Latest posts by April Hearne (see all)
Paraguay: Cross-Cultural Connection and Nature
Practice Spanish and Guarani, Build Friendships with Paraguayan Peers, Volunteer at a Nature Reserve
This project is good for volunteers who love nature, being outdoors, physical activity, and immersing in a new culture.
Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.
Most food will be home-cooked typical. including meat, Paraguayan food, and rice.
A combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. Volunteers will be split into two groups of 8-10 people and live in nearby communities with a Project Supervisor. The whole group will come together on several occasions throughout the project.
Earn 36 service hours.
AMIGOS initiated its work in Paraguay in 1972 in partnership with the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health). For a number of years the AMIGOS Paraguay Project involved a combination of human immunizations and community sanitation efforts. In 1993, AMIGOS expanded its work in Paraguay and began sponsoring these two initiatives on separate projects. One project focused on human immunizations and was based in Asunción, while a separate community sanitation project was based in a nearby region. In 2011 AMIGOS began to direct an increasingly significant portion of their focus towards youth leadership development and extracurricular education with children within communities, and this shift was reflected in our work in Paraguay as well. AMIGOS ran Summer Program projects in Paraguay through 2017 and returned in 2024!
This is the only project that combines 10-day host family stay in a rural community with a week-long camp in a national park or nature reserve with local youth. It is an opportunity to live like a local and be outside supporting conservation efforts.
Due to the country’s central location in South America, it is sometimes referred to as Corazón de Sudamérica (Heart of South America).
| Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A | 3.5 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
June 13 – July 7, 2025 |
15–19 |
Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - June Departures: April 8, 2025 |
$5,575 – National Chapter $4,575 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Flight costs are not included Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance |
| Session B | 3.5 Weeks |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish Passport valid 6 months after project end date Pre-departure training, online or in-person Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring |
July 14 – August 7, 2025 |
15-19 |
Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025 National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025 National Chapter - July Departures: May 14, 2025 |
$5,575 – National Chapter $4,575 – Local Chapters Fees include all in-country expenses Flight costs are not included Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance |
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
June 13 – July 7, 2025
$5,575 – National Chapter
$4,575 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Flight costs are not included
Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance
Minimum 2 years of Spanish
Passport valid 6 months after project end date
Pre-departure training, online or in-person
Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring
July 14 – August 7, 2025
$5,575 – National Chapter
$4,575 – Local Chapters
Fees include all in-country expenses
Flight costs are not included
Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance
Despite not operating summer open enrollment programs in Paraguay since 2017, AMIGOS has maintained strong local partnership to support our Youth Ambassadors program in Paraguay. We are excited to expand the relationship with our partners in the country as we invest in a return to the region.
Day 1: Arrive in Paraguay – Asuncion – Stay in a hostel near the airport overnight with your group
Day 2-4: Briefing Site – Briefing activities, meet your fellow volunteers, participate in Spanish and Guarani classes
Day 5-17: Host Community – Stay with a host family in a local rural community. Support and facilitate fun and recreational activities for kids
Day 18-24: Nature and Conservation – Stay at a national park or nature reserve with local Paraguayan youth
Day 25-27: Debriefing in Asuncion – Reflect on your experience and explore the city as a group
*Itineraries are subject to change.
I had the opportunity to make new friends both in the U.S.A and in Paraguay, improve my Spanish, learn some Guarani, improve my leadership skills and discover the new culture.
—Rohayhu, Volunteer in Paraguari, Paraguay
Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.
Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.
Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.
Travel off the beaten path and to must-see spots in Ecuador! Live like a local, not a tourist, with a host family in your host community. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with volunteers and community members and have fun!
AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!
