Learning Spanish (as much as possible) will be a big factor in how much you enjoy and thrive in Panama.
Forget what Intl. Living says about how most people in the city speak English. Only a majority of the professional class speak English. Overall, it is predominately a Spanish speaking country, especially in the interior.
Don't make the mistake that I made by putting too much stock on learning "book" Spanish through Rosetta Stone, Michele Thomas, and using tutors. The problem is that many words and phrases in Panama are different, especially in the interior. The other problem is that there is too much emphasis on speaking and not enough on training your ear while you are learning to speak.
A better way to start is with the paid site (no affiliation) LoMassSpanish where you download video to listen to. You can pause it, slow it down, research words, etc. Some of the videos are from Panama but not a ton.
I also recommend getting set up on one of the language exchange "penpal" sites like ConversationExchange.com where you can practice with a Panamanian who wants to learn English via Skype. You can also stream Panama TV through Telemetro. Both these strategies are free.
Good luck. For most of us, it's a real struggle but it's worth it. You have to look at it like an adventure which is the mindset you need in Panama anyway...
The last thing is that you have to be willing to practice and make mistakes. You will be forgiven- Panamanians are very patient. Don't think that you can wait to start speaking until you learn it because you never will that way.
Forget what Intl. Living says about how most people in the city speak English. Only a majority of the professional class speak English. Overall, it is predominately a Spanish speaking country, especially in the interior.
Don't make the mistake that I made by putting too much stock on learning "book" Spanish through Rosetta Stone, Michele Thomas, and using tutors. The problem is that many words and phrases in Panama are different, especially in the interior. The other problem is that there is too much emphasis on speaking and not enough on training your ear while you are learning to speak.
A better way to start is with the paid site (no affiliation) LoMassSpanish where you download video to listen to. You can pause it, slow it down, research words, etc. Some of the videos are from Panama but not a ton.
I also recommend getting set up on one of the language exchange "penpal" sites like ConversationExchange.com where you can practice with a Panamanian who wants to learn English via Skype. You can also stream Panama TV through Telemetro. Both these strategies are free.
Good luck. For most of us, it's a real struggle but it's worth it. You have to look at it like an adventure which is the mindset you need in Panama anyway...
The last thing is that you have to be willing to practice and make mistakes. You will be forgiven- Panamanians are very patient. Don't think that you can wait to start speaking until you learn it because you never will that way.
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