Info on Spring Break 2011 Environmental Brigade!

Here is the information about our upcoming trip to Panama this Spring Break (March 19-26, 2011)!

Applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP because spaces are filling, and program contributions will be due starting in early-mid February!

Contact us at ucsdgeb@globalbrigades.org to schedule a meeting and learn how you can get involved!

WHEN: March 19-26, 2011

WHERE: El Entradero, Cocle, Panama

WHAT: One week-long trip doing memorable environmental volunteer work, admiring the tropical surroundings, and experiencing with a whole new culture!

WHO: Anyone who is environment-loving, likes to travel, and genuinely wishes to make a significant impact in the world through helping others. People who only wish to have a vacation or spice up their resume need not apply. Students at the graduate level, from other colleges, alumni, and working professionals are also welcome. Spanish-speaking ability not required but highly helpful. A casual, conservation-style meeting will be conducted to screen applicants.

PROJECT: We will be working in the community of El Entradero, located about 2 hours out of Panama City, the capital of Panama. Over the course of the week, one or more of these three "deliverables" will be installed: Eco-Stoves (burns less wood), Slow Sand Water Filters and Eco-Latrines/Composting Latrines (improves sanitation while using simple, local materials). Our group will also spend time holding educational workshops for the community members to teach them conceptions of water & air pollution, deforestation, ecosystems, and climate change. See the project packet below or through this link: http://issuu.com/subtledream/docs/el_entradero

GROUP SIZE: 11-16. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants will be welcomed until full or 30 days before departure (Feb 19)

PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION: Approximately $1500. Note: A $250 non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of application to secure your spot, due early February. Rest of program contribution is due approx 1 month before departure.

Open publication - Free publishing - More wood

Immunizations & Visas for Panama

Immunizations

None of the vaccinations are required to enter Panama, but it is definitely recommended that you get covered ahead of time to greatly lessen your chances of catching something hazardous to your well-being. It wouldn't hurt to dig out your medical records now to see which shots you have already had, and which vaccinations you may want to add your collection.

If you are a UCSD student, regardless of coverage under the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), you will be able to get all the required shots and oral medication at the travel clinic at the Student Health Service (http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/travelclinic.shtml), which is just west of the Bookstore. Those enrolled in SHIP simply have a discount. Of course, if you have a doctor outside school, he/she will be able to give you (or refer you to a travel nurse) the traveling advice, vaccinations, and medications you need.

Important: You should schedule an appointment with a doctor / travel nurse at Student Health Service at least a month before departure due to busy travel seasons and for certain vaccinations to kick into full effect.

Here is a list of recommended vaccinations to have for Panama (information taken from MDTravelHealth. The Central for Disease Control and Prevention also give very similar advice):

• Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers.
• Typhoid - Recommended for all travelers. (Oral vaccination available)
• Yellow fever - Recommended for all travelers to the provinces of Darien, Kunayala (San Blas), and Panama, excluding the Canal Zone.
• Hepatitis B - For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months.
• Rabies - For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care.
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) - Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.
• Tetanus-diphtheria - Revaccination recommended every 10 years.
• Malaria: Malarone or Prophylaxis is recommended for rural areas in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Darien and San Blas. (Oral vaccination only)
  

Tourist Visas

If you are not a citizen of the U.S. (ex: international/exchange student), you may still be able to travel to Panama without applying for a tourist visa. Check this site: http://www.lawyers-abogados.net/en/Services/Immigration/panama-authorised-visa-requirements.htm to see if your country of citizenship would allow you to simply get the visa at the airport.

If your country of citizenship is not listed on the top list, you will have to apply for a tourist visa on your own. It should take about 6 weeks for approval & processing. This site has information on how to do so: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/panama_visa.htm#req and on the bottom of the page you'll find a link to the contact information of the Panamanian embassies.