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 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec. 10, 2024 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 |
Priority Financial Assistance: Dec. 10, 2024 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!
¡🏠 Conviértanse en una familia anfitriona y vivan una experiencia única! 🌎
Amigos de las Américas los invita a abrir las puertas de su hogar y compartir la cultura paraguaya con jóvenes participantes de Estados Unidos que vienen a Paraguay para hacer voluntariado. ¿Les gustaría saber más? 📲
Registrense fácilmente escaneando el QR o siguiendo este link: https://forms.gle/wvePc1iZui7RGGPH6
Para más información: wa.me/595971799933
¡🏠 Conviértanse en una familia anfitriona y vivan una experiencia única! 🌎
Amigos de las Américas los invita a abrir las puertas de su hogar y compartir la cultura paraguaya con jóvenes participantes de Estados Unidos que vienen a Paraguay para hacer voluntariado. ¿Les gustaría saber más? 📲
Registrense fácilmente escaneando el QR o siguiendo este link: https://forms.gle/wvePc1iZui7RGGPH6
Para más información: wa.me/595971799933
“True wealth lies in what we share, not in what we possess.” ♥️
What an incredible journey! We recently concluded the Tierra Guaraní program in Paraguay—a trip filled with self-discovery and invaluable lessons. Before we say goodbye, we want to share some of the best memories from this unforgettable experience:
1. A snapshot from our farewell event, surrounded by everyone who made this program possible.
2. Our amazing volunteers taking a well-deserved break during the briefing.
3. Communities revelations
4. Celebrating San Juan with Paraguayan music and the enchanting sounds of the harp.
5. Facilitating extracurricular activities and connecting with the community.
6. Painting the mural ‘Planting Our Future’ for the local school.
7. Discovering the beauty of Paraguay.
8. Goodbye, dear volunteers—we’ll miss you so much. Thank you for everything.
“La verdadera riqueza está en lo que compartimos, no en lo que poseemos.” ♥️
¡Qué viaje tan increíble! Recientemente concluimos el programa Tierra Guaraní en Paraguay, un viaje lleno de autoconocimiento y aprendizajes. Antes de despedirnos, queremos compartir algunos de los mejores recuerdos de esta experiencia inolvidable:
1. Una imagen del evento de despedida con todas las personas que hicieron posible este programa.
2. Nuestras queridas voluntarias descansando entre actividades durante el briefing.
3. Revelación de comunidades locales.
4. Festejando el San Juan con música paraguaya y el encantador sonido del arpa.
5. Facilitando las actividades extracurriculares y conectando con la comunidad.
6. Pintando el mural ‘Sembrando Nuestro Futuro’ para la escuela local.
7. Disfrutando de la belleza de Paraguay.
8. Adiós, queridas voluntarias—las vamos a extrañar muchísimo. Gracias por todo.
“True wealth lies in what we share, not in what we possess.” ♥️
What an incredible journey! We recently concluded the Tierra Guaraní program in Paraguay—a trip filled with self-discovery and invaluable lessons. Before we say goodbye, we want to share some of the best memories from this unforgettable experience:
1. A snapshot from our farewell event, surrounded by everyone who made this program possible.
2. Our amazing volunteers taking a well-deserved break during the briefing.
3. Communities revelations
4. Celebrating San Juan with Paraguayan music and the enchanting sounds of the harp.
5. Facilitating extracurricular activities and connecting with the community.
6. Painting the mural ‘Planting Our Future’ for the local school.
7. Discovering the beauty of Paraguay.
8. Goodbye, dear volunteers—we’ll miss you so much. Thank you for everything.
“La verdadera riqueza está en lo que compartimos, no en lo que poseemos.” ♥️
¡Qué viaje tan increíble! Recientemente concluimos el programa Tierra Guaraní en Paraguay, un viaje lleno de autoconocimiento y aprendizajes. Antes de despedirnos, queremos compartir algunos de los mejores recuerdos de esta experiencia inolvidable:
