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Panama – Colombia ProgramWelcome to Panama City! Where east meets west, many describe Panama City as thehub 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 ascolonial cool. Bogotá has experienced an undeniably hip kind of economic, culinary, andlifestyle revival in recent years – all of it among a fascinating history. Grab a Colombiancoffee, and dive in!Travel Dates: February 21-March 3, 2017Ground Program Price estimate: 2,755 (based upon double room occupancy)- Based on enrollment of 25 students
Working Itinerary – Emory UniversityPanama, Medellin & BogotaThe following itinerary is a working document and is subject to change. Revised August 9, 2016.February 21, 2017TuesdayMeals Included:Per airlineDepart US/Arrive Panama City Depart US Arrive in Panama CityWelcome to Panama City! Where east meets west, many describe Panama City asthe hub of Central America – a meeting point central to transportation, trade, andfinance, and also a cosmopolitan city that’s become a true destination. Upon arrival, group is met by private coach and English-speaking guide fortransfer to hotel (bottled water provided on coach) Check in hotel Evening free Overnight: Panama City (1) Occidental Panama City HotelWifi included in rooms and lobbyFebruary 22, 2017WednesdayMeals Included:BreakfastDinnerAttire:Business2Panama City : Business Visits Breakfast at hotel Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within citylimits (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 personincluded) Overnight: Panama City (2) Occidental Panama City HotelWifi included in rooms and lobby
February 23, 2017ThursdayMeals Included:BreakfastLunchAttire:BusinessFebruary 24, 2017FridayMeals Included:BreakfastLunch (Optional)Attire:CasualFebruary 25, 2017SaturdayMeals Included:BreakfastAttire:Casual3Panama City : Business Visit & Cultural Visit Breakfast at hotel Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within citylimits (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 an80-kilometre (48 miles) ship channel that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the PacificOcean. It is a key conduit for international maritime trade. During our visit to thisengineering 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 Lakewater level. The ships then sail the channel through the ContinentalDivide. Miraflores Locks are one of three locks available to the Panama Canaland has a Visitor Center. We will see a 10-minute video summarizing the pastand the present Canal, visit the four floor exhibits which include historic pieces,interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, andobjects used in Canal operations. At the end, you will see the day to dayoperation 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 HotelWifi included in rooms and lobbyPanama City: Free Day or Cultural Tour Breakfast at hotel Optional Cultural Tour Optional lunch included at local restaurant included with cultural tour (one nonalcoholic drink per person included) Dinner on own and evening free Overnight: Panama City (4) Occidental Panama City HotelWifi included in rooms and lobbyTravel to Medellin Breakfast at hotel Check out of hotel Transfer by private coach and English speaking guide to airport (bottled waterprovided on coach) Intra-Program Flight: Panama City (PTY) to Medellin (MDE) (approximately 1hour 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 andlobby
February 26, 2017SundayMeals Included:BreakfastLunchAttire:CasualFebruary 27, 2017MondayMeals Included:BreakfastLunchAttire:Business4Medellin: Cultural Tour Breakfast at hotel Morning free for exploration Half day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural visits within citylimits (bottled water provided on coach) Half day Social Transformation Tour Tour description: Half day tour to visit those places that best representthe social transformation that has taken place in Medellín. The tour willshow the symbolic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was oneof the most dangerous in the world, up to today many projects thatfostered the city’s change. Start the tour by visiting the Monaco building inthe Poblado district, in the south-east of Medellín, where Pablo Escobaronce lived until there was a terrorist attack against him. Continuing toPablo Escobar district known also like “Medellín sin Tugurios”. Here thereare approximately 700 houses donated to the poor by the notorious capo,who thanks to his charity work, won popular approval but changed thelanguage 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 mostunsafe suburbs of Medellín, located some 7km from the city centre, it is aclear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the lastfew years. Arrive here by the metrocable car that joins the north-east areawith the city centre, which has been life changing to many of theinhabitants of Medellín. Santo Domingo Savio houses the Biblioteca EspañaPark, inaugurated in 2007. It is one of a series of 30 urban and socialregeneration projects that helped transform the urban, social and culturallandscape of Medellín; a city with new spaces for culture, knowledge andlifestyle. The library is a space of social inclusion, cohabitation and accessto a world of information. It is located on the border of Santo Domingo hillwith 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 localinhabitants in commemoration of the victims of the violent past,symbolized by a new birth for everybody. Then, go on to La Plazoletalocated in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s andtoday houses around twenty three Botero sculptures donated by the artistin year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and culturaltransformation 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 andlobbyMedellin : Business Visits Breakfast at hotel Full day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within citylimits (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 andlobby
February 28, 2017TuesdayMeals Included:BreakfastAttire:BusinessMarch 1, 2017WednesdayMeals Included:BreakfastLunchAttire:Casual5Medellin: Business Visit & Transfer to Bogota Breakfast at hotel Half day private coach and English speaking guide for business visits within citylimits (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 HotelWifi included in rooms and lobbyBogota: Cultural Activities Breakfast at hotel Full day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural activities (bottledwater provided on coach) Bogota City Tour including Monserrate & Gold Museum: Tour description: Enjoy a half day visit to the historic centre of Bogotáknown as La Candelaria. This archaic suburb has great significance in thecountry s history due to its cultural heritage and is also a great example ofSpanish colonial time architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar,where a statue of the great emancipator Simon Bolivar is located. TheCathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the samespot where the first church was built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses animportant collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks,collection that has been built over four centuries. The central area of theCapitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is theactual chamber for politicians and the Senate. The visit continues with theBotero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero sworks of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection thatincludes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti.Next is the Gold Museum which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to theQuimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalenacultures. 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 of3140masl). The site offers the incredible panorama of the city on one sideand the Andes on the other (entrances to the Gold Museum and MonserrateHill 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 HotelWifi included in rooms and lobby
