A 6-Week Guarani and Spanish Immersion, Host Family, and Service Intensive Program in Rural Paraguay

Immerse yourself the unique Paraguayan culture while living and working in a rural community. During your time in your host community, you may learn some of the local Guarani language while sipping mate with your host family. Throughout the summer, you will have the opportunity to work on service projects that your host community has prioritized, all while making meaningful connections and building lasting relationships.

🔥Thanks to the support of a generous donor, all volunteers on this project will receive the Immersion Award for a discount of $1,300. 🔥

About the Project

Project Features
  • Six-week community immersion living with a host family
  • Weekly visits and check-ins with your Project Supervisor
  • Community-led service project development
  • Structured independence
  • Speak both Spanish and Guarani
Who is this project good for?

Students who are looking for a high level of independence and cultural immersion. Students will spend six weeks in their host communities with a weekly visit and check-in from their Project Supervisor. They may walk up to 20 minutes to visit their community partner or get to the site for service and extracurricular activities. Additionally, volunteers on this project must be self-motivated and okay operating in an environment with limited supervision and direction. It is an opportunity to experience a slower way of life and learn to be present in the moment.

College Credit

Receive college credit for joining this project! Learn more here.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

Most of the food will be home-cooked meals, including rice, meat, and typical Paraguayan dishes.

  • Borí Borí: balls of corn flour, and cheese. They are added to a fresh vegetable or chicken broth or stew, much like dumplings to create a satisfying meal.
  • Chipa: Chipa is a savory cheesy scone.
  • Sopa Paraguaya: A unique cornmeal-based bread!

This project is best for volunteers who eat meat, as vegetarian diets may be difficult for host families to accommodate.

Homestay and Lodging Info

A combination of dormitory-style lodging and homestays. Volunteers will be split into groups of 2-3 per community and live with a host family with one partner or independently. They will stay with the group and staff members at the beginning and end of the project.

Climate and Terrain
Paraguay’s climate is seasonal and subject to abrupt changes. It is subtropical, with summer and winter seasons opposite those in the United States. Winds are generally moderate, but high winds accompanied by thunder and electrical storms are common, especially in summer. The long, hot summer lasts from October through March, with an average maximum temperature 100ºF in January.
Winter extends from June through August. Cold snaps of four or five days with temperatures in the low 40s and high 30s are interspersed with several days in the upper 70s and low 80s. Frosts occur rarely. The official record low in Asuncion is 32ºF, although the damp air makes it seem much colder.
The area of Paraguari is a mix of agricultural lands, hills, and forests, making it biologically diverse.
Slang
  • Jopará (Yopará): The blend of Guarani and Spanish language.
  • Tranquilopa: This term means it’s all good, to chill out, to relax, to not worry, or to believe that everything is going to work out. Equivalent to “hakuna matata” in Lion King.
  • Tereré: Cold version of mate – herbal drink, considered the national beverage.
  • Guapo or guapa: A hard-working person, guapo is for him, and guapa is for her. If someone calls you a “guapo” in Paraguay, you’re on their good side!
  • Haku: Used when talking about the weather, referring specifically to hot weather.
  • Cháke: pay attention to what is happening around you because this means watch out!
Service Hours

Earn 25 service hours per week for a total of 150 service hours.

AMIGOS History in the Region

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!

What makes this project unique?
Become a polyglot (speak multiple languages!). Paraguay is a bilingual country, where a native language, Guaraní, is recognized as an official national language along with Spanish. The Guarani culture is deeply rooted in Paraguay. As such, volunteers will be exposed to and learn or practice two languages: Spanish and Guarani. Dive into the terere and mate culture by sitting with your host families and others and sharing these traditional herbal teas. It is a practice that brings people together. Take time out of your busy schedule and fast-paced life and learn to slow down. The pace of life in rural Paraguay is much slower than you may be used to. This will give you a unique opportunity to build your people skills and take time to get to really know people and build strong connections.
44PM+99 Mariscal Lopez 4ta Linea, Paraguay
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Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Paraguay: Service in the Heart of South America 6 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 17–July 28, 2025

15–19 Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025

National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

National Chapter: April 8, 2025

$6,175 ➡️ $4,875* – National Chapter

$5,175 ➡️ $3,875* – Local Chapters

*Thanks to a generous donor, all volunteers on this project will receive the Immersion Award, which lowers the cost of this project to $4,875 for National Chapter volunteers and $3,875 for local chapter volunteers.

