FAQS

How do I apply?
All applicants must use our on-line application system found on this website. On-line Application.

What are the qualifications of an Hables English Spanish-speaking participant?

Hables English requires that all participants be at least 22 years of age prior to the start of his/her program. Spanish speakers must demonstrate moderate proficiency in reading and writing comprehension by completing the application form in English. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be contacted for a brief personal communication. This interaction will allow the applicant to intepret and to respond to questions about information contained on the application. The ability to understand and express somewhat abstract ideas is necessary.

Additionally, we look for a range of ages and nationalities from different backgrounds and occupations. Successful applicants share certain personal characteristics: They enjoy socializing, are naturally inquisitive and outgoing and can talk about many different subjects. They also know when and how to listen. Our application process has been designed to allow you to express yourself in English. We do not expect you to do it in perfect English. We admire your efforts to learn a second language and we encourage you to push beyond your current ability. We think the best way to do this is through practice.   Apply Now.  For more information see the Spanish translation FAQ’s on the home page.

What are the qualifications of an Hables English volunteer ?

Hables English requires that all participants be at least 22 years of age prior to the start of his/her program. Our English- speaking participants must be native-born English speakers. We look for a range of ages and nationalities from different backgrounds and occupations. Successful applicants come in all shapes and sizes - from 22 to 82 but they all share certain characteristics: They love meeting and socializing, they brim with enthusiasm and seem to have boundless, creative energy. They are naturally inquisitive and outgoing and can talk about many different subjects - but, they also know when and how to listen. Our application has been designed to allow you to tell us about yourself - in your own words, in your own way. Use it to tell us about how you became “YOU”. Apply Now.

What does it cost to be a volunteer at Hables English?

It’s FREE! Once you arrive at our meeting point in Panama - the weeks’ program is free. See the home page for details.

Can I bring a friend or a spouse?
Yes, but they must apply on their own application. If you wish to coordinate session dates with a mate - each of you should indicate the others’ name on your application. (Section 5 on the application)

As a native-English speaker volunteer, do I need to know Spanish?
No. Absolutely not. Remember - NOT A WORD OF SPANISH IS ALLOWED

What’s included?
• All transportation from the meeting point to our hotel in Boquete and return.
• 7 nights hotel accommodation
• 3 gourmet meals each day (full breakfast, 3-course lunch and dinner with wine)
• Group excursion - social programs - group activities - program materials
• Medical insurance coverage in the event of sudden illness or accident.
• All taxes and gratuities.

What personal costs will I incur?
You will cover the costs of your own travel to our meeting point in Panama and the cost of one or two nights’ hotel the day before the program starts and the day after, depending upon your personal travel details. (We can provide a list of hotel/hostel options).
You will cover personal items you purchase, internet, laundry and telephone charges; between-meal snacks and beverages not included with your meal.

What will we be doing?
You will be talking and listening, constantly. You will start each day at breakfast at a table of two Spanish speakers and two English speakers. This will be the format for each meal, every day. Throughout the morning and afternoon you will break into twos for one-to-one sessions or work in small groups for games, skits and simulations. Each evening after dinner you will have the opportunity to relax and socialize during our surprise special events and parties.
See daily schedule…
See weekly schedule…

What is the hotel like?
Located within walking distance of town, The Panamonte Inn & Spa dates back to the 1940’s. It is a lovely colonial inn surrounded by established gardens and is renowned for its cuisine and as a social gathering place for miles around. We will have the entire hotel to ourselves and lots of special attention from an international staff.

Will I have any free time?
Yes, you will have 1½ hours after lunch every day

Will I share a room?
Latin American clients will have private rooms with bath. Depending on gender mix, couples or friends’ attendance, some of our English speaking volunteers may share a larger room with one other.

What will we eat?
You will have three meals each day: Breakfast buffet with hot items cooked to order; lunch and dinner will include traditional Panamanian selections as well as the Chef’s own signature cuisine; a veggie option, soup or salad and dessert. House wines will be served.

How much money should I bring?
You will need to establish a room account with a credit card at check in. This is for your own personal expenses such as bar drinks, internet or laundry while in the hotel. $50 USD in small currency should be adequate for purchases made outside the hotel. Candy, snacks, lattes, and gifts are inexpensive and readily available and within walking distance. Panama’s departure tax is currently $20 USD. This must be paid in cash at the airport as you depart the country.

Who are the participants?

Latin American participants come from all backgrounds and nationalities in Mexico, Central and South America. They all speak some English as a second language. Our English participants are volunteers from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They are all native-born English speakers.

Are there any rules?
To never utter a word of Spanish
To focus on natural conversation styles
To be considerate of others’ ideas
To attend and actively participate in each day’s activities
To be punctual
To respect differences
To respect the environment

What should I wear?
This is a business casual environment. We are guests in a foreign country and each of us is seen as an ambassador. Please dress as you would at home under similar circumstances. We will have three special evenings and you can dress up a little if you want. Be sure to bring something comfy to walk in - and don’t forget your dancing shoes!

What should I bring?

