Newsroom Panama

By: David Russell

The change to a new campus has brought more than a new classroom building. Though the majority of FSU Panama’s students do not live in University Housing, it is an important facet of the university’s operations. As Chris Walsh and Nicolle Ferguson, the International Programs coordinator, both made their exit earlier in the spring semester, the bearer of the books saw an opportunity to streamline an ever-opportunistic budget and combine the two jobs into one. Enter Maria Elena Puerta: a seasoned real-estate agent, former teacher who has more years of experience in administration than most of FSU Panama’s students have alive. I had the opportunity to sit down for a few minutes and practically interrogate the woman about her previous experience and her sentiments about her job here so far. The following is the most pertinent excerpt of that extensive interview:

- Q: How did you initially learn about the position here at FSU?

A: I was told about the position by Miss Valerie Myrie (Administrative Assistant). I submitted my resume, was called for an interview, met with Dr. George, Ms Anyfanti, and Dr. Langoni, and I was told they would be conducting a few more interviews. Three weeks later I received a call and here I am.

- Q: As far as Coordinating is concerned, what role do you have with housing?

A: I have to take calls from interested parties, handle contracts and explain them anything they don’t understand if need be. I work with the Resident Assistant(s) to assign the rooms, and anything related to purchases for the houses in tandem with the operations department.

- Q: So far what can you say about your experience as IP/Housing Coordinator?

A: It has been a good experience. I am a real estate agent, so The International Program aspect is new to me. I have some prior experience in education, I taught in a high school for a couple years, but in terms of administration I have a little over 30 years of experience.

- Q: Have you encountered any problems with the City of Knowledge staff when it comes to residency?

A: No, no problems so far, but there are lots of steps that must be taken and people that must be talked to in order to fix things, because there are lots of buildings in need of maintenance.

- Q: How do you feel about the typical student complaints with housing? (i.e. the walk is too long, the houses are too cold, there are insects, etc.)

A: That’s normal. I suppose everyone complains when something is not working as they believe they should.

- Q: How do you feel about the coming fall semester knowing that summer was less hectic than it will be?

A: There will be more people and we may have to implement some things to maintain order in the dorms.

- Q: In regards to housing, are you familiar with the houses, have you ever been inside one?

A: Yes, I have been to the dorm two or three times. I think they are comfortable, although maybe there are maintenance issues that we should address together with the City of Knowledge.

- Q: Is it true that the IP students receive preferential treatment over the locals or non-USA students?

A: There is no preferential treatment in terms of housing because all students are paying for the same services. The IP program was created to assist the students with their visas and other activities they are paying for. When non-USA students ask for our assistance or expertise regarding their visas, we’re always happy to help, and have done so in past instances.

- Q: Do you feel Eduardo McCullough, the current Resident Assistant is sufficient or that we may need another RA, perhaps a woman?

By Robert Jackson (alumnus)

            FSU-Panama offers an interesting program for students that wish to study Computer Science.  It has all the elements of a normal Computer Science program (Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Physics), but the whole program can be completed while studying in the Republic of Panama!  The Computer Science program at FSU-Panama is a mixed mode program, meaning that some courses are offered on campus (Physics, Chemistry, Calculus), while others (Algorithms, Data Structures, AI) are offered using the Blackboard Course Management System.

            A lot of students are flocking to these programs because of their flexibility and high quality.  Many universities are seeing a high demand for online Computer Science programs.  That being said, there are traditional Computer Science programs that are offered in Panama, for example the Universidad Tecnologica (UTP) offers degrees in Sistemas and Informatica.  Why should a student choose FSU's program instead?

            Here are three reasons: (1) in-state tuition (2) a doorway to study in the US and (3) FSU is an internationally respected school.  FSU-Panama offers in-state tuition (just like a Florida resident) to all students at the Panama Campus, also with the 2+2 program, after two years of studying at FSU-Panama, the student can receive in-state tuition at the Tallahassee campus.  Finally, FSU offers an accredited education that is recognized throughout the world as being of high quality.

            The in-state tuition point of my argument is, by itself, an incredible bonus considering that most universities have separate international student rates that are twice to three-times the in-state rate.  This is an excellent opportunity for Latin American students to study in the lucrative and vertical field of Computer Science.

