Paraguay: Tierra Guarani
A 6-Week Spanish and Guaraní Language Immersion in Rural Paraguay.
Project Overview
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.
Training & Preparation
Start Strong, stay confident! Immerse projects offer the highest level of independence, so training builds the skills you’ll need to thrive in community.
National Volunteers:
3–5 hour self‑paced online course (one month before departure)
3 interactive Immerse Training Webinars
Project Information (PIP) Webinar
Family member attends Health & Safety Webinar
Local Chapter Volunteers:
In‑person chapter training (Feb–May)
Short online concept quiz (mid‑May)
3 Immerse Training Webinars
Project Information (PIP) Webinar
Family member attends Health & Safety Webinar
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.
What to Expect
Experience More, Discover Yourself.
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.
- SERVICE
- 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.
- CONNECTION & IMMERSION
- 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.
Volunteers develop connections with the people who make each project possible: host families, local youth, community members, partner organizations, AMIGOS staff, and fellow volunteers. These relationships are central to the AMIGOS experience, creating space for cultural exchange, shared learning, and collaborative service.
Living with a host family moves volunteers past the tourist experience, offering a genuine sense of belonging in the community. It’s the ultimate way to rapidly improve Spanish skills and build cross-cultural relationships that often last a lifetime. With 60 years of experience, AMIGOS strictly vets every household through in-person home visits, interviews, and mandatory health and safety training. Staff supervisors conduct regular check-ins and provide 24/7 emergency support.
“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.”
Over the years, we have observed that volunteers who choose a full digital detox report higher satisfaction, stronger community bonds, and fewer instances of homesickness or emotional distress. Our experience, supported by emerging research on technology use and mental health, demonstrates that disconnecting from devices allows volunteers to connect more deeply with themselves, their peers, and their host communities.
Full Technology PolicyCurious about the daily experience? Explore a sample itinerary for this trip.
Safety and Support
AMIGOS prepares volunteers with health and safety training before departure and project-specific guidance during in-country briefing. Volunteers learn what to expect, how to make responsible decisions, and where to turn for support if needed.
Throughout the project, staff develop emergency plans for each volunteer and location, conduct regular risk assessments, and are available 24/7 through AMIGOS’ in-house Health and Safety On-Call System, supported by a team of medical and mental health professionals.
Cost and Financial Aid
Program fees covers all essential costs, including lodging with host families, local meals, in-country transportation, group excursions, and a 24/7 emergency support network. What’s included:
- 6 weeks of immersive programming and activities
- All meals and accommodations
- In-country transportation
- 24/7 safety and support system
- Pre-departure and training, online or in-person
What’s not included: flights, travel protection, gear.
More About Fees & FundingOur transparent, all-inclusive pricing and flexible financial aid and fundraising options maximize value for your family.
Participant Voices
Frequently Asked Questions
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 here.
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
