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Spend a year in el corazón de Sudamerica (the heart of South America) learning Spanish and immersing yourself in Paraguayan daily life. By living with a host family and attending a local high school, you’ll get an inside look at Paraguay’s fusion of Spanish and indigenous Guaraní cultures. This is your chance to participate in local customs like the asado (a traditional barbeque) and become an integral part of your community. Paraguay just might be South America’s most untouched, natural gem, so get ready for an adventure and learning experience that’s bound to change your life!

Experience first-hand the Paraguayan values, discover who you really are, make new friendships for life and be immersed in a fascinating intercultural experience.

Things to know

In Paraguay, you might be greeted in Spanish (“¿Cómo está?”) or the local indigenous dialect, Guaraní (“¿Mba’eichapa?”). Paraguayans are generally bilingual—they say that Spanish is the language of the head, while Guaraní is the language of the heart. Hand gestures are a common way to communicate; you can give a “thumbs up” when saying “Al pelo” (which means that everything is good) or “Iporã” (which means that everything is fine). To be respectful, Paraguayans often address adults as Don (for men) and Doña (for women).

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Field Trips
  • Cultural Tours
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Kick-start your future with AFS and discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.

This programme begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations, other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations which will help you maximize your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community as well as gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad, and as you return to your home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family the whole way through.