Gap Program: Asunción, Paraguay

What to Expect

THE Model

The AMIGOS Gap Program in South America focuses on three key components: Spanish language acquisition, authentic cultural immersion, and real-world skill building.

• We believe in providing young people a Gap experience the offers independence, integration onto the local community, and the opportunity to make a substantial contribution to our partner organizations.
• Our program starts with a 2-week intensive Spanish language course to get you ready to live you life in Asuncion.
• You will move in with your host family after the first week and will stay with them for 13 weeks.
• AMIGOS will place you in a 12-week long internship at a local non-profit or school where you’ll be able to build real-world skills while making a positive impact.
• Enjoy group excursions to national parks, including a visit to Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and vist Itaipu Dam which is one of the 7 modern wonders of the world.

What You’ll GET

• Earn 200 service hours per semester while interning with a local organization and supporting a project you’re passionate about
• Robust health and safety protocols to ensure you’re well supported while on the program
• Mentorship through coaching, supervision, and support by our experienced project staff
• Spanish classes tailored to your level, whether you’re a novice or advanced Spanish speaker
• Live with a host family and connect with other young people through local clubs, sports, and the arts.
• Option to earn three college credits are available through Western Colorado University. Find out more here!

RequirEments

• Age: 17–22
• Receive required immunizations and meet the health criteria for participation
• Interest in supporting the work of a local non-profit or educational organization

What’s Included

All expenses in Paraguay are covered, including:

• Accommodation
• Three meals per day
• Spanish classes
• Excursions and entrance fees at sites we visit
• 24/7 On-Call Safety System

About the Program

Why Paraguay

• AMIGOS has 50+ years of operating programs in Paraguay.
• Extensive health and safety network
• Deep relationships with local NGOs, educational institutions, and businesses for internship opportunities.
• Amazing opportunity to embed yourself deep into South American history, culture and landscapes.

Example Internship Placements

• Local primary or secondary schools
• Small nonprofit organizations that work with marginalized populations
• Organizations that empower and support local small business owners
• Conservation and Ecology oriented organizations

Example Excursions

• Iguazu Falls
• Paraguayan Chaco
• Indigenous Communities
• Early Colonial Ruins

Example Service Projects

• Support with English language instruction and practice
• Support a beautification effort in a local park
• Support in the design and facilitation of workshops on environmental conservation and sustainability
• Help with website design and development
• Make promotional videos showcasing the work of your internship site

Week by week : A Day in the Life

Week 1: The first week of the project is focused on training and orientation.  You and the rest of the cohort will be staying together in a hostel in Asuncion and will be meeting each day with our project staff to cover everything from the history and cultural context of Paraguay, to navigating the public transportation, to our health and safety best practices.  At the end of the week, each member of the cohort will get to meet their host family.

Week 2-4: Starting week 2, each member of the cohort will move in with their host family and start their intensive Spanish language course.  A typical day will include breakfast with your host family, a bus ride to the Spanish school where you’ll see the rest of the group and then break up into level appropriate groups.  You may go back home for lunch or meet a friend at a local cafe for mate. In the afternoon you may return to the school putting your skills into practice with activities like salsa lessons, cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and outings around the city.  In the evening, you may help you host mother cook and share stories about your day over a traditional meal.

Week 5-14: After your first month, you’ll begin a full-time internship based on your skills and interests and the partner agency’s needs. Your day might look like this: Start your day with breakfast and mate with your host family before heading to your internship. You might lead English classes for kids, harvest vegetables in a community garden, or take photos of handmade products for sale. Share a typical lunch at home with your host family and take an afternoon break before meeting up with some friends for a yoga class. Return home and play card games with your host siblings after dinner or go out and  catch a concert or show with friends.

FAQ

What is it like to live with a host family?

AMIGOS places great value on the impact of our homestays. You’ll get the totally unforgettable experience of immersing yourself in the Paraguayan way of life! Take part in your host family’s customs and celebrations, like birthdays and holidays. Share meals, play games, and gain a second family.

How is the program staffed and what is the ratio of staff to students?

The program will be led by a Project Director assisted by Project Coordinators. The staff to student ratio is typically 1:7. Staff members meet with gap students regularly to make sure they are adjusting well, provide support, and help with any issues that arise. Staff also organize workshops and lead excursions.

What are some of the activities I might take part in?

Visit the remarkable Iguazu Falls
Learn to cook traditional Paraguayan dishes
Stroll through Asuncion’s historic center
Play soccer in the park with your friends
Visit an indigenous community and take part in a traditional celebratory meal
Explore early colonial ruins
View the unique wildlife in the Paraguayan Chaco

Do I have to be enrolled in college to participate?

No, you do not need to be enrolled in college or planning on enrolling in college to join. This program is open to all students ages 17–22, regardless of college plans. You should have an interest in the Spanish language or Latin American culture and a commitment to your community.

Am I able to travel while on the project?

Yes, as long as your travel does not conflict with your obligations to your internship, we encourage you to explore. We have a process for participants to communicate their travel plans to staff and their host family to ensure know where you are and how to contact you while you are traveling. Travel is not permitted during the first month or last 2 weeks of the program.