Fees include all in-country expenses

Flight costs are not included

Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance

  • Paraguay: Service in the Heart of South America
  • Length
    6 Weeks
  • Requirements

    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

  • Dates

    June 17–July 28, 2025

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    Priority Financial Assistance: Dec 10, 2024

    Local Chapter: Jan 21, 2025

    National Chapter Financial Assistance: March 11, 2025

    National Chapter: April 8, 2025
  • Price

    $6,175 ➡️ $4,875* – National Chapter

    $5,175 ➡️ $3,875* – Local Chapters

    *Thanks to a generous donor, all volunteers on this project will receive the Immersion Award, which lowers the cost of this project to $4,875 for National Chapter volunteers and $3,875 for local chapter volunteers.

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Flight costs are not included

    Learn more about Fundraising & Financial Assistance

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

What You'll Do

Partner AgencY

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.

 

Example Activities

  • Develop a service project with local youth and implement it together
  • Meet up with fellow AMIGOS to connect with friends and family back home during your mid-term excursion!
  • Fundraise with your community members for a local initiative

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Paraguay – Asuncion – Stay in a hostel near the airport overnight with the group

Day 2-4: Briefing Site – Briefing activities, meet your fellow volunteers, participate in Spanish and Guarani classes

Day 5-40: Host Communities around Paraguari – Students will be divided into their communities and begin homestay! During this time, students will work with their communities to develop and carry out a service project of the community’s choosing.

Day 40-42: Debriefing – Dorm-style lodging. Participate in debriefing activities and curriculum. Group excursion. Travel to the airport for your late-night flight back to the United States!

*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

Program Requirements
  • 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
Apply Now

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

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

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.

Leadership

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.

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Have an Adventure

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!

Travel with Trust

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.

Practice Spanish

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!

Check out Blog and Instagram Posts from this Project

Happy Halloween! 🎃
New friends, sweet treats, karaoke, and unforgettable memories! 🎤🍭 This is how our Gap volunteers celebrated Halloween in Paraguay, all thanks to one of our amazing Partner Agencies leading this activity. A big thank you for making our volunteers feel at home and for including AMIGOS in all you do! 🧡

¡Feliz Halloween! 🎃
¡Nuevas amistades, dulces, karaoke y recuerdos inolvidables! 🎤🍭 Así celebraron Halloween las personas voluntarias del programa Gap en Paraguay, gracias a una de nuestras increíbles Agencias Asociadas que lideró el evento. ¡Un gran agradecimiento por hacer que las personas voluntarias se sientan como en casa e incluir a AMIGOS en todo lo que hacen! 🧡

#AMIGOSParaguay 
#Ami60s 
#GapProgram

Happy Halloween! 🎃
New friends, sweet treats, karaoke, and unforgettable memories! 🎤🍭 This is how our Gap volunteers celebrated Halloween in Paraguay, all thanks to one of our amazing Partner Agencies leading this activity. A big thank you for making our volunteers feel at home and for including AMIGOS in all you do! 🧡

¡Feliz Halloween! 🎃
¡Nuevas amistades, dulces, karaoke y recuerdos inolvidables! 🎤🍭 Así celebraron Halloween las personas voluntarias del programa Gap en Paraguay, gracias a una de nuestras increíbles Agencias Asociadas que lideró el evento. ¡Un gran agradecimiento por hacer que las personas voluntarias se sientan como en casa e incluir a AMIGOS en todo lo que hacen! 🧡

#AMIGOSParaguay
#Ami60s
#GapProgram
...

Ever wondered what Paraguayan tereré is all about? Discover the magic and tradition of this refreshing drink by watching this awesome video!🧉✨

📚 Curious about spending a semester or year with AMIGOS in Asunción, Paraguay?

