Program Description | Host Family & Community | Host School | Travel | Orientations | Eligibility
Program Description
Paraguay is a country alive with tradition; the fusing the indigenous Guanani Indian culture with that of the Spanish conquistadors to create a fascinating, unforgettable blend. Most Paraguayans live in small towns, where warm welcomes make up for a lack of modern conveniences. But even in the bigger cities, Paraguayan social life revolves around the family as well as the national passion, soccer.
West of Rio Paraguay is the hot infertile plain known as the Gran Chaco, which is sparsely settled and even less explored than the Amazon. 98% of the population lives in the more verdant eastern half. In that half, there are many fascinating locations such as the riverside capital of Asuncion, Jesuit mission ruins, and national parks.
AFSers in Paraguay live with a host family while studying Spanish and attending a local high school. Paraguayans value education; high school in Paraguay is typically quite formal and uniforms are required.
Language
There are two official languages in Paraguay: Spanish and Guaraní. Most Paraguayans either speak or understand both languages.
Although there is no language requirement, it would be very useful to have a basic background of the Spanish language before your arrival
AFS Paraguay will provide a 40 hour language course with experienced professional teachers. You will be placed in groups based on your knowledge of the Spanish language.
Host Family & Community
You could be placed anywhere in Paraguay, though most placements are located in small towns with easy access to larger cities. You are likely to live under conditions very different from those at your home in the U.S. Some families will not have modern facilities and the level of material comfort can be much lower than that of the typical wealthier household. Few homes have air conditioning, washing machines, dishwashers or microwave ovens.
Host families in Paraguay, like all AFS host families worldwide, are volunteers and are not paid. They open their homes to students in order to share their community and culture as well as to enrich their own family lives.
Paraguayans
About 95% of the people in Paraguay are mestizos, a word that describes people of mixed European and Amerindian descent, and most are bilingual in Spanish and Guaraní. Paraguayans are very hospitable, and conversation is a national pastime.
Day to day life in Paraguay is conducted at a peaceful, leisurely pace life, sometimes seemingly preserved from an earlier time. While Paraguay is modernizing as a country, it is still steeped in tradition. It proudly keeps alive its native arts, crafts, music, instruments and dance, and you will still find Guarani Indians selling feathered headdresses in city plazas.
In families, supervising the children and managing the household are typically the responsibilities of mothers while fathers are more occupied with work outside the home. Paraguayans are usually protective of their children, especially daughters. Parents expect to know when their children are going out and where they are going. Most social activities, vacations, and weekends are family events.
Teens
There are very few social clubs or events at school, but you may find that there are some different social activities organized for you. Paraguayan teenagers spend their afternoons doing homework, but on weekends they like to go out together as a group: they play sports, have picnics, go to parties or a movie, take walks, or hang out in parks.
Dancing is a big part of the culture of Paraguay for the young and old alike.
Meals
Paraguayans are accustomed to large meals at lunch and dinner, but breakfast is quick and light (milk, coffee or tea and bread). Corn, rice, potatoes and wheat are important staples, as are in-season fruits. Sopa Paraguaya, considered the most traditional dish, is a corn flour cake made with eggs, milk, cheese and onions.
Mealtime is often family time and, on Sundays, your extended host family is likely to pay a visit for a big family dinner.
Because the country has a strong meat production and meat is not expensive, meat is a very important item in the Paraguayan diet. Most Paraguayan families eat meat and it is very difficult for AFS Paraguay to place vegetarians.
It is considered inappropriate for individuals to request special foods or to prepare separate food for themselves.
Host School
Most AFS students are placed equivalent of junior or senior year of a private high school. You will focus on one of three areas of study: business/accounting/administration, social sciences, or biological sciences. Be prepared to accept any one of these options!
In most private schools, students attend classes until 3pm. In some cases, they have a longer school day once or twice a week. Private schools provide AFS with a tuition waiver, so you will not have to pay any tuition-related fees.
If you are attending a public school, you will either attend morning sessions from 7:00AM-12:00PM or afternoon sessions from 1:30PM-6:30PM.
Students in Paraguay wear uniforms. Be expected to spend around US$100 for uniforms and basic school supplies.
Check out the Host School FAQ (.pdf).
Travel
You will receive a Travel Notification email about 6 weeks prior to international departure with your international flight itinerary and detailed instructions for when to arrive at the Gateway Orientation site in Miami. At that point, you may arrange your domestic travel. In Miami, you will join other AFS-USA participants for an overnight Gateway Orientation before you travel together to Asuncion.
International airfare is included as part of the tuition, but it is your responsibility to arrange your travel from your hometown to the Gateway Orientation Site.
Your Arrival
After the Gateway Orientation in Miami, you and your fellow AFSers will travel together to Asuncion, the capital city, where AFS staff and volunteers will be waiting for you at the airport. After an overnight Arrival Orientation, you will travel by bus with AFS volunteers to your host community where you meet your host family.
Your Return
You will travel to Asuncion from your host community and then take an international flight back to Miami with other AFS-USA participants.
Orientations
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically (the locally held Pre-Departure Orientation, the Culture Trek online orientation, and the national Gateway Orientation), you and your fellow AFSers will have several orientations while abroad.
These required orientations are intended to help you maximize your AFS experience, prevent culture shock and to gain knowledge, skills and a global understanding.
Arrival Orientation
The first orientation will take place upon your arrival in Asuncion. This will be an overnight orientation at a retreat house that is intended to help you relax after a long trip and prepare you for your first weeks in Paraguay. You will meet AFS volunteers and staff and learn important safety tips and cultural etiquette among other things. This will be an international orientation and your opportunity to meet participants from around the world.
Mid-Stay Orientations
About one month after you arrive in Paraguay, you will be offered a two-day orientation held near Asuncion. This orientation focuses on starting your life in Paraguay and you will have the opportunity to speak with volunteers in group or individual counseling sessions.
If you are participating in a year program, you will be offered an additional orientation about six months into your stay in Paraguay. This orientation will be held on the local level and you will discuss local issues and your insights into Paraguayan culture.
End-of-Stay Orientation
Finally, there is an End-of-Stay Orientation about one month prior to departure. It will likely be held at a local destination of special interest. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
Eligibility
To participate in this program, you must:
- Be within the age range upon departure (located in the ‘read more’ drop-down)
- Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy in accordance with AFS Medical Evaluation Policies
- Have a U.S. passport at the time of application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the program end date
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
Participation Notes
Most Paraguayan families eat meat, making it very difficult to place vegetarians.
Younger graduates will be considered if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Although there is no language requirement, it would be very useful to have a basic background of the Spanish language before your arrival.
