Moving to Panama with kids can often be a challenge. Changing schools, making new friends, and adjusting to a new culture and country isn’t easy when you’re a child. However, if you plan right, and choose the right area, there are steps you can take to make your Panama transition with kids smoother. Remember, when you relocate with children, more than likely they aren’t making the decision to come here; you are. This is why it’s important to be patient, and help make the move as comfortable as possible for the whole family.
Panama Schools
Choosing the right school in Panama is an extremely important factor in moving with kids. While the public school system in Panama is severely lacking in resources, there are a number of private schools that rival any of their contemporaries in North America, or Europe. Tuition can range anywhere from $1,000 per year, to $1,000 per month, depending on the school. And most schools follow either a September-June schedule, or a March-December schedule. There are many top private schools that teach exclusively in English, however you may want to find a school with a bilingual option, as to ease your children into learning Spanish.
For more information about schools in Panama, check out our comprehensive list of Panama private schools.
Language Barriers
If you are coming from an English-speaking background, adjusting to speaking Spanish may be a challenge. It can also be a big culture shock for kids who have never been exposed to a foreign language, and are still in the process of building their communication skills. Luckily, Panama is a great place for this transition, as there are many bilingual families, schools, and businesses. While the official language of Panama is Spanish, there are enough English-speaking entities that full Spanish fluency isn’t a necessity; however it is a major bonus.
You can enroll yourself, and your children in private or group Spanish classes that are tailored to your needs, and for relatively cheap ($15-$30 an hour depending on class size and instructor). Also, although your child may go into learning a foreign language kicking and screaming, they are naturally faster learners than adults, and will often master a language long before their parents do. And as tough as the transition may seem at first, in the long run your children will greatly benefit from being able to communicate in two languages.
Things to Do in Panama with Kids
Panama is full of kid-friendly activities. Whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or out at the beach, there are plenty of things for children to do to stay active and entertained. In Panama City, there are plenty of parks, outdoor playgrounds, bike paths, and swimming pools. There are also a number of indoor activities around, as the weather in Panama tends to be hot, and it rains a lot during the winter months. There are 3 major movie theaters right in the city, as well two bowling alleys, indoor kids playgrounds, and day care centers, all easily reachable from downtown.
Outside the city there are also plenty of indoor, and outdoor activities, although due to population, may be less prevalent, and more spread out. We recommend finding a local athletic club to join, as they tend to have great activity options for parents with children.
Adjusting to a New Culture
Adjusting to living in a new culture can be tough for both children, and parents alike. Remember that a move abroad can be a bit shocking to a child, so it’s important to listen to them, and help them ease into their new home slowly. And you’re not alone. There are plenty of other families with similar situations, and they can be a great way to find support once you’re here. Panama is a very welcoming society. With the right resources, planning, and an open mind, your kids will feel at home in no time.