1. Una imagen del evento de despedida con todas las personas que hicieron posible este programa.
2. Nuestras queridas voluntarias descansando entre actividades durante el briefing.
3. Revelación de comunidades locales.
4. Festejando el San Juan con música paraguaya y el encantador sonido del arpa.
5. Facilitando las actividades extracurriculares y conectando con la comunidad.
6. Pintando el mural ‘Sembrando Nuestro Futuro’ para la escuela local.
7. Disfrutando de la belleza de Paraguay.
8. Adiós, queridas voluntarias—las vamos a extrañar muchísimo. Gracias por todo.
This is how Midterm was experienced in the Tierra Guaraní project!🇵🇾
They were three days in which the volunteers were able to meet again after three weeks in the community. They played, laughed and explored some of the most beautiful places of the Guairá department.
After recharging, volunteers were more than ready to return to their communities to continue their community projects over the next few weeks.
¡Así se vivió el Midterm en el proyecto Tierra Guaraní!🇵🇾
Fueron tres días en los que los voluntarios pudieron reencontrarse luego de tres semanas en comunidad. Jugaron, rieron y exploraron algunos de los paisajes más bellos del departamento del Guairá.
Luego de recargar energías, los voluntarios estuvieron más que listos para volver a sus comunidades a continuar con sus proyectos comunitarios durante las siguientes semanas.
This is how Midterm was experienced in the Tierra Guaraní project!🇵🇾
They were three days in which the volunteers were able to meet again after three weeks in the community. They played, laughed and explored some of the most beautiful places of the Guairá department.
After recharging, volunteers were more than ready to return to their communities to continue their community projects over the next few weeks.
¡Así se vivió el Midterm en el proyecto Tierra Guaraní!🇵🇾
Fueron tres días en los que los voluntarios pudieron reencontrarse luego de tres semanas en comunidad. Jugaron, rieron y exploraron algunos de los paisajes más bellos del departamento del Guairá.
Luego de recargar energías, los voluntarios estuvieron más que listos para volver a sus comunidades a continuar con sus proyectos comunitarios durante las siguientes semanas.
Hello everyone! 🙌 We are the Tierra Guaraní project staff, we are very excited to welcome and accompany you on this adventure. ✨
We are from different countries, so get to know us a little better:
-Vanessa (right) is the Project Director and she is from Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Also, she is half Colombian and she loves arepas or any food with cheese. 😋🧀#cheeselover
-Johana (top center) is the Subdirector and she is from Villarrica, Paraguay 🇵🇾. She loves traveling with friends, eating pizza, and she is a dog and cat lover.🐱💖
-María (bottom center) is one of the Project Supervisor and she is from Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨. She is left-handed and she loves art in general, but she is more into painting and drawing! 🎨
-Gabriel (left) is a Project Supervisor and he is from Ciudad del Este, Paraguay🇵🇾. He really likes being outdoors, watching birds, and spending time with his dogs. 🐾❤️
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¡Hola a todos! 🙌 Somos el project staff de Tierra Guaraní, estamos muy emocionados de recibirles y acompañarles en esta aventura. ✨
Somos de diferentes países, así que, para conocernos un poco mejor:
-Vanessa (derecha) es la Directora del Proyecto y es de Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Además es mitad colombiana y le encantan las arepas o cualquier comida con queso. 😋🧀#cheeselover
-Johana (arriba al centro) es la Subdirectora y es de Villarrica, Paraguay 🇵🇾. Le encanta viajar con amigos, comer pizza y es amante de los perros y los gatos.🐱💖
-María (abajo al centro) es Supervisora de Proyecto y es de Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Es zurda y le encanta el arte en general, ¡pero le gusta más pintar y dibujar! 🎨