🎉 Cherished family moments, supporting partner organizations during their most important events of the year, or experiencing the thrill of a concert—these are just a few of the unforgettable memories our Gap participants are creating! 🌟🎶💬
1️⃣The Paraguayan experience: empanada with 🍞
2️⃣Gap participants on their way to an excursion
3️⃣Time to enjoy an outdoor concert 🎶
4️⃣Event at one of our Partner Organisations 🤝
5️⃣Boat ride on the Paraguayan river 🌊
_
🎉 Momentos en familia, apoyar a organizaciones aliadas en sus eventos más importantes del año o vivir la emoción de un concierto—¡estos son solo algunos de los recuerdos inolvidables que las personas participantes de Gap están creando! 🌟🎶💬
1️⃣Experiencia paraguaya: empanada con pancito
2️⃣Participantes de Gap camino a una excursión
3️⃣Momento para disfrutar de un concierto al aire libre
4️⃣Evento en una de nuestras organizaciones aliadas
5️⃣Paseo en bote sobre el río Paraguay
#GapParaguay
#AmigosDeLasAméricas
🎉 Cherished family moments, supporting partner organizations during their most important events of the year, or experiencing the thrill of a concert—these are just a few of the unforgettable memories our Gap participants are creating! 🌟🎶💬
1️⃣The Paraguayan experience: empanada with 🍞
2️⃣Gap participants on their way to an excursion
3️⃣Time to enjoy an outdoor concert 🎶
4️⃣Event at one of our Partner Organisations 🤝
5️⃣Boat ride on the Paraguayan river 🌊
_
🎉 Momentos en familia, apoyar a organizaciones aliadas en sus eventos más importantes del año o vivir la emoción de un concierto—¡estos son solo algunos de los recuerdos inolvidables que las personas participantes de Gap están creando! 🌟🎶💬
1️⃣Experiencia paraguaya: empanada con pancito
2️⃣Participantes de Gap camino a una excursión
3️⃣Momento para disfrutar de un concierto al aire libre
4️⃣Evento en una de nuestras organizaciones aliadas
5️⃣Paseo en bote sobre el río Paraguay
#GapParaguay
#AmigosDeLasAméricas
🍂🦃 Happy Thanksgiving to our AMIGOS community! 🦃🍂
We’re so grateful for YOU—our Host Families, Partner Agencies, Participants, and Friends. ❤️ Thank you for being part of the AMIGOS journey!
And since it’s #TBT, we’re throwing it back to this heartwarming blog written by a volunteer in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷✨
🍂🦃 ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias a nuestra comunidad de AMIGOS! 🦃🍂
Estamos muy agradecidos por cada una de las personas que forman parte de AMIGOS: nuestras familias anfitrionas, organizaciones asociadas, participantes y amistades. ❤️ ¡Gracias por ser parte del camino de AMIGOS!
Y como es #TBT, compartimos este blog escrito por una persona participante en Costa Rica. 🇨🇷✨
#Thankful
#AMI60S
#AMIGOSCommunity 💙
🍂🦃 Happy Thanksgiving to our AMIGOS community! 🦃🍂
We’re so grateful for YOU—our Host Families, Partner Agencies, Participants, and Friends. ❤️ Thank you for being part of the AMIGOS journey!
And since it’s #TBT, we’re throwing it back to this heartwarming blog written by a volunteer in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷✨
🍂🦃 ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias a nuestra comunidad de AMIGOS! 🦃🍂
Estamos muy agradecidos por cada una de las personas que forman parte de AMIGOS: nuestras familias anfitrionas, organizaciones asociadas, participantes y amistades. ❤️ ¡Gracias por ser parte del camino de AMIGOS!
Y como es #TBT, compartimos este blog escrito por una persona participante en Costa Rica. 🇨🇷✨
#Thankful
#AMI60S
#AMIGOSCommunity 💙
Our Gap volunteers have an amazing eye for capturing unique moments 📸✨! Check out some of the best shots from our second excursion to Encarnación 🚌🌅. Each photo reflects the connections and adventures we’re sharing together. 💙🌎
1️⃣Group photo of staff and volunteers
2️⃣Landscape
3️⃣Volunteers and staff walking
4️⃣A beautiful sunset at the beach
¡El equipo de personas voluntarias de Gap tiene un talento increíble para capturar momentos únicos 📸✨! Aquí les compartimos algunas de las mejores fotos de nuestra segunda excursión a Encarnación 🚌🌅. Cada imagen refleja las conexiones y aventuras que estamos viviendo en conjunto. 💙🌎
1️⃣Foto grupal del Staff y personas voluntarias
2️⃣Paisaje
3️⃣Personas voluntarias y staff caminando
4️⃣Un lindo atardecer en la playa
#GapParaguay
#Adventure
#Encarnación
Our Gap volunteers have an amazing eye for capturing unique moments 📸✨! Check out some of the best shots from our second excursion to Encarnación 🚌🌅. Each photo reflects the connections and adventures we’re sharing together. 💙🌎
1️⃣Group photo of staff and volunteers
