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

Project Overview

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

Project Focus Areas: Design a community-led project, experience the Guaraní language and culture, and grow your sense of independence

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.

View 2026 Dates & Fees

View Program Requirements

Program Model

Our Paraguay: Tierra Guarani project is an AMIGOS IMMERSE program. AMIGOS Immerse programs offer the deepest level of cultural integration, independence, and leadership development for high school students ready to dive in headfirst. Based on the historical AMIGOS program model, students spend 4–6 weeks living with a host family in Latin America, collaborating on community-led service projects, and developing their leadership skills like never before. Students live with host families with 2 to 3 volunteers per community, build deep community relationships, earn 25 service hours per week, and design and implement a project with their host community. Project supervisors complete traditional AMIGOS “routes,” visiting volunteers once per week for 24-48 hours. With strong support and the opportunity to shape real projects from the ground up, this is your chance to grow into a confident, connected, and compassionate global citizen!

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"The six weeks I spent in Paraguay changed my life, and being given the time to connect with my host family was so pivotal in the process of cultural exchange. I loved the immersion aspect and being able to live with them for an extended period of time—to be a part of their family and culture and learn how they lived day to day."


- Bailey D.

Service in the heart of South America

Project Features

  • Initial orientation of 4-5 days, followed by a six-week community immersion experience living with a host family.
  • Learn to manage your own schedule with structured independence!
  • Design and carry out a community-led service project.
  • Lead games and activities for kids in the community “Recreos.”
  • 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.
  • Experience the slow pace of rural life while participating in local cultural events.
  • Speak Spanish and learn Guaraní!
  • Your host family may have a “chacra” – if so, you will be helping with small-scale farming.
  • Visit the Itaipú Dam and Iguazú Falls.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Asunción

Arrival in Paraguay, Asunción. Stay overnight at a hostel near the airport with your volunteer group.

Days 2–4: Briefing site

To prepare for your time in the community, participate in orientation activities, meet your fellow volunteers, and take Spanish and Guaraní classes.

Days 5–23: Host community stay

Head to your assigned community and begin your homestay experience. You’ll work closely with your host community to design and start a service project based on their priorities. You’ll also lead fun recreational activities for local kids known as Recreos.

Days 24–25: Midterm gathering

Reconnect with your volunteer group for a mid-program retreat. You’ll have a chance to call home, reflect on your experience, and spend time with local youth leaders who will join the activities.

Days 26–38: Return to host communities

Return to your host community to continue building relationships and completing your service project. Dive deeper into community life and develop your leadership skills.

Days 39–41: Itaipú Dam & Iguazú Falls

Travel to Ciudad del Este and visit the Itaipú Dam and the Yguazú Falls in the Brazilian side. This great excursion will be right before the experience comes to an end.

Days 42: Asunción

Wrap up your experience with group reflection activities and our program debrief. You’ll stay in dorm-style lodging and enjoy a final excursion around Asunción before heading to the airport for your late-night flight home.

* Note, itineraries are subject to change

44PM+99 Mariscal Lopez 4ta Linea, Paraguay

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this project good for?

This project is perfect for students who are looking for a high level of independence and cultural immersion. Students will be exposed to Paraguayan and indigenous Guaraní culture. It is essential that students have an interest in indigenous populations and how language is a form of cultural preservation and resistance. Participants will spend six weeks in their host communities with a weekly staff visit and check-in. They may walk up to 20 minutes to visit their community partner or get to the site for service and to lead activities with kids of the communities. 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. Please also view this program’s requirements.

What makes this project unique?

This project offers the opportunity to experience daily life in a country where two national languages (Spanish and Guaraní) are part of everyday communication. Guaraní is deeply rooted in Paraguayan culture and is widely spoken in rural communities. Over six weeks, volunteers live like locals, forming strong and lasting connections with their host families and neighbors. Most days are shaped by the volunteers themselves, encouraging independence and self-direction. The slower pace of rural life allows them to take a step back from the fast-moving rhythm of home and embrace a more intentional way of living. Through their community engagement, volunteers sharpen leadership skills by identifying a local need, building consensus, and writing a collaborative project proposal, including a budget, alongside their community members. So if you are interested in project management, this project is for you!

What is AMIGOS’ history in the region?

AMIGOS initiated its work in Paraguay in 1972 in partnership with the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health). For many 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 as 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. AMIGOS ran open-enrollment summer programs in Paraguay through 2017 and returned in 2024! Some say Paraguay is a destination for our bravest volunteers, as it is one of the farthest AMIGOS destinations from home in the US.

Can I receive college credit?

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

How many service hours can I receive?

You can earn 150 service hours on this program.

What are the accommodations like for this project?

We use 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. Students stay with the group and staff members at the project’s beginning, midterm, and end.

What is the food like?

Most food will be home-cooked, typical Paraguayan food, including meat, corn, and rice. Borí Borí are balls of corn flour and cheese. They are added to a fresh vegetable, chicken broth, or stew, like dumplings, to create a satisfying meal. Chipa is a savory, cheesy scone. Sopa Paraguaya is a unique cornmeal-based bread. This project is best for volunteers who eat meat, as host families can not accommodate vegetarian diets.

What about the climate and terrain?

Paraguay’s climate can be variable. During your project, you’ll be there in the winter. Temperatures typically range from 50°F to 77°F, though some days can feel as warm as 86°F. The atmosphere is generally humid, so you should expect some rain.

The communities where this project takes place are in rural areas surrounded by agricultural farming land. The terrain is generally flat, making walking from one place to another easy.

Can you teach me some slang?

Jopara (Yopará) is the blend of Guarani and Spanish languages, which is mostly spoken in the region. Tranquilopa or Tranquilo nomá is a term that means it’s all good, chill out, relax, don’t worry, or everything is going to work out. Equivalent to “hakuna matata” in The Lion King. Tereré is the cold version of mate, an herbal drink, considered the national beverage. Guapo or guapa is 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!

Have more questions? Join an online info session!

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Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A 6 Weeks

2 years Spanish or equivalent

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 15 – July 27, 2026

15–19 National Chapter: May 18

$5,475 – Local Chapter

$6,475 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included

  • Session A
  • Length
    6 Weeks
  • Requirements

    2 years Spanish or equivalent

    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 15 – July 27, 2026

  • Ages
    15–19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: May 18
  • Price

    $5,475 – Local Chapter

    $6,475 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included

Apply Now

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It was above and beyond all my expectations. The reality was ten times better, an unforgettable experience I will cherish for many years. I made a great and positive impact, and I learned more about myself and my potential. I learned how to connect, and I learned that I have a community and family in Paraguay.

– Valeria C.

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 end 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?

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!

Have an Adventure

Travel to must-see spots in your host country! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like volcanoes, ancient ruins, national parks, and historical sites. 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 their fellow volunteers 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.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

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