-Gabriel (izquierda) es Supervisor de Proyecto y es de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay🇵🇾. Le gusta mucho estar al aire libre, observar pájaros y pasar tiempo con sus perros. 🐾❤️
Hello everyone! 🙌 We are the Tierra Guaraní project staff, we are very excited to welcome and accompany you on this adventure. ✨
We are from different countries, so get to know us a little better:
-Vanessa (right) is the Project Director and she is from Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Also, she is half Colombian and she loves arepas or any food with cheese. 😋🧀#cheeselover
-Johana (top center) is the Subdirector and she is from Villarrica, Paraguay 🇵🇾. She loves traveling with friends, eating pizza, and she is a dog and cat lover.🐱💖
-María (bottom center) is one of the Project Supervisor and she is from Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨. She is left-handed and she loves art in general, but she is more into painting and drawing! 🎨
-Gabriel (left) is a Project Supervisor and he is from Ciudad del Este, Paraguay🇵🇾. He really likes being outdoors, watching birds, and spending time with his dogs. 🐾❤️
-
-
¡Hola a todos! 🙌 Somos el project staff de Tierra Guaraní, estamos muy emocionados de recibirles y acompañarles en esta aventura. ✨
Somos de diferentes países, así que, para conocernos un poco mejor:
-Vanessa (derecha) es la Directora del Proyecto y es de Quito, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Además es mitad colombiana y le encantan las arepas o cualquier comida con queso. 😋🧀#cheeselover
-Johana (arriba al centro) es la Subdirectora y es de Villarrica, Paraguay 🇵🇾. Le encanta viajar con amigos, comer pizza y es amante de los perros y los gatos.🐱💖
-María (abajo al centro) es Supervisora de Proyecto y es de Guayaquil, Ecuador 🇪🇨. Es zurda y le encanta el arte en general, ¡pero le gusta más pintar y dibujar! 🎨
-Gabriel (izquierda) es Supervisor de Proyecto y es de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay🇵🇾. Le gusta mucho estar al aire libre, observar pájaros y pasar tiempo con sus perros. 🐾❤️
We are back!
The Amigos team is preparing for the arrival of our incredible volunteers. The countdown has started, and we are all very excited.
¡Estamos de vuelta!
El equipo de Amigos se está preparando para la llegada de nuestros increíbles voluntarios. La cuenta regresiva ha comenzado y todos estamos muy emocionados.
We are back!
The Amigos team is preparing for the arrival of our incredible volunteers. The countdown has started, and we are all very excited.
¡Estamos de vuelta!
El equipo de Amigos se está preparando para la llegada de nuestros increíbles voluntarios. La cuenta regresiva ha comenzado y todos estamos muy emocionados.
Dane (KC) and Sawyer (Austin) having a meeting with their community`s jóvenes to finalize plans for the CBIP #somosamigos2017 #getoutofyourelement #amigosguaira
Dane (KC) and Sawyer (Austin) having a meeting with their community`s jóvenes to finalize plans for the CBIP #somosamigos2017 #getoutofyourelement #amigosguaira
Charlotte (SD) and Alice (Austin) got to celebrate the 103rd birthday of a community member #amigosguaira #getoutofyourelement #somosamigos2017
Charlotte (SD) and Alice (Austin) got to celebrate the 103rd birthday of a community member #amigosguaira #getoutofyourelement #somosamigos2017
We`re in the last half of the summer! Participants got to spend time in the beautiful staff city of Villarrica for the youth encuentro and midterm this past weekend. They are now back in their communities for a few more weeks of CBIP implementation, campamentos, and lots of fun. #somosamigos2017 #amigosguaira #getoutofyourelement
We`re in the last half of the summer! Participants got to spend time in the beautiful staff city of Villarrica for the youth encuentro and midterm this past weekend. They are now back in their communities for a few more weeks of CBIP implementation, campamentos, and lots of fun. #somosamigos2017 #amigosguaira #getoutofyourelement
See more projects like this one!