Between Panama and Paraguay, which is better for study abroad?

Question

I have a choice to go to Panama or Paraguay. Central America or South America? My goal is to learn spanish better and to be surrounded by culture. Which country would give me the best experience. My Spanish is quite excellent but not proficient enough which is why I am going abroad for 6 weeks. Which country would you pick and why?

Answer 1

Panama is one of the most beautiful and exotic countries in South America. It is better know for its culture, history, wildlife, rainforests and of course its people. The Latin country is much better prospective for you to learn Spanish than Paraguay.

Paraguay is small and much of its infrastructure isn't developed or modernized. Paraguay continues to embrace the modern culture by adhering to stronger ties with the USA and other Latin American countries. So, political strifes and violent protests are a problem if you're in the capital city, Asuncion.

Take my advice, travel to Panama for 6 weeks and you'd love your experience. You'll enjoy every moment of your Spanish learning experience but the country is class apart with modern high rise skyscrapers and an array of various indigenous languages in the country. Enjoy your studies in Panama, good luck!

Answer 2

There are some other questions to answer here first: 1. Is this for college or high school? 2. Are you comfortable not knowing the native tongue? 3. Do you intend to use the status of the school you go to as a resume item in the future? If you want the general answer here it is: If for college, spread your wings and look to a none native language school. The Europeans have been using English as the language of business for a couple hundred years now. You will always find someone to talk to in English in a pinch, but the submersion experience is great if you want to pick-up another language. Though I might offer that learning Spanish will do more for you then knowing Swedish... If for high school, stick to what you know, and don't set yourself up for failure trying to pick up another language while you are studying abroad. This is up to you though, as you might very well have the bandwidth to manage regardless. If you are looking to use the experience as a resume item in the future, I would suggest looking more at the schools and their programs, than which country they are in. Whatever you decide remember that Europe is really not all that big; in fact, traveling among countries is a lot like traveling between states in the US. It is easy and relatively inexpensive, depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Once you make the leap over the Atlantic the hard part is over and everything else is easy. Best of luck,

Answer 3

I agreed with previous answers about Panama being a better choice. it's not true that there is no culture in Panama. There is not as much as NY or Madrid, but if you are into it, you'll stay busy. Don't be afraid and lots of luck!!

T.S. Panama was a province of Colombia over 100 years ago.

Answer 4

I live in Panama and love it but for your purposes go to Paraguay. Panama has no culture. There are no symphonies, ballets or opera here. The Panamanians speak slurred, machine gun Spanish. You won't be surrounded by culture and the Spanish here is not a good one.

Answer 5

I assume that Panamanian culture is similar to the "Costeños" (costal people) of Colombia.
But I cannot really say much beyond that. It has been many years since it was a region of Colombia.

I have been to Paraguay and I think the country brings a unique cultural experience due to that fact most of them have roots to their indigenous culture (Guaranis).
Their official language is Spanish and Guarani and I traveled to a small town where most of the older folks only spoke Guarani.
So, I found that to be very interesting...
Most people speak Spanish....but among them and if they can, they prefer Guarani (or at least the people I met).

Answer 6

Paraguay 10x0, I think Panama is too hot, and it's a country without culture, like US or Canada. Panama used to be a province of Colombia. Imagine a province of Colombia becoming independent... My choice is Paraguay, you'll have a more different experience. And I think the Paraguayan people is more beautiful, although it's nor really a tough competition.

Answer 7

Panama seems the bext option, but it will look like the USA in many aspects.

If you want a different culture al-together, Paraguay.

If you have a choice:

1- Buenos Aires, Argentina
2- Santiago, Chile
3- Montevideo, Uruguay
4- Asuncion, Paraguay

Answer 8

I would say this; it depends on which type of Hispanic accent you want to speak. the Panamanians ad some type of flavor to the way they talk and I should say they reflect the slow pace easy living they are use to. In the other hand the Paraguayans like their neighboring countries of Uruguay, Chile and Argentina have an Italian accent way of expressing themselves. I live you no options but to be happy with the decision you will make. Good Luck!

Answer 9

I would say Panama. They have good universities and the Life there is fun specially for young fun people like you.

Answer 10

panama of course...check
www.panamavip.blogspot.com