E2SI Abroad FAQs

Updated 11/12/2024

How many courses do students take and how many credits do they earn?
The program consists of 6 total courses: 5 are three-credit courses and 1 is a one-credit course, for a total of 16 credits. This constitutes a minor for Villanova students.

Who is eligible for the program?
The program is open to all undergraduate students in any college at Villanova.

Do students need engineering or entrepreneurship experience?
No experience with engineering or entrepreneurship is necessary. The program focuses on learning the main tenants of entrepreneurship and innovation, so students do not need to have any current understanding of the concepts or experience. While the program is beneficial to students majoring in engineering, it is equally beneficial to students from other majors and with all different backgrounds, as it is a complement to any career path.

How do I apply?
The application opens October 23rd and will be accessible through the Office of Education abroad summer program link https://passport.villanova.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=12889

How much does the program cost?
Total cost for the program is $14,800. That excludes airfare to Panama, most lunch and dinners and spending money, but includes all courses, all course material, flight to Boquete, all lodging, ground transportation in Panama, excursions and field trips while abroad, and daily breakfast.

What costs are included or excluded?
The cost includes all courses, all course material, lodging, ground transportation in Panama, excursions and field trips while abroad, and several meals. Students are responsible for the cost of airfare to and from Panama, some meals while in Panama, spending money, and travel insurance (which is required for the trip).

Will financial aid be offered?
Financial aid is available for students as determined by the Financial Aid Office at Villanova. Financial Aid priority deadline is January 15.

Are classes online or in person?
Classes will be held virtually for the first 5 weeks of the program, from May 27-June 27.

Classes will be held in person while in Panama for the last three weeks of the program, from June 30-July 18.

How long are classes?
Virtual classes run from Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 4:30PM, with an hour lunch break. Class time often includes some offline activities and work, so students are not on zoom or at the computer for the full duration of the class.

While on the ground in Panama, classes or outings will generally begin at 9:00AM and end mid to late afternoon. Classes and cultural programs run Monday through Saturday; students are on their own on Sundays.

When do students travel to Panama?
Students should arrive in Panama on Monday, June 30. Classes resume in Panama on Tuesday, July 1.

How do students get to Panama?
Students will purchase their own flights and travel from their home city on their own. Ground transportation will be available to meet them when they arrive at the airport and will take them to the pre-arranged lodging. Our program coordinator will ask for and track all students’ travel information, so we are able to coordinate transport.

Where will students stay in Panama?
Housing will be provided for students in dorms at the City of Knowledge campus while in Panama City. Students will be provided a hotel to stay at while in Boquete.

How many faculty members will be in Panama?
The Director of Engineering Entrepreneurship will be on the ground for the duration of students’ stay in Panama. Throughout the trip, there will be 1-2 additional faculty members available at all times.

Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Students must have international travel insurance, which can usually be obtained for less than $100.

What should I pack?
July in Panama is hot and humid. Students can wear casual clothing for outings and cultural activities. For business meetings, business casual clothing is recommended, and for some business site visits, closed-toe shoes will be required. As we get closer to departure, we will share additional details about the agenda and suggested clothing.

What about covid?
Currently there are no covid entry requirements for Panama.

When does the program end?
The program officially ends July 18^th. Ground transportation will be provided to the airport on that date.