Passport and travel documents
Comfortable shoes! Lightweight clothing is essential for layering with a warmer sweater for evenings in the highlands. Bring light raingear as afternoon showers (bajareque) complete with brilliant rainbows are not uncommon. You should bring:

Binoculars, camera, small travel clock, flashlight
Medications in their original containers
Usual flu or cold remedies if you are prone
Sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellant, anti-itching cream
Pictures of your home city, country and of your family
Items for costume, skits, favorite art supplies or music
Remember: Check with your airline for luggage restrictions. (Domestic restrictions vary but most allow 50kg. per bag. There can be a charge for excess weight!)

Are there any physical demands?
Hables English programs are not physically strenuous - but do require sustained focus from morning to evening.
If you are uncertain that you can maintain a full and sometimes energetic commitment for 12 hours x 8 days you should not come!

What if I get sick?
Hables English provides you with basic emergency medical coverage (including evacuation or repatriation) for sudden illness or accident while on you are on our program. The details of this coverage will be provided to you.

What makes Panama special?
Panama is a natural land bridge between North and South America and it can be said that it has been blessed by nature. Some of the best birding, hiking, climbing, rafting, coral reef diving, snorkeling, surfing and deep-sea fishing can be found in Panama. You can swim in the Pacific Ocean and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea in the same day, raft through 20 sets of rapids in a single day; see over 500 rivers, 1518 islands, 2988 km of coastline, 940 recorded species of birds and habitats for 125 animal species and 1,500 plants found nowhere else in the world. Besides the canal, one of man’s greatest engineering feats, visitors can experience one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Can I drink the water?
Water is drinkable in most of the country and in cities you can drink straight from the tap. If you are in remote areas drink bottled water for safety and taste. Bottled water is inexpensive and easily available.

Do I need a visa?
All visitors require a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. At the time of writing, most foreign residents do not need any additional documentation except in some cases a tourist card (US$5) which is available from airlines serving Panama or at international airports in Panama. Check with your embassy or airlines that fly to Panama to obtain the most updated information.

What currency is used?
Panama’s “Balboa” has the same appearance and value as the US Dollar. Coinage is either Panamanian or the US equivalent in 50c, 25c, 10c, 5c, and 1c. It is difficult to change foreign currency in Panama. Banco Nacional has branches and ATMs in Panama City, David and in Boquete.

Electrical connections?
Plugs are the flat two-pin American type and use 120 volts AC, 60 Hz.

Is Panama safe?
Panama is one of the safest countries in the world and has the highest rating for tourist safety from the prestigious Pinkerton Intelligence Agency.
Small towns are particularly safe, even at night. As in any large city it is never wise to flash jewelry, expensive cameras and cash. Anyone traveling alone should avoid unpopulated areas at night.

Are there health risks?
Health conditions and medical services in Panama are generally good. The best advice for traveling in rural areas is to avoid insect bites. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in the evenings and early mornings. For current information on health conditions in Panama, contact www.cdc.gov

What is the time zone?
Panama is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST), (UTC or GMT/Zulu) minus five hours.

Where is Boquete?
Boquete is located in the bread-basket province of Chiriqui where flowers, fruits, coffee “fincas” and dairy farms dot across every surface of canyon and vertical hill. The highest point in Panama, the extinct volcano Volcan Baru is located in Chiriqui. Boquete is a 45 minute drive from David, Panama’s second largest city on the Pacific coast. Panama City and San Jose Costa Rica are a one-hour flight from David’s Enrique Malek airport.

What services are available?
The small town of Boquete has full-service banking, a rental car agency, well-stocked pharmacy and supermarket. You won’t find a Starbucks but you will have plenty of coffee options - Boquete is known for its shade-grown coffee and is some of the best and most expensive in the world!

What about Creepie Crawlies?
You will most likely have some encounter with insects but not nearly as creepy as you might expect. The mosquito population, for instance, is kept strictly controlled because of risk of disease. You are most likely to be bothered by “no-see-ums”- tiny gnat-like bugs with a bite that itches like crazy. Bring a good anti-itch cream to keep from scratching! Some of the parts of the woods in this area may remind you of a temperate forest, but don’t be fooled; you are still in the tropics. The forest has many of the same dangers and attractions as the lowland jungles, including venomous snakes. Be mindful of your environment. And remember: Of all the insects - 16,000 species of them are butterflies!

What is the weather like?
Boquete temperatures remain in the 70’s year-round with cooler temperatures in the evenings. Cool breezes at this higher altitude offer a refreshing change from the humid coasts. The rainiest months are September and October at which time the green (planting and growing) season comes to an end and everything is in full and colorful bloom.

What about cell phones and Internet?
Check with your own cellular carrier before leaving home. Consider purchasing a local sim but have your phone “unlocked” before leaving.
Cable Internet connections are available at the hotel for a minimal charge.
Please note that cell phones are not permitted during program activities.
If you cannot be away from your phone or computer, please think twice about coming!
You will have 1½ hours of free time each day after lunch. Please plan to use your phone and computer at that time.