2️⃣Landscape
3️⃣Volunteers and staff walking
4️⃣A beautiful sunset at the beach
¡El equipo de personas voluntarias de Gap tiene un talento increíble para capturar momentos únicos 📸✨! Aquí les compartimos algunas de las mejores fotos de nuestra segunda excursión a Encarnación 🚌🌅. Cada imagen refleja las conexiones y aventuras que estamos viviendo en conjunto. 💙🌎
1️⃣Foto grupal del Staff y personas voluntarias
2️⃣Paisaje
3️⃣Personas voluntarias y staff caminando
4️⃣Un lindo atardecer en la playa
#GapParaguay
#Adventure
#Encarnación
Last Sunday, we had a wonderful merienda with our volunteers and their host families! 🍰🤝 It was an afternoon full of laughter, meaningful conversations, and special moments. We also took some time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for in the Gap program experience 🙏✨
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers and host families for making this afternoon unforgettable! 🌟
1️⃣ Volunteers and host families
2️⃣ Host families writing things they are grateful for
3️⃣ Volunteers and host families enjoying merienda
4️⃣ A host mom taking a picture of a card
5️⃣ Volunteers writing thank-you letters
_
¡El domingo pasado tuvimos una merienda con las personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas! 🍰🤝 Fue una tarde llena de risas, charlas significativas y momentos especiales. También aprovechamos para reflexionar sobre las cosas que nos generan agradecimiento con respecto a la experiencia del programa Gap 🙏✨
¡Gracias a las personas voluntarias y familias anfitrionas por hacer que esta tarde fuera inolvidable! 🌟
1️⃣ Personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas
2️⃣ Familias anfitrionas escribiendo cosas por las cuales se sienten agradecidas
3️⃣ Personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas disfrutando de la merienda
4️⃣ Madre anfitriona tomando foto de una tarjeta
5️⃣ Personas voluntarias escribiendo cartas de agradecimiento
#GapParaguay
#AmigosdelasAmericas
Last Sunday, we had a wonderful merienda with our volunteers and their host families! 🍰🤝 It was an afternoon full of laughter, meaningful conversations, and special moments. We also took some time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for in the Gap program experience 🙏✨
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers and host families for making this afternoon unforgettable! 🌟
1️⃣ Volunteers and host families
2️⃣ Host families writing things they are grateful for
3️⃣ Volunteers and host families enjoying merienda
4️⃣ A host mom taking a picture of a card
5️⃣ Volunteers writing thank-you letters
_
¡El domingo pasado tuvimos una merienda con las personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas! 🍰🤝 Fue una tarde llena de risas, charlas significativas y momentos especiales. También aprovechamos para reflexionar sobre las cosas que nos generan agradecimiento con respecto a la experiencia del programa Gap 🙏✨
¡Gracias a las personas voluntarias y familias anfitrionas por hacer que esta tarde fuera inolvidable! 🌟
1️⃣ Personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas
2️⃣ Familias anfitrionas escribiendo cosas por las cuales se sienten agradecidas
3️⃣ Personas voluntarias y sus familias anfitrionas disfrutando de la merienda
4️⃣ Madre anfitriona tomando foto de una tarjeta
5️⃣ Personas voluntarias escribiendo cartas de agradecimiento
#GapParaguay
#AmigosdelasAmericas
✨ Let’s see what the Gap volunteers in Paraguay are up to! 🇵🇾
Through the Gap program, they’re lending their energy and enthusiasm to amazing initiatives led by local organizations. 💪 🌱 From sustainable composting projects 🌍 to engaging science activities 🧪 with curious youth, and fostering inclusivity ♿ in communities, they’re making a difference every day! 💛
📸 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from their experience! #GapParaguay #leadership
1️⃣Volunteer at the Science Museum
2️⃣Volunteer at a composting facility
3️⃣Compost bags ready to use
4️⃣Participant in an event promoting inclusivity
5️⃣Volunteer demonstrating an experiment
6️⃣Gap participant teaming up with other volunteers at an event
_
🌟 ¿Veamos en qué andan las personas voluntarias del programa Gap en Paraguay? 🇵🇾
Con el programa Gap, están sumando su energía y entusiasmo a increíbles iniciativas de organizaciones locales. 💪 🌱 Desde proyectos de compostaje sostenible 🌍, hasta actividades científicas 🧪 con jóvenes curiosos, y la promoción de la inclusividad ♿ en comunidades, ¡están haciendo la diferencia cada día! 💛
📸 ¡Estén atentos para más historias inspiradoras de su experiencia!
