Paraguay: Tierra Guaraní
A 6-Week Spanish and Guaraní Language Immersion in Rural Paraguay.
Proyecto Resumen
Immerse yourself in the unique Paraguayan and Guaraní culture while living and serving in a rural community. During your time in the community, you will learn some of the local Guarani language and practice Spanish while sipping tereré with your host family. Throughout the summer, you will have the opportunity to work on service projects that your host community has prioritized, leading activities for local kids, all while making meaningful connections and building lasting relationships.
At the end of the program, you will visit two of the most iconic landmarks in South America: Iguazú Falls, located on the Brazilian side of the border and officially recognized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; and the Itaipú Dam, on the Paraguay–Brazil border, named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Capacitación y preparación
Start Strong, stay confident! Immerse projects offer the highest level of independence, so training builds the skills you’ll need to thrive in community.
Voluntarios Nacionales:
3–5 hour self‑paced online course (one month before departure)
3 interactive Immerse Training Webinars
Seminario web sobre información del proyecto (PIP)
Familiar asiste a seminario web sobre salud y seguridad
Voluntarios del capítulo local:
Capacitación presencial del capítulo (feb-may)
Breve cuestionario de conceptos en línea (mediados de mayo)
3 Immerse Training Webinars
Seminario web sobre información del proyecto (PIP)
Familiar asiste a seminario web sobre salud y seguridad
Ready to lead, ready to immerse! Once you land, you’ll spend 4-5 days getting grounded. Orientation introduces you to local culture, daily life, and your community assignment. Project staff lead sessions on health, safety, and project activities and expectations so you feel confident and prepared before diving into the local community.
Closing strong, Carrying forward! In your final two nights, you’ll come together with fellow volunteers to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for the journey home. Debriefing helps you process your experience, navigate reverse culture shock, and wrap up travel logistics. It’s a supportive space to share growth and learn how to tell your story to family and friends.
Qué hacer Esperar
Vive más, descúbrete a ti mismo.
AMIGOS projects are designed to challenge and inspire. You’ll dive into hands‑on activities, connect with local communities, live with a host family, and experience life tech‑free. Every moment builds connection, leadership, and friendships that last far beyond the program.
A look at what volunteers do in the Tierra Guarani project.
- SERVICIO
- Develop and implement a service project in your community with the Local Youth Leaders (LYLs) and community members.
- acilitate fun and educational activities, Recreos, for kids 5 days a week with the LYLs.
- CONEXIÓN E INMERSIÓN
- Make your own daily schedule — take initiative and shape your experience.
- Reconnect at Midterm — meet up with fellow AMIGOS and call home.
- Visit one of the 7 wonders of the World–Visit Iguazu falls and Itaipu Dam.
- Join cultural events — participate in traditions and celebrations.
- Help on the chacra — if your host family has a small farm, you may lend a hand.
Los voluntarios desarrollan conexiones con las personas que hacen posible cada proyecto: familias anfitrionas, jóvenes locales, miembros de la comunidad, organizaciones socias, el personal de AMIGOS y otros voluntarios. Estas relaciones son fundamentales para la experiencia de AMIGOS, ya que crean un espacio para el intercambio cultural, el aprendizaje compartido y el servicio colaborativo.
Vivir con una familia anfitriona lleva a los voluntarios más allá de la experiencia turística, ofreciendo un genuino sentido de pertenencia en la comunidad. Es la manera definitiva de mejorar rápidamente las habilidades en español y construir relaciones interculturales que a menudo duran toda la vida. Con 60 años de experiencia, AMIGOS evalúa rigurosamente a cada hogar mediante visitas domiciliarias en persona, entrevistas y capacitación obligatoria sobre salud y seguridad. Los supervisores del personal realizan visitas de seguimiento periódicas y brindan apoyo de emergencia las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana.
“The time I spent with my host family changed my life for the better. They taught me so much about the world, language, humility, and culture, and through that I learned about myself.”
A lo largo de los años, hemos observado que los voluntarios que optan por una desconexión digital total informan una mayor satisfacción, vínculos comunitarios más fuertes y menos casos de nostalgia o angustia emocional. Nuestra experiencia, respaldada por investigaciones emergentes sobre el uso de la tecnología y la salud mental, demuestra que desconectarse de los dispositivos permite a los voluntarios conectarse más profundamente consigo mismos, con sus compañeros y con sus comunidades de acogida.
Política Integral de Tecnología¿Tienes curiosidad sobre la experiencia diaria? Explora un itinerario de ejemplo para este viaje.
Seguridad y Soporte
AMIGOS prepara a los voluntarios con capacitación en salud y seguridad antes de la salida y orientación específica sobre el proyecto durante la sesión informativa en el país. Los voluntarios aprenden qué esperar, cómo tomar decisiones responsables y a dónde acudir en busca de apoyo si es necesario.
