Hello,
Do you think it is possible for a European or an American to integrate into Panamanian society?
Panamanians are friendly and, i believe, welcoming. But is it possible to really integrate oneself in their society, without being seen forever as the next foreigner? I have heard many times that in Asia, a European or American resident will always be a foreigner, whatever they do. In Panama, the culture is obviously closer (religion, history, language), but is it enough?!
While visiting Panama, I was told by an American lady living in Chiriqui that Panamanians do not mix. Maybe there is even little mixing between indigenous people and the others. I am referring to a mixing in terms of friendly relations, shared activities, invitations to family lunches or diners, somehow being part of the same community, etc. I thought that maybe the Panamanians were very centered on their family.
Besides the habit of not mixing (if that is true, I do not know), I could see some other barriers. Of course, there is the language, but it seems to me that the least any resident should do is to learn Spanish very well to the point of speaking it fluently within a few years. Another barrier is the culture. Also I guess the wealthiness can be a barrier.
If I dare to bring a sensitive topic to the table, I could raise the education also. I read several times that the level of education in Panama was lagging behind. I was told by a European foreigner who has held a pizzeria in Panama and in several poor or developing countries in the world, that he very often got stupid questions from locals that he never got in other countries. That puzzled me, I have to say. Again, I do not know whether that is true or not, and I do not mean to be disrespectful. Just trying to get an accurate picture! to assess how easy or difficult it could be to integrate. Of course, I know education is not everything. This is just one potential barrier along with the other ones I mentioned previously.
To add another potential barrier, the fact that expats do not necessarily work with Panamanians in local companies can lower the interactions quite a bit.
Thanks!
Do you think it is possible for a European or an American to integrate into Panamanian society?
Panamanians are friendly and, i believe, welcoming. But is it possible to really integrate oneself in their society, without being seen forever as the next foreigner? I have heard many times that in Asia, a European or American resident will always be a foreigner, whatever they do. In Panama, the culture is obviously closer (religion, history, language), but is it enough?!
While visiting Panama, I was told by an American lady living in Chiriqui that Panamanians do not mix. Maybe there is even little mixing between indigenous people and the others. I am referring to a mixing in terms of friendly relations, shared activities, invitations to family lunches or diners, somehow being part of the same community, etc. I thought that maybe the Panamanians were very centered on their family.
Besides the habit of not mixing (if that is true, I do not know), I could see some other barriers. Of course, there is the language, but it seems to me that the least any resident should do is to learn Spanish very well to the point of speaking it fluently within a few years. Another barrier is the culture. Also I guess the wealthiness can be a barrier.
If I dare to bring a sensitive topic to the table, I could raise the education also. I read several times that the level of education in Panama was lagging behind. I was told by a European foreigner who has held a pizzeria in Panama and in several poor or developing countries in the world, that he very often got stupid questions from locals that he never got in other countries. That puzzled me, I have to say. Again, I do not know whether that is true or not, and I do not mean to be disrespectful. Just trying to get an accurate picture! to assess how easy or difficult it could be to integrate. Of course, I know education is not everything. This is just one potential barrier along with the other ones I mentioned previously.
To add another potential barrier, the fact that expats do not necessarily work with Panamanians in local companies can lower the interactions quite a bit.
Thanks!
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