WorldStrides Capstone Program

General Information about Travel to Central America

• If traveling where insect threats are possible, please wear long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellant.

• Bring sunscreen and a hat/bandana.

Before Leaving the U.S.

• Make copies of all important documents: passports, credit cards, insurance cards, etc, that you may

carry. In case of loss or theft, you will need to know which credit cards to cancel.

• Keep a copy of the first page of your passport in a place separate from your passport. Either e-mail

yourself a copy or keep a copy in a separate bag from your passport.

• Pack the international phone numbers to your credit card company and bank. Note that many 1-800

numbers will not work from abroad.

What to Wear The dress code for your trip is as follows (unless otherwise advised by your Program Leader):

• Company Business Visits: Business professional attire (closed-toe shoes, avoid heels in factory tours)

• Lectures & Dinners: Smart casual

• Sightseeing: Comfortable shoes and touring clothing (tennis shoes are recommended)

• Religious sites: Many religious places of worship require a certain dress code (i.e., no sandals or shorts).

Please contact your Account Manager if dress codes for religious sites are not listed on your itinerary.

Packing Tips

• Pack lightly – don’t forget that you can purchase items and get clothing cleaned.

• Remember, there is limited luggage space on buses, and airlines restrict the number, size, and weight

of your bags.

• Complete and attach the brightly colored luggage tags included in your pre-trip materials to all of your

bags (including carry-on).

• Make a list of things to pack and use it as you gather your belongings.

• When packing your bags, always start with the largest, heaviest, and longest items of clothing (typically

jackets or dresses) but not pants. First, pack tailored clothing that is likely to wrinkle, and save knits and wrinkle-resistant items for the top of the bag.

• Take plenty of hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and small packets of tissues.

• Do not pack valuables in your checked luggage.

• Invest in comfortable, professional shoes that can be worn for company visits and walking.

• Pack your own travel toiletries. Some countries or hotels may not provide toiletries, and travelers often

find comfort in using their own soaps, lotions, etc.

• Plan on wearing or packing layers; the temperature can vary greatly between cities.

• Bring a coat, umbrella, or poncho in case of rain.

• Pack according to the time of year you are going to travel. Be sure to check the projected weather for

the duration of your program.

• Do not wrap your clothing in plastic, as it is slippery and traps heat and moisture, promoting wrinkling.

Instead, use tissue paper to cushion folds.

• Remember to save room for souvenirs and gifts you pick up on your trip!

Essentials • Address list and list of important contacts or numbers

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• Business cards

• Paper or notebook

• Passport and visa (if applicable)

• Pencils and/or pens

• Tickets and itinerary (airline, train, bus, etc.)

• Travel insurance information (if purchased)

• ATM card (Maestro or Cirrus logos on the back are most widely accepted)

• Cash to be exchanged in destination

• Credit card (Visa or MasterCard are most widely accepted)

• Travel wallet/money holder (you can't be too safe in some places)

Things to Remember

Clothing

• Business meeting attire

• Dress shirts

• Dresses

• Pants or trousers

• Skirts

• Ties

• Professional shoes

• Rain jacket or poncho

• Jeans

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Shorts

• T-shirts

• Pajamas

• Sandals, shower shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sneakers

• Swimming gear

(if necessary)

• Undergarments and socks

• Hat or bandana

• Belt

• Sunglasses

Toiletries

• Sewing kit

• Comb or brush

• Contact lens equipment or

glasses

• Q-tips

• Dental floss

• Deodorant

• Earplugs

• Fingernail clippers

• Hair products (gel, spray,

etc.)

• Lip balm

• Make-up

• Moisturizer

• Razors

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Shaving cream

• Soap

• Feminine products

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

First Aid

• Sunscreen

• Band aids

• Diarrhea tablets

• Anti-bacterial cream

• Insect and/or mosquito

repellent

• Medicines/prescription drugs

(with doctors note, if needed for customs)

• Motion sickness tablets

• Advil, Tylenol, etc.

