The Younger Expat Community in Panama's Pacific Beaches

The Coronado and the surrounding beach areas have grown in leaps and bounds over the last three years or so. Increased commerce and tourism have resulted in more people making the Pacific coast of Panama their permanent home. Many retired expats, are drawn to Panama due to the Pensionado visa benefits. Some of these foreigners choose the beach communities as their home, to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. With Panama booming in all sectors of industry, the beaches are also starting to see more families with children move into the area. More families, mean more schools. The good news is that International Schools at the beaches are brimming with students and expanding to make room for newcomers.

Last week the long awaited Coronado International School had their construction initiation ceremony. Ground has already been broken, and a skeleton of the building to come sits on the school site. The ceremony which was started with a blessing by Father Oscar Williams from San Jose de Chame Parrish, was kicked off by Mr. Roberto Eisenmann, who has a close eye on this project. The school’s future director Teresita Cerrud was also on hand to welcome parents. Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar gave the audience arousing speech on education and Panama’s future. The Coronado International School is expected to open for the school this year, in August.

There are also two other International schools in the area for parents to choose from when deciding where to educate their kids at the beaches – and they are growing. Parents choose International schools to broaden their children’s horizons in a global world. International schools offer an alternative to traditional education. They are often made up of students coming from different cultures and speaking different languages. Dr. Jonathan Long, a leading educator in the International school world says about children Internationally educated children, "they have the chance to recognize that there is a common humanity which transcends the differences at which world problems are often experienced today".

Panama Coast International School (PCIS), in Gorgona, opened its doors in 2009 with 4 students. Last year the school enrolled 32 children and this year to date they are educating 50 children, from the Panamanian and Expat community. International schools in Panama, put an emphasis on English. Kathy Kress the founder of PCIS noted that there is more of a demand for private education in the community. Expat parents want to know that if they do decide to re-integrate their children back into the North American school system it will be easier with an International School Education.

Five Star Academy is another International School at the beaches. It opened its doors just over a year ago in Santa Clara. The school has also seen a substantial increase in young expat families to the area. Students attending Five Star travel from Coronado and Buenaventura to attend the school. The school opened with 4 students a year ago, and this year they are approaching 30 students.

Another testament to more families moving into the area, is that we are starting to see a greater variety in extra curricular activities.

The community is definitely adapting to accommodate the younger demographic. Kids swimming lessons are now offered weekly in both the Buenaventura and Coronado along with Tennis and Music lessons. Panama Surf School has seen an increase in surf lessons to the younger folk, with Friday dedicated to family day at the school. Picasso Restaurant has also dedicated a few of their events to accommodate the kids, and hosts a fabulous kids Birthday for groups of 20 or more.

With schools and recreational activities growing at the beaches, the beaches are more accessible for parents with families, not only from Panama, but from around the world. Parents want to introduce their children to a new culture, a new language and a different way of life. Living at the beach in Panama offers many opportunities for the young expat. Not only are they learning a new language, but they are learning that the world is filled with adventure. Meeting new friends from all over the world, learning about differences are character building traits that kids may not learn in suburban communities in their own countries.

The Beach Area of Panama is now not only a retirement haven but a tropical area filled with young and the young at heart. It is incredible to see a community growing before our eyes, and to be a part of an area that is one of the top preferred destinations in the World to visit and for many of us to stay.