The Embassy of the United States in Panama has announced two open calls for its 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. These initiatives target Panamanian secondary school teachers and university students, offering fully-funded academic training in the United States for five weeks next summer. The announcements were made public this week, with application deadlines set for early January 2026.
These competitive exchanges are designed to strengthen educational capacity and foster mutual understanding. They represent a continued investment in people-to-people ties between the two nations. The programs will be administered by accredited U.S. universities and cover all participant expenses, including travel, accommodation, and coursework.
Program for Educators Focuses on U.S. Society and Culture
The educator institute is open to teachers, curriculum developers, and school administrators between 30 and 50 years old. A key requirement is that applicants possess little to no prior academic experience in the United States. The five-week program, scheduled for June 2026, will concentrate on U.S. culture, society, and democratic values.
“The goal is to strengthen educational capabilities, promote curriculum development, and foster academic exchange between Panamanian institutions and educators,” [Translated from Spanish] stated the official program announcement from the Embassy of the United States, Panama.
Educators interested in this professional development opportunity must submit their applications by January 4, 2026. The selection process will prioritize candidates with a demonstrated commitment to incorporating their experience into Panama’s national curriculum.
Student Program Seeks Future Leaders in Entrepreneurship
A parallel call is open for Panamanian university students aged 18 to 25. This institute focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity. Eligible students must be enrolled in their first through third years of an undergraduate degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 3.0 scale, and show evidence of leadership or community involvement.
Selected scholars will engage in a rigorous five-week agenda featuring specialized workshops, academic visits, cultural activities, and community service. The program aims to shape young leaders with a focus on innovation and social development. The student application deadline is January 5, 2026.
All student applicants must be Panamanian citizens without U.S. residency or citizenship. They must have at least one semester of university remaining upon their return from the program. Officials seek mature, responsible, and open-minded candidates from all fields of study who are prepared for an intensive academic and cultural experience. These Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) form a critical part of broader U.S. government-sponsored academic exchange programs.
Prospective applicants can find detailed information and application portals through the embassy’s official channels. For further inquiries, the embassy has directed the public to contact pancultural@state.gov. These opportunities arrive as Panama continues to evaluate its own educational frameworks, following recent discussions about curriculum redesign para estudiantes.