Study Abroad in Paraguay

Semester Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture.

School

Students in Paraguay attend school from the time they are 3 until the age of 18 when they complete their third and final year of high school. YFU exchange students may be placed in either a public or private school.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory  National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in Paraguay, students will attend another orientation with all YFU students participating in the program. This orientation is conducted in English and is meant to give an introduction to the country, customs, and things to expect while in Paraguay. You will also participate in a language training course in which you will learn not only Spanish language skills, but also practical lessons about Paraguay by visiting museums, malls, stores, and other places around the city! All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Many Paraguayans love spending time outdoors, hiking through the mountains and rainforests, and visiting natural waterfalls. Students are encouraged to get involved in any extracurricular activities offered by their host school or local community, which include clubs and sports.

Optional Excursions

Students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.

Ciudad del Este: Previously, students had the opportunity to participate in a 4-day trip to the city of Ciudad del Este in late January or early February. In addition to being the second largest city in Paraguay, this scenic place is home to the “Triple Frontier” – a junction of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. During this trip, students will take part in both educational and scenic tours of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, ecological parks, waterfalls, and museums.

Language

Guarani and Spanish. Previous Spanish language study is not required but is recommended. Orientation upon arrival is conducted in English. Students wishing to participate in the Volunteer program will attend an intensive 2-week Spanish language course upon arrival.

Trimester Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture.

Orientations

All students applying for the trimester must be available for a mandatory  National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in Paraguay, students will attend another orientation with all YFU students participating in the program. This orientation is conducted in English and is meant to give an introduction to the country, customs, and things to expect while in Paraguay. You will also participate in a language training course in which you will learn not only Spanish language skills, but also practical lessons about Paraguay by visiting museums, malls, stores, and other places around the city! All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Many Paraguayans love spending time outdoors, hiking through the mountains and rainforests, and visiting natural waterfalls. Students are encouraged to get involved in any extracurricular activities offered by their local community, which include clubs and sports.

Optional Excursions

Trimester and short-term trimester program students do not have formal optional trip offerings, however, we encourage these students to explore the local and regional area with other YFU students.

Language

Guarani and Spanish. Previous Spanish language study is not required but is recommended. Orientation upon arrival is conducted in English. Students wishing to participate in the Volunteer program will attend an intensive 2-week Spanish language course upon arrival.

Summer Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture.

Orientations

You will participate in a language training course in which you will learn Spanish language skills and practical lessons about Paraguay by visiting museums, malls, stores, and other places around the city! All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Many Paraguayans love spending time outdoors, hiking through the mountains and rainforests, and visiting natural waterfalls. Students are encouraged to get involved in any extracurricular activities offered by their host school or local community, which include clubs and sports.

Language

Guarani and Spanish. Previous Spanish language study is not required but is recommended. Orientation upon arrival is conducted in English. Students wishing to participate in the Volunteer program will attend an intensive 2-week Spanish language course upon arrival.

Gap Year

Gap Year Volunteer: Students 18 – 26 are encouraged to apply for the Community Service Program in Paraguay! Students can live with a host family while partnering with a local non-profit to assist in community service efforts such as social work, education, childhood & adolescence, biology, and health. Students are encouraged to state their area of volunteering interest in their application so we can place them with an organization that meets their interests. Applicants for this program must be high school graduates. While there is no formal language requirement, applicants should be willing to learn Spanish during the intensive Spanish classes during the program’s first two weeks. This program offers students an incredible experience to immerse themselves in culture while building their resumes!

Combination Program: With this program, students have the opportunity to transition from secondary school to volunteering while also exploring a new culture and developing their global citizenship! Students spend the first semester of the year attending school as a “13th year” and the second semester volunteering with a local NGO. Students stay with one host family as they make this transition. Program details such as orientations, excursions, and tuition inclusions are the same as the high school and summer programs.