Virtual Program
9 Virtual Live Sessions, including 3 sessions with a Client
*This program includes activities that require review by the professor
Program Overview
This program equips students with accounting management skills to support microenterprises in rural and urban communities across Panama.
Working in small teams, students collaborate directly with small business owners to analyze financial records, develop bookkeeping systems, and implement practical accounting tools such as income statements and balance sheets.
The program integrates intercultural competence with bilingual (English/Spanish) deliverables, ensuring students can effectively engage with local entrepreneurs. Guided by local professionals, students work closely with business owners in resource-limited areas to create customized accounting solutions, from basic record-keeping to financial planning. Through client interviews, financial assessments, and structured templates, students develop actionable tools to improve fiscal transparency and sustainability.
Beyond technical skills, the program fosters cultural competence, enhancing collaboration and outcomes for community partners. By the end of the experience, students gain not only practical practical expertise but also a deeper understanding of how financial empowerment drives socioeconomic development in cross-cultural contexts.
We understand that every group has unique learning objectives and logistical needs. Whether you’re interested in adjusting the program length, scheduling flexibility, team size, cultural immersion depth, or technology use, our team is happy to tailor this experience to your goals.
Contact us to discuss how we can adapt the curriculum and schedule to align with your institution’s priorities.
Bookkeeping Tools Learning Objectives
Students that successfully complete the Bookkeeping Tools Program will be able to:
- Analyze economic and social challenges affecting rural communities in a developing country
- Examine microfinance principles and their application in community banking systems in Panama
- Master foundational bookkeeping and accounting principles tailored to small businesses in resource-limited settings
- Collaborate in small teams to design and deliver actionable bookkeeping management tools for local entrepreneurs
- Present a workshop to small business clients on essential accounting practices and bookkeeping tools.
Resources provided in support of the Virtual Sessions and Modules
- Bilingual facilitators and client liaisons who coordinate each virtual session with students. The client liaisons provide translation during virtual sessions involving business clients, ensuring clear communication
- Students receive guidance from local business experts, as well as support from full-time local teams dedicated to assisting business clients
- All participants have access to electronic support materials through Canvas (LMS)
- Working in small groups, each class collaborates with one business client throughout the program
- Session scheduling that coordinates class meetings and meetings with business clients.
Virtual Sessions and Modules
Module 1 – Introduction to Global Brigades, Economic Context of Panama and Foundations of International Consulting
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Mission and vision and brief history of Global Brigades
- Program Introduction and Expectations
- Panama Country Overview and Economic Context
- Client Selection Process
- Foundations of international Consulting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Strategies for sustainable Business Solutions
- Assigned reading: Consulting Project Guide
Module 2 – Challenges of Rural Entrepreneurs and the Role of Global Brigades in Supporting Clients
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Panama’s Economic Disparities
- Eskala and the Community Banks
- Challenges of rural Entrepreneurs of Panama
- Communication Skills for Business Analysis
- Pillars to have a Successful Business
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Panama’s Caja Rural model.
- Assigned reading: Deliverables Tool Guide
Module 3 – Key Accounting Concepts and Client Meeting Preparation
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Key Accounting Concepts Review
- Getting to Know Your Client
- Initial Client Meeting Preparation
- Identify information gaps
- Brainstorm Bookkeeping Solutions
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
- Finish drafting client-specific questions.
- Practice the Business Spanish and Equations Package.
Module 4 – Client Meeting (Session 1)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Initial client consultation and qualitative data collection
- Gather missing information
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Relationship-building strategies
- Summarize client challenges and goals
Module 5 – Working Session 1 (Bookkeeping Workshop Preparation)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Analysis of the Client’s Business using the SWOT analysis
- Identify solutions to address the challenges identified in the meeting with the Client
- Start working on the Bookkeeping Tools Workshop for Client
- Document missing information for follow-up.
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare follow-up questions for the client
- Continue working on the Bookkeeping Tools Workshop for Client.
Module 6 – Client Meeting (Session 2)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present preliminary findings to the Client
- Follow-up interview to clarify bookkeeping challenges
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Client collaboration and Communication in Bookkeeping
- Finalice working on the Bookkeeping Tools Workshop for Client
- Prepare your presentation for the Local Business Expert.
Module 7 – Local Business Expert Review
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present workshop for the Local Business Expert review
- Integrate feedback to strengthen bookkeeping strategies
Self-Paced Activities:
- Incorporate expert feedback into bookkeeping strategies and workshop presentation.
Module 8 – Bookkeeping Workshop Presentation to Client
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Final Bookkeeping Workshop Presentation to Client
- Live demonstration of tools
- Address final Client feedback
- Practical implementation guidance
Self-Paced Activities:
- Incorporate workshop feedback
- Submit completed workshop and handouts.
Module 9 – Reflection & Discussion
Contact Time: 1 hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Reflection: Program Experience
- Lessons learned and future applications
Self-Paced Activities:
- Complete the Final Business Program Evaluation.