1️⃣Persona voluntaria en el Museo de Ciencias
2️⃣Persona voluntaria en la planta de compostaje
3️⃣Bolsas de compostaje listas para ser utilizadas
4️⃣ Participante en un evento promoviendo la inclusividad
5️⃣Persona voluntaria demostrando un experimento
6️⃣ Participante de Gap colaborando con otras personas en un evento
✨ Let’s see what the Gap volunteers in Paraguay are up to! 🇵🇾
Through the Gap program, they’re lending their energy and enthusiasm to amazing initiatives led by local organizations. 💪 🌱 From sustainable composting projects 🌍 to engaging science activities 🧪 with curious youth, and fostering inclusivity ♿ in communities, they’re making a difference every day! 💛
📸 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from their experience! #GapParaguay #leadership
1️⃣Volunteer at the Science Museum
2️⃣Volunteer at a composting facility
3️⃣Compost bags ready to use
4️⃣Participant in an event promoting inclusivity
5️⃣Volunteer demonstrating an experiment
6️⃣Gap participant teaming up with other volunteers at an event
_
🌟 ¿Veamos en qué andan las personas voluntarias del programa Gap en Paraguay? 🇵🇾
Con el programa Gap, están sumando su energía y entusiasmo a increíbles iniciativas de organizaciones locales. 💪 🌱 Desde proyectos de compostaje sostenible 🌍, hasta actividades científicas 🧪 con jóvenes curiosos, y la promoción de la inclusividad ♿ en comunidades, ¡están haciendo la diferencia cada día! 💛
📸 ¡Estén atentos para más historias inspiradoras de su experiencia!
1️⃣Persona voluntaria en el Museo de Ciencias
2️⃣Persona voluntaria en la planta de compostaje
3️⃣Bolsas de compostaje listas para ser utilizadas
4️⃣ Participante en un evento promoviendo la inclusividad
5️⃣Persona voluntaria demostrando un experimento
6️⃣ Participante de Gap colaborando con otras personas en un evento
We`ve captured 📸 more moments from Workshop 2 in the Gap Program! After visiting Cerro Arco, the volunteers joined a cooking class and made some delicious sopa paraguaya. We later enjoyed lunch with family and friends. In the afternoon, we wrapped up the day with a talk on Individual Action & Allyship. It was a day full of amazing activities!🥳
1️⃣Volunteers participating in a Paraguayan cooking class
2️⃣Volunteers mixing the ingredients
3️⃣Sopa paraguaya process
4️⃣Volunteer mixing ingredients
5️⃣View of the host family`s patio
6️⃣Workshop on Individual Action & Allyship
¡Capturamos más momentos de nuestro Workshop 2 en el Programa Gap! Después de la visita al Cerro Arco, los voluntarios participaron en una clase de cocina e hicieron una deliciosa sopa paraguaya. Luego, compartimos el almuerzo con familiares y amigos. Por la tarde, cerramos la sesión con una charla sobre Acción Individual y Allyship. ¡Fue un día lleno de actividades increíbles!
1️⃣Personas voluntarias participando en una clase de cocina paraguaya
2️⃣Personas voluntarias mezclando los ingredientes
3️⃣Proceso de la sopa paraguaya
4️⃣Persona voluntaria mezclando ingredientes
5️⃣Vista del patio de la familia anfitriona
6️⃣Taller sobre Acción Individual y Alianza
#GapYearParaguay #amigosdelasamericas
#AMIGOSPY
We`ve captured 📸 more moments from Workshop 2 in the Gap Program! After visiting Cerro Arco, the volunteers joined a cooking class and made some delicious sopa paraguaya. We later enjoyed lunch with family and friends. In the afternoon, we wrapped up the day with a talk on Individual Action & Allyship. It was a day full of amazing activities!🥳
1️⃣Volunteers participating in a Paraguayan cooking class
2️⃣Volunteers mixing the ingredients
3️⃣Sopa paraguaya process
4️⃣Volunteer mixing ingredients
5️⃣View of the host family`s patio
6️⃣Workshop on Individual Action & Allyship
¡Capturamos más momentos de nuestro Workshop 2 en el Programa Gap! Después de la visita al Cerro Arco, los voluntarios participaron en una clase de cocina e hicieron una deliciosa sopa paraguaya. Luego, compartimos el almuerzo con familiares y amigos. Por la tarde, cerramos la sesión con una charla sobre Acción Individual y Allyship. ¡Fue un día lleno de actividades increíbles!