🎥🌟: Zyro Honty

#terere #visitparaguay #asuncion #gapsemester #studyabroad #gapyear #volunteerabroad

Ever wondered what Paraguayan tereré is all about? Discover the magic and tradition of this refreshing drink by watching this awesome video!🧉✨

📚 Curious about spending a semester or year with AMIGOS in Asunción, Paraguay?

🎥🌟: Zyro Honty

#terere #visitparaguay #asuncion #gapsemester #studyabroad #gapyear #volunteerabroad
...

🎉🇵🇾 Have you ever asked yourself of where to do your Gap Year? 🇵🇾🎉

Experience life in Paraguay, practice your Spanish, learn Guarani!, earn college credit, and participate in meaningful internships with our amazing partners in Asunción!

🎥🌟: Zyro Honty

🎉🇵🇾 Have you ever asked yourself of where to do your Gap Year? 🇵🇾🎉

Experience life in Paraguay, practice your Spanish, learn Guarani!, earn college credit, and participate in meaningful internships with our amazing partners in Asunción!

🎥🌟: Zyro Honty
...

✨Hey everyone! We're the Gap team, and we're super excited for you to get to know us!

🇵🇾Evelio (Eve) - Country Coordinator: Evelio is from Paraguay and has tons of experience working with youth. He spent an exchange year in the United States, volunteered as a counselor at Flat Rock River YMCA camp, was a mentor for the Youth Ambassadors program, and specializes in project management.

🇵🇾Nathalia Aguilar (Nathy) - Gap Director: Nathy is also from Paraguay and brings a wealth of experience working with youth in the socio-environmental sector. She’s a nature lover with a passion for the great outdoors. Nathy studied in England, specializing in community tourism. She’s excited to inspire others through impactful projects!
____

✨Hola a todos, somos el staff de Gap y queremos que nos conozcan:

🇵🇾Evelio (Eve) – Director Nacional para Paraguay: Evelio es de Paraguay y tiene mucha experiencia trabajando con jóvenes. Pasó un año de intercambio en los Estados Unidos, fue voluntario como consejero en el campamento Flat Rock River YMCA, fue mentor en el programa Jóvenes Embajadores y se especializa en gestión de proyectos.

🇵🇾Nathalia Aguilar (Nathy) – Directora Gap: Nathy también es de Paraguay y aporta una gran experiencia trabajando con jóvenes en el sector socioambiental. Es una amante de la naturaleza, con una gran pasión por actividades al aire libre. Nathy estudió en Inglaterra, especializándose en turismo comunitario. ¡Está emocionada por inspirar a otros a través de proyectos impactantes!

#AMIGOS #GapProgram #Paraguay #Gap

✨Hey everyone! We`re the Gap team, and we`re super excited for you to get to know us!

🇵🇾Evelio (Eve) - Country Coordinator: Evelio is from Paraguay and has tons of experience working with youth. He spent an exchange year in the United States, volunteered as a counselor at Flat Rock River YMCA camp, was a mentor for the Youth Ambassadors program, and specializes in project management.

🇵🇾Nathalia Aguilar (Nathy) - Gap Director: Nathy is also from Paraguay and brings a wealth of experience working with youth in the socio-environmental sector. She’s a nature lover with a passion for the great outdoors. Nathy studied in England, specializing in community tourism. She’s excited to inspire others through impactful projects!
____

✨Hola a todos, somos el staff de Gap y queremos que nos conozcan:

🇵🇾Evelio (Eve) – Director Nacional para Paraguay: Evelio es de Paraguay y tiene mucha experiencia trabajando con jóvenes. Pasó un año de intercambio en los Estados Unidos, fue voluntario como consejero en el campamento Flat Rock River YMCA, fue mentor en el programa Jóvenes Embajadores y se especializa en gestión de proyectos.

🇵🇾Nathalia Aguilar (Nathy) – Directora Gap: Nathy también es de Paraguay y aporta una gran experiencia trabajando con jóvenes en el sector socioambiental. Es una amante de la naturaleza, con una gran pasión por actividades al aire libre. Nathy estudió en Inglaterra, especializándose en turismo comunitario. ¡Está emocionada por inspirar a otros a través de proyectos impactantes!

#AMIGOS #GapProgram #Paraguay #Gap
...

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