Kalu Yala
Programs and Reviews
Kalu Yala offers a variety of internships and volunteer positions in Panama, and seeks to create a sustainable community of entrepreneurs in Panama. Visit the Kalu Yala website to learn more about our programs!
Our intern/volunteer program is an exciting opportunity for college students and recent grads to work with the Kalu Yala team to discover a new and conscious way of living. Our current participants come from a variety of different geographic locations, areas of study and experience backgrounds.
Programs Abroad
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Reviews
100%Overall
Rating
100%Overall
Rating
Kalu Yala is such a beautiful place, and there is always something to do. I got the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects. It was a fabulous work environment because there is a mentality that everyone helps each other out. The directors are knowledgeable and exceptionally ambitious leaders. They encouraged me to do my own project. They supported me by sharing proven research materials and listening to my ideas and providing feedback.
10%Overall
Rating
I'm writing to explain a frustrating situation that has left me feeling embarrassed and disappointed, in hopes that it will prevent future issues with anyone else who applies to Kalu Yala. I applied to be an intern with this program, excited to be traveling and making an impact. I was surprisingly informed that I had been selected to be a paid community outreach director. I had clarified to make sure this was accurate and received verification that it was. Two weeks later, I was told via e-mail that I would not be receiving the position and originally wasn't supposed to be considered for the job. As a blogger, I created a youtube video about my experience to explain to my extended family and friends who follow my blog that I didn't have the job anymore. The director of Kalu Yala must have seen the video show up in related searches because she wrote a comment saying I was being angry when I was merely describing what happened. I did not mention any last names in my video or mean any disrespect. She continued to say she felt like I wouldn't have been a good pick as an intern or director anyway. There is a serious lack of communication and now I am left to scramble to find other internship/job opportunities. Yes, this is a young organization, but I expected it to be more professional. I received only a "sorry" and that I could still pay the $3500 dollars to be an intern. But after this huge mistake no thank you.
Kalu Yala's Response to samanthastarns:
Hi! I would just like to note that this review was written by someone who didn't attend Kalu Yala Internships. It is unfair for her to review Facilities, Benefits, Safety or Fun simply because she did not participate. (Although we certainly appreciate the 10 out of 10 for safety!)
As for my comment on her YouTube video, I'm happy to post it here as well:
Hey Sam- I wish you could recall your excitement interviewing to be an intern, which was the position you applied for. Kelly made an honest mistake. The position Kelly "gave" you isn't open and by posting this video with such an angry description I don't think you'd have been a good fit to intern or work here anyway. Attitude is everything, and how someone handles a tough situation says a lot about the person. We're about making lemonade out of lemons. All the best in your future endeavors- Kate
90%Overall
Rating
I got to work on what I wanted plus get 5 days of travel time for every 10 days of work- so I accomplished both my goal to grow in the work environment plus see the sights of Panama. Win-Win.
90%Overall
Rating
Kalu Yala was a perfect internship program to end my college career. They have great values and goals for the future. I was actually in the outdoor recreation program, not the community outreach (teaching) program. We spent most of our time in the jungle, which was one hell of an experience! Projects included; blazing trails, signing trails, building structures, creating activity itineraries and more. The great thing about this internship, for a person like me, is that you can work on anything that inspires you...making you own project. If you like adventure, Kalu Yala is for you!
I took a semester off during my second year of undergrad on a whim to be a Kalu Yala intern in the spring of 2011. I was welcomed by loving people (staff and citizens of San Miguel), amazing food, and breathtaking views straight out of a photography book. I created my own research project and my work remains a tool that I am continually contacted about by other interns. The positive reinforcement, the passionate people, and the vision of the company as a whole were just a few of the reasons that I applied to be a program director. As a paid employee I was allowed to create my own program, carry out IRB-approved research, and help to shape the lives and experiences of my interns, my fellow employees, the local individuals, and Kalu Yala as a company and driving force in the sustainability movement. Kalu Yala has been a springboard for me to get related jobs in research. They remain helpful and encouraging from afar.
Other unique experiences from both of my stints with KY: collected medicinal plants with an Embera healer, helped raise chickens, hiked in and out of the Kalu Yala valley, traveled around Panama, harvested yuca and other plants with local San Miguelians, created a book detailing local plant knowledge of 150 plants, conducted 21 recorded interviews in Spanish with local women regarding healthcare; created lifelong bonds with interns, staff, and locals alike.
Critical Feedback:
During my time, the organization was off, but the situation has improved and most issues have been completely abolished. I'm impressed by their development. This company started slow but is now moving fast! Jump on the train and go for the ride of your life!