By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Recently on the Americans in Panama Yahoo email group several people have been discussing options and availability of Spanish language classes for foreigners taught at the University of Panama. The cost is $140 "normal" price per semester with a $21 discount for anyone who qualifies for a retiree or pensionado discount. The reviews are a mixed bag and the effectiveness of the instruction depends on the professor. The classes are used extensively be Chinese nationals. Books and materials are questionable, and you might end up making photocopies from the professor's textbook (a common practice in Panamanian universities.) What follows is a compilation of advice and recommendations from several people who have taken these classes. Credit for the info goes to Nancy, Irina, Ronaldo, and Scoob. I didn't even know these classes existed, and it might be a good option for someone who has a lot of time and a tight budget. (more)
What Is The Cost? The classes cost $140 normal price, and there is a $21 discount for anyone who qualifies for a pensionado or retiree discount. "Bring your pensionado visa if you have one since you will get a discount of $21 and bring cash (either $140 or $119/visa)." You will need to pay the fee before the class starts, in cash. Make sure to get a receipt.
When Do Classes Start? The classes actually start August 18th (Monday). The University of Panama runs on a semester schedule similar to a university in the United States, with classes starting in the fall (now), in January, etc. If you're not in a position to jump into the classes that are starting now, you can do your homework, figure out if it's right for you, and get set up for the next class.
Where Do You Sign Up? At the University of Panama Campus in Panama City. Here is some advice and instructions on how to get to the registration office: "I would suggest taking a taxi to the Humanities Department rather than trying to find it yourself the first time. The taxi driver should know where it is and, if not, he can drive around the campus until he finds it. You will want to go to the second building in the Humanities department to the second floor, go past the cashier's office and down the corredor, through the doors, take a right and first office on left is where you will get the information on the classes. If you are lucky, you will find someone in the office who speaks some English. If you are nice, they will walk you through the entire process.
Or, If You Prefer To Walk: "You can hoof it from the intersection of Via Veneto and the street that intersects it at Las Vegas Suites. From that same area a taxi would only be $1.50 tops but he may not know what the hell the Departamento de Humanidades is, which is where you need to go. Walk toward the University of Panama, cross Frederico Boyd and continue up that same street for approximately another 100 yards and then turn right into the campus. Stay on the sidewalk and a few blocks down on the right you'll see the "Humanidades" (Humanities) building. It will be lower than the street level. Go up the main steps in the front and start asking people who don't also look lost "Donde esta la oficina?" I think it's the second floor but not sure. If you're absolutely clueless in Spanish, as I was, have someone write down "El Curso de Espanol Para Extranjeros." Practice saying it. Go up between 9 and 10 a.m. even if you're enrolling in the evening classes."
What About Books and Materials: "Bring a pocket full of quarters to make Xerox copies of the teacher's text."
How Often Are Classes Held? "They have a list of all the classes for the semester (day and evening). Depending upon your current skill level or lack of it, the classes are 3 or 4 days per week. The level 100 classes are 3 days week for 4 months. The classes are scheduled for 1 hour 40 minutes per day."
Who Else Might Be In Class? "Expect to be in a class of mostly Chinese students. In the day classes they will be mostly wives of Taiwanese businessmen. At night they will be mainland Chinese and the class may be larger. Don't expect to find a textbook. Learning is a challenge but it's primarily up to the individual. Individual participation in those night classes moves slowly. Sounds like tuition has doubled as well but that's still a bargain for a term of study. Take at least two terms."
More Advice From Someone Who's Been There: "Eric, I hate to be a bearer of bad news about the Spanish program at the UofP! Irina, is one of the few and only English speakers who had a good class there, that I know of! These classes are usually packed with Chinese. After, I was sent to the wrong classes three times by the Administration of the Language Department. They sent me to an advance class twice! Once to a English Class! Irina bought my book for her class! Finally after the fourth try, I had a classroom and an instructor to work with! This only took five trips to Language Department to correct! This would be funny, except I had a Native born Panamanian, educated in the USA with me, to translate for me on my adventures with the UofP every time I went! No, one there speaks English in the Language Department, Funny? NO!!! I then had to make copies of the instructors book, because she did not like the book the the UofP used! Then she did not show up over half the time to teach! They really have serious problems there! Cheap, YES! But you must have a lot of free time and be willing to get the run a round for your money! Their is one instructor that I think Irina had, That is the one I wanted! I do not remember his name. The Administration of the Language Department, told me his classes were full! That was almost a year ago! He is real popular and it is hard to get into his classes! His English is not great, but he really tries to work with you! May be Irina can tell you his name. Spanish Classes here are not what you would expect! It seems they are more of a high school variety. Private lessons here should never be more than ten USD per hour! If you are a gringo they always try to charge 20 to 30 USD per hour. So, good luck. I still love it here..."
More Advice From Another Veteran: I was going to mention UofP classes but Nancy beat me to it :-) I've heard mixed feedback about those classes. One of my friends who has absolutely no knowledge of Spanish said that she felt lost and couldn't follow. Another acquaintance of mine said it was disorganized. I think it all depends on the professor. I can tell you that my experience with UofP Spanish classes was excellent! I took Basic II. My teacher was Irina and is a fantastic (with a name like that you gotta be! LOL) She is a linguist, writes for La Prensa and proofreads literal works of her colleagues. She is strict, so if you are thinking of joining her class and slacking off, I wouldn't recommend it :-) Now I tried to get the schedule of classes about 2 weeks ago but to no avail. I emailed them.. haha.. so naive to expect an email back! So I am planning on going their today to get the schedule. If I do get it, I'll post it here. Irina"

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