A lo largo del proyecto, el personal elabora planes de emergencia para cada voluntario y ubicación, realiza evaluaciones de riesgo periódicas y está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana a través del Sistema Interno de Llamadas de Salud y Seguridad de AMIGOS, respaldado por un equipo de profesionales de la salud médica y mental.
Costo y Ayuda Financiera
Las tarifas del programa cubren todos los costos esenciales, incluidos el alojamiento con familias anfitrionas, las comidas locales, el transporte dentro del país, las excursiones grupales y una red de apoyo de emergencia 24/7. Qué está incluido:
- 6 weeks of immersive programming and activities
- Todas las comidas y el alojamiento
- Transporte dentro del país
- sistema de seguridad y soporte 24/7
- Antes de la salida y capacitación, en línea o en persona
Lo que no está incluido: vuelos, protección de viaje, equipo.
Más sobre aranceles y financiamientoNuestros precios transparentes y con todo incluido y nuestra ayuda financiera flexible opciones de recaudación de fondos maximice el valor para su familia.
Voces de los participantes
Preguntado frecuentemente Preguntas
Tierra Guaraní is perfect for students ready to take ownership of their experience. Curiosity, adaptability, and initiative will help you thrive as you build relationships with your host family, practice Spanish (and learn some Guaraní), and embrace Paraguay’s slower pace of life.
This project is especially rewarding if you’re comfortable stepping away from familiar routines, creating your own momentum, and learning through everyday conversations. If you’re excited to grow more independent and discover how much can be learned by simply being present, this program is for you.
Tierra Guaraní goes beyond visiting Paraguay — it’s about living daily life there. Over six weeks, you’ll form lasting relationships with host families and youth leaders, practice Spanish and Guaraní, and embrace a slower pace of life.
With staff support but real independence, you’ll create routines, collaborate on service projects, and learn through everyday conversations. As AMIGOS’ longest program, it offers time, trust, and immersion — ending with an unforgettable visit to Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
AMIGOS began its work in Paraguay in 1972 in partnership with the Ministry of Health, focusing on immunizations and community sanitation. In 1993, these initiatives expanded into separate projects — one based in Asunción and another in nearby regions.
By 2011, our work shifted toward youth leadership and extracurricular education, reflecting a broader organizational focus. AMIGOS ran open‑enrollment summer programs in Paraguay through 2017 and proudly relaunched in 2024, continuing a legacy of community partnership and youth empowerment.
Yes! Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more Aquí.
You can earn 150 service hours on this program.
You’ll experience both group and family living. At the start, midterm, and end of the project, volunteers stay together with staff in dorm‑style lodging. For most of the program, you’ll live with a Paraguayan host family — usually with one partner or independently — in groups of 2–3 per community. AMIGOS staff provide support through weekly visits and check-ins.
Most food will be home‑cooked, typical Paraguayan dishes featuring staples like meat, corn, and rice. You’ll get to try local favorites such as:
Borí Borí — corn flour and cheese dumplings served in a fresh vegetable or chicken broth.
Chipa — a savory, cheesy scone.
Sopa Paraguaya — a unique cornmeal‑based bread.
This project is best suited for volunteers who eat meat, as vegetarian diets cannot be accommodated by host families.
During your project, you’ll be in Paraguay’s winter. Daytime temperatures usually range from 50°F to 77°F, with occasional warm days reaching the mid‑80s. However, cold fronts can bring nights down into the low 40s, and homes often feel colder indoors since most don’t have heating. The atmosphere is humid, so expect some rain. Communities are located in rural farmland with flat terrain, making it easy to walk from place to place.
Jopara (Yopará): A blend of Guaraní and Spanish, widely spoken in the region.
Tranquilopa / Tranquilo nomá: A local phrase meaning “it’s all good, relax, don’t worry” — the Paraguayan version of hakuna matata.
Tereré: The cold version of mate, Paraguay’s national herbal drink, shared socially throughout the day.
Guapo / Guapa: A compliment for being hardworking — if someone calls you guapo or guapa, you’re on their good side!
AMIGOS uses an Asset‑Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which means projects are shaped by the priorities of each community. Volunteers work alongside local youth and leaders to design and carry out initiatives that matter most to them.
Past projects have included:
Community beautification (painting, tree planting, clean‑ups)
Building shaded bus stops with seating
Creating welcome signage for communities
Developing playgrounds for children
Because projects are community‑driven, the process can take time. Volunteers are involved in every stage. This hands‑on model offers a real look at how international development works, while giving you the chance to make a lasting impact.
Ideal for volunteers ready for deep cultural immersion, the Paraguay: Tierra Guaraní project offers six weeks of rural community life, Spanish and Guaraní language practice, and meaningful service shaped by local priorities. Volunteers live with host families, collaborate with local youth, lead activities for kids, and experience daily life in Paraguay while growing their independence and leadership.
- Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
- Receive required immunizations
- Be age 15–19 on the project start date
- Have taken 2 years of Spanish or the equivalent
- Passport valid 6 months after project start date
- Complete pre-departure training, online or in-person