March 2, 2017ThursdayMeals Included:BreakfastDinnerAttire:CasualMarch 3, 2017FridayMeals Included:Breakfastper airlineAttire:Casual6Bogota: Business Visits Breakfast at hotel Full day private coach and English speaking guide for cultural activities (bottledwater 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 perperson included) Return transfer to hotel Overnight: Bogota (3) Atton HotelWifi included in rooms and lobbyBogotá: Depart for the US Breakfast at hotel Hotel check-out and load bags for airport transfer Transfer by private coach and English speaking guide to airport (bottled waterprovided on coach) Flight to the US Same day arrival
Packing Information for YourWorldStrides Capstone ProgramGeneral 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 maycarry. 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-mailyourself 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 1-800numbers will not work from abroad.What to WearThe 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 casualSightseeing: 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 weightof your bags.Complete and attach the brightly colored luggage tags included in your pre-trip materials to all of yourbags (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 (typicallyjackets or dresses) but not pants. First, pack tailored clothing that is likely to wrinkle, and save knitsand 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 oftenfind 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 forthe 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 7Address list and list of important contacts or numbers
Business cardsPaper or notebookPassport and visa (if applicable)Pencils and/or pensTickets 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 destinationCredit card (Visa or MasterCard are most widely accepted)Travel wallet/money holder (you can't be too safe in some places)Things to RememberClothing Business meeting attire Dress shirtsDressesPants or trousersSkirtsTiesProfessional shoes Jeans EarplugsLong-sleeved shirtsShortsT-shirtsPajamasSandals, shower shoesComfortable walking shoes SneakersSwimming gear(if necessary)Undergarments and socksHat or bandanaBeltSunglassesRain jacket or ponchoToiletries Sewing kitComb or brushContact lens equipment orglassesQ-tipsDental flossDeodorant Fingernail clippersHair products (gel, spray,etc.)Lip balmMake-upMoisturizer Razors Cough drops Photocopies of importantdocuments, in case theyare stolenPhrase books ordictionariesTravel alarm clockShampoo and conditionerShaving creamSoapFeminine productsToothbrush and toothpasteFirst Aid Sunscreen Band aidsDiarrhea tabletsAnti-bacterial creamInsect and/or mosquitorepellent Medicines/prescription drugs(with doctors note, ifneeded for customs)Motion sickness tabletsSmall scissorsVitaminsAdvil, Tylenol, etc.Cold medicineOptional 8BatteriesBookCamera and batteriesChewing gum or mintsDiary/journal GuidebooksiPod or MP3 playerLaptop (if needed)Mobile phone and SIM cardPassport photos
WatchBusiness Protocol, Customs, & Culturein PanamaGeneral Tips Punctuality is expected from business visitors. For social events, you are expected to arrive late to dinner parties. Anywhere from 30 minutesto an hour is customary.It is advisable to avoid discussing political matters, particularly Panama's relations with the U.S., whenmeeting 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 notexchange 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 firstname, 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 inurban areas.Cultural Issues and Etiquette When invited to a Panamanian home, bringing chocolates or crafts from your home country will beappreciated, 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 appropriatecasual 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 issuesCommonly, visitors send thank you notes, handwritten or via e-mail, to the hosts following meetingsor 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 9Panama has a relatively low individualism ranking compared to other Latin countries. The score on thisdimension 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 andregulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility forfellow members of their group.
Businesswomen North American business practices heavily influence the business environment; women are wellrepresented 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 OverviewGroup Name: WorldStridesPolicy Number: F369WTripMate One Call from inside the U.S.: 1-800-555-9095TripMate One Call from outside the U.S.: 1-603-894-4710WorldStrides Key Contact Phone Numbers for On-Tour Support1.24-Hour Tour Central Office: 434-951-5938Medical Issue Procedures – Getting Started1.2.3.4.5.Call the TripMate numbers above to obtain a case number. You will need to supply key information about the travelingparticipant 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)Provide the Medical Team with your location and a call back phone number where they can reach you or the participant.Depending on the facts of the medical case, the Medical Team will advise about next steps, such as hospital recommendation(s) ifneeded and how to handle billing and payment.Once you have an assigned case number, please ensure you contact WorldStrides and share the case number and any importantfacts about the medical situation within 24 hours.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 visitwww.tripmate.com.Policy Schedule of Benefits*1.2.3.4.5.Accident Medical Expense 7,500 (Primary)Sickness Medical Expense 7,500 (Primary)Dental 750Emergency Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, or Bedside Visitor 50,000Accidental 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/OneCall representative with detailed questions or concerns. Certain exclusions, as defined in the Description of Coverage, are not covered.Visa Requirements10
Visas are not required for U.S. passport holders entering Panama or Colombia.11
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,
