Living in Panama on a Research Assignment

****The following is our second blog update from Wild Lens volunteer Virginia Schutte. Virginia just moved to Panama for a post-doctoral research assignment working in the mangrove forests along the Pacific coast.****

The housing that one might choose as a research scientist working on assignment in a foreign country depends a LOT on where you are, what your budget is, and your personal situation. I’ve lived in dorms, private rooms, cabins, and guest housing. For this project, I’m renting an apartment in an ordinary neighborhood just like a resident would.

The building my apartment is in.

Looking down the street towards Panama City.

It’s more expensive than the dorms where my labmate is staying while working here, but my family has space to live with me.

“La jaula” (the cage), the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute dorms where my labmate lives.