By: Ana Gabriel Lobo

Higher education for many of us is more than just about obtaining a degree; it goes beyond completing another step in order to get a well paying job. It is rather about the journey, the character and the experience acquired in it, the completion of your goals, personal growth and the will to overcome yourself. In this way, a main factor in this experience is the setting you choose for this journey. The place where you will study or in other words, deposit your hopes and dreams for the next few years of your life plays an important role in defining not only your professional career, but also the rest of your life.  

Many argue that this ideal setting might be found in the United States. The belief that the US possesses some of the best colleges worldwide is highly popular, and that argument is well supported in most cases. The resources offered, the opportunities for financial aid, the faculty, the infrastructure, environment and many other factors distinguish American universities and place them high, if not first, in most world rankings. For this reason the idea of exporting this education has become wildly popular. Having a world class education for less and never having to leave your country is a seductive, comfortable and interesting promise. Such a guarantee is what Florida State University, among other US colleges in Panama assures. This guarantee is what brings me to the aim of my discussion, which is assessing how effective is FSU Panama as a mirror of higher education in the United States. 

The best way to answer this question is to compare FSU Panama to another college in the United States. Having experienced both worlds, I can contrast the differences between two different institutions: FSU Panama and Purdue University. The latter is a middle sized public college located in a small town northwest Indiana. Purdue is ultimately known for its acclaimed school of engineering; however, their business program also ranks high. The contrast of FSU Panama and Purdue offers an interesting study that is capable of answering many doubts and concerns about higher education. 

These two colleges have more in common than one might think. First, because of being both from the US they share the same method and system. This is one of the most relevant similarities, since the methodology of education is what sets an institution apart from the rest. It is also an advantage because the methodology of colleges in the US is proven to be greatly successful and also comfortable for students. Apart from this, the plan of study for some careers is very similar and has many basic courses in common. This is also pivotal since curriculums in the US are well tested and integral. Also, they share a holistic approach towards education, like most colleges there do, by offering extracurricular activities and encouraging student involvement. Finally, they both teach completely in English. Some might take this for granted, but speaking another language is essential in our world today. It sets you apart and distinguishes you.    

On the contrary, the differences of education in FSU Panama and in the United States surpass the similarities. First, the environment in Panama does not carry the level of commitment and competition found abroad. It is rather laid back and unfocused. The sometimes harsh environment in the US forces you to do better and encourages you to overcome yourself. Besides, FSU Panama lacks strength in additional activities that compliment the academic education. For example, the level of student involvement through organizations, clubs, sports and the pride for one’s college here is very poor in comparison.  Furthermore, the resources offered in the US like laboratories, research facilities and the infrastructure provided are nowhere to be found here. Some of these resources are the presence of graduate students. In the US you not only learn from your teacher but also from these graduate students who are teaching assistants, extra classes, help rooms and many other tools at your disposal for clarification and understanding. Additionally, the curriculum here is very limited since it only allows you to complete certain degrees in Panama, or just complete courses in Liberal Arts before transferring somewhere else. Moreover, I have found that the United States offers far more opportunities for scholarships and financial aid through the entire course of your career. Finally, I consider the fact of never leaving your comfort zone a disadvantage. In my case, I have learned more from the experience of living by myself, of being thrown out in a world that is not my own and of leaving behind everything that is familiar to me than from my classes. These experiences give you character, they make you grow as a person and provide many positive qualities to your personality.

However, some of the differences found between FSU Panama and the United States are advantageous for FSU. For example, the fact that it is a small institution allows an individualized education you will hardly find in the US. This gives you a better opportunity to shine, to be more than just a number and to get far more out of your teachers. The teachers have a very similar level of qualification, which in the case of FSU is an advantage since the student-teacher ratio is very low. 

To conclude, FSU Panama is a growing college that has accomplished a great deal in the years it has been functioning. It has offered many students the opportunity to study abroad for a considerable low cost and it has been a pioneer and a leader at doing this. As a launching platform or a starting point I believe that FSU Panama is an excellent option, an intelligent and comfortable choice. However as an institution to complete your entire career I find that it still lacks many important qualifications which are mostly acquired over time and experience. The promise is not a failed one; it is rather a working plan, a growing opportunity that demands will and a desire to learn from the student to make it true.

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