• Cold medicine

• Cough drops

• Small scissors

• Vitamins

Optional • Batteries

• Book

• Camera and batteries

• Chewing gum or mints

• Diary/journal

• Guidebooks

• iPod or MP3 player

• Laptop (if needed)

• Mobile phone and SIM card

• Passport photos

• Photocopies of important

documents, in case they are stolen

• Phrase books or

dictionaries

• Travel alarm clock

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• Watch

Business Protocol, Customs, & Culture

in Panama

General Tips Punctuality is expected from business visitors.

For social events, you are expected to arrive late to dinner parties. Anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour is customary.

It is advisable to avoid discussing political matters, particularly Panama's relations with the U.S., when meeting new acquaintances.

Be aware that Panamanians try not to disagree openly. Thus, they avoid saying 'no'. An unenthusiastic 'yes' may in reality mean 'no'.

Greetings Greeting in Panama involves exchanging kisses on the cheek. In a business setting one should not

exchange a kiss, but shake hands. Men shake hands upon introduction with men, but wait for Panamanian women to offer their hands. Address Panamanians by Mr. Mrs. or Miss, do not address businessmen or women by his or her first

name, unless invited to do so. It is typical to exchange business cards.

Language The official language is Spanish.

In Panama City and Colón, most Panamanians speak English, which is widely used in business circles.

The country's indigenous languages are well preserved, but visitors are unlikely to encounter these in

urban areas.

Cultural Issues and Etiquette When invited to a Panamanian home, bringing chocolates or crafts from your home country will be

appreciated, but is not expected. Business dress is conservative. Wear a suit for meetings. Shorts should not be worn in the city by either men or women. Pants, including jeans, are appropriate

casual wear. No slang or profanity is to be used. Good conversing topics: food, sports, weather, and hobbies.

Improper conversation topics: Canal Zone, race problems, politics, invasions, and local issues Commonly, visitors send thank you notes, handwritten or via e-mail, to the hosts following meetings

or negotiations.

Work Week Monday to Friday. Government offices: open from 08:00 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 16:30. Other private offices: operate from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

Society Panama has a relatively low individualism ranking compared to other Latin countries. The score on this

dimension indicates the Panamanian society is Collectivist as compared to Individualist.

This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be that a family,

extended family, or extended relationships.

Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and

regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for

fellow members of their group.

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Businesswomen

North American business practices heavily influence the business environment; women are well represented in many professions.

Local businesswomen tend to dress smartly in a North American style. Business-class hotels in Panama City are generally safe for businesswomen.

Embedded Insurance Policy Overview

Group Name: WorldStrides Policy Number: F369W TripMate One Call from inside the U.S.: 1-800-555-9095 TripMate One Call from outside the U.S.: 1-603-894-4710 WorldStrides Key Contact Phone Numbers for On-Tour Support 1. 24-Hour Tour Central Office: 434-951-5938

Medical Issue Procedures – Getting Started 1. Call the TripMate numbers above to obtain a case number. You will need to supply key information about the traveling

participant such as: Passenger/patient name

Passenger/patient address

University Name

Age/DOB of patient

Symptoms of the patient

Program destination

Patient callback number (hotel room/mobile number)

2. Provide the Medical Team with your location and a call back phone number where they can reach you or the participant. 3. Depending on the facts of the medical case, the Medical Team will advise about next steps, such as hospital recommendation(s) if

needed and how to handle billing and payment. 4. Once you have an assigned case number, please ensure you contact WorldStrides and share the case number and any important

facts about the medical situation within 24 hours. 5. This process is not filing a claim. If a claim needs to be filed after the trip is completed, call 1-800-888-7292 or visit

www.tripmate.com.

Policy Schedule of Benefits* 1. Accident Medical Expense = $7,500 (Primary) 2. Sickness Medical Expense = $7,500 (Primary) 3. Dental = $750 4. Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, or Bedside Visitor = $50,000 5. Accidental Death & Dismemberment =$10,000

*Please note that the insurance industry is highly regulated and that WorldStrides employees are not insurance experts. Please speak with a TripMate/One Call representative with detailed questions or concerns. Certain exclusions, as defined in the Description of Coverage, are not covered.

Visa Requirements

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Visas are not required for U.S. passport holders entering Panama or Colombia.