1️⃣Personas voluntarias participando en una clase de cocina paraguaya
2️⃣Personas voluntarias mezclando los ingredientes
3️⃣Proceso de la sopa paraguaya
4️⃣Persona voluntaria mezclando ingredientes
5️⃣Vista del patio de la familia anfitriona
6️⃣Taller sobre Acción Individual y Alianza
#GapYearParaguay #amigosdelasamericas
#AMIGOSPY
🌞 Adventure Alert! 🌞
For Workshop 2, our Gap Program volunteers took on the hike up Cerro Arco in Tobatí as one of the activities of the day! The weather was perfect for the adventure! Here’s what they experienced:
1️⃣ Reaching the top at Cerro Arco 🏞️
2️⃣ A hidden waterfall along the way 💦
3️⃣ Views that make the climb worth it 🌄
4️⃣ Our amazing volunteers pushing to the summit! 🥾
🌞 ¡Aventura en camino! 🌞
Como parte de nuestro Taller 2, el grupo de personas voluntarias del Gap Program fue a Tobatí y una de las actividades fue escalar el Cerro Arco. ¡El clima estaba perfecto para una caminata! Estos fueron algunos de los momentos destacados:
1️⃣ En la cima del Cerro Arco 🏞️
2️⃣ Una cascada escondida en el camino 💦
3️⃣ Las vistas que hicieron que todo valiera la pena 🌄
4️⃣ Nuestro increíble grupo de participantes camino a la cima 🥾
#AMIGOS
#GapProgram
#AMIGOSPY
🌞 Adventure Alert! 🌞
For Workshop 2, our Gap Program volunteers took on the hike up Cerro Arco in Tobatí as one of the activities of the day! The weather was perfect for the adventure! Here’s what they experienced:
1️⃣ Reaching the top at Cerro Arco 🏞️
2️⃣ A hidden waterfall along the way 💦
3️⃣ Views that make the climb worth it 🌄
4️⃣ Our amazing volunteers pushing to the summit! 🥾
🌞 ¡Aventura en camino! 🌞
Como parte de nuestro Taller 2, el grupo de personas voluntarias del Gap Program fue a Tobatí y una de las actividades fue escalar el Cerro Arco. ¡El clima estaba perfecto para una caminata! Estos fueron algunos de los momentos destacados:
1️⃣ En la cima del Cerro Arco 🏞️
2️⃣ Una cascada escondida en el camino 💦
3️⃣ Las vistas que hicieron que todo valiera la pena 🌄
4️⃣ Nuestro increíble grupo de participantes camino a la cima 🥾
#AMIGOS
#GapProgram
#AMIGOSPY
One of the best parts of doing the Gap program in Paraguay is getting the chance to explore places full of nature 🌿✨.
Let’s take a look at the beautiful weekend our volunteers spent in the Paraguarí department! 🌄💚
1️⃣ Group of volunteers about to enjoy a eco adventure
2️⃣ A stunning sunset
3️⃣ Volunteers hiking
4️⃣ A beautiful landscape
5️⃣ Volunteers having fun
6️⃣ Time to have lomito.
_
Parte de hacer el Programa Gap en Paraguay es tener la oportunidad de explorar sitios con mucha naturaleza. Veamos una parte del hermoso fin de semana que pasaron las personas voluntarias en el departamento de Paraguarí.
1️⃣ Grupo de personas voluntarias a punto de iniciar la eco aventura
2️⃣ Un atardecer increíble
3️⃣ Personas voluntarias haciendo senderismo
4️⃣ Un paisaje hermoso
5️⃣Personas voluntarias diviertiéndose
6️⃣ Tiempo para comer lomito.
#AdventureTime
#NatureLovers
#GapYearParaguay
One of the best parts of doing the Gap program in Paraguay is getting the chance to explore places full of nature 🌿✨.
Let’s take a look at the beautiful weekend our volunteers spent in the Paraguarí department! 🌄💚
1️⃣ Group of volunteers about to enjoy a eco adventure
2️⃣ A stunning sunset
3️⃣ Volunteers hiking
4️⃣ A beautiful landscape
5️⃣ Volunteers having fun
6️⃣ Time to have lomito.
_
Parte de hacer el Programa Gap en Paraguay es tener la oportunidad de explorar sitios con mucha naturaleza. Veamos una parte del hermoso fin de semana que pasaron las personas voluntarias en el departamento de Paraguarí.
1️⃣ Grupo de personas voluntarias a punto de iniciar la eco aventura
2️⃣ Un atardecer increíble
3️⃣ Personas voluntarias haciendo senderismo
4️⃣ Un paisaje hermoso
5️⃣Personas voluntarias diviertiéndose
6️⃣ Tiempo para comer lomito.
#AdventureTime
#NatureLovers
#GapYearParaguay
See more projects like this one!