Study Abroad in Paraguay

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Study in Paraguay

¡Bienvenido a Paraguay! Paraguay is a colorful nation perfect for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and who wants to learn more about history. Study and volunteer in Paraguay to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer!

+ More About Paraguay

Welcome to the heart of South America! The name Paraguay is derived from an ancient word in Guarani, which translates to “many rivers” – Paraguay has been named one of the world’s most up and coming countries to visit due to its plentiful waterfalls and welcoming culture.

While on program in Paraguay, you will live with a carefully selected host family who will help you improve your Spanish skills and maybe even introduce you to their indigenous language of Guarani. Your host family will also show you other Paraguay customs including their incredible food! Chipa, a bagel-like bread with cheese, is an all time favorite of the locals.

The most popular sport in Paraguay is futbol (soccer). However, rugby, volleyball, tennis, and basketball are also popular among Paraguayans. Spend time outdoors with the many hiking and camping trails and you may see the world’s largest rodent, the Capybara, which looks like a giant guinea pig! If you’re more interested in arts and crafts, the people of Paraguay would be happy to teach you embroidery and lace design.

Living in the land of “many rivers” will certainly be an experience you won’t want to forget. What are you waiting for?

+ Scholarships Available

YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Paraguay:

Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Jason Pollington Latin American Scholarship
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity

+ Application Deadline

Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by October 15 for Winter/Spring departure programs and March 15 for Summer and Fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.

+ Additional Information

Visa Information

Information about visas will be provided upon enrollment.

Additional Costs

Program tuition does not include visa fees, personal spending money, school-related costs such as books, transportation, and school trips. Students partcipating in a volunteer program may be required to pay fees for required immunizations and cost of transportation to the NGO site.

Choose Your Program

+ Academic Year Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture. Part of your experience will be:

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 year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day 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. All students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

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, 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 have 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.

Volunteer Program

Gap Year Volunteer: Students 18 – 26 are encouraged to apply for the Community Service Program in Paraguay! Students have the opportunity to live with a host family while also 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 are able to place them with an organization that meets their interests. We ask that applicants for this program are high school graduates, and while there is no formal language requirement, applicants should be willing to learn Spanish during the intensive Spanish classes that take place during the first two weeks of the program. This program offers students an incredible experience to immerse themselves in a culture while also building their resume!

**Combination Program: ** With this program, students get the opportunity to make the 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.

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Year Early July Early June $14,995
2024 High School/Volunteer Combo Fall Year Early July Early June $14,995
2024 Volunteer Fall Year Early August Early August $14,995
2025 Spring Year Mid January Early January $15,195

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a carefully selected host family
  • Enrollment in a local Paraguayan high school or NGO for Volunteer program
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Paraguay Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2025 Spring Year Departure: Students born January 31, 2007 – December 31, 2009.
  • 2024 Fall Year Departure: Students born June 30, 2006 – July 1, 2009.
  • 2024 Volunteer Fall Year Departure: Students born September 1, 1998 – August 1, 2006.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Host Family Placement

Students are typically placed in small towns, but can be placed anywhere throughout Paraguay.

+ Semester Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture. Part of your experience will be:

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 3-day 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. All students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

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, 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 have 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.

Volunteer Program

Volunteer:
Students 18 – 25 are encouraged to apply for the Community Service Program in Paraguay! Students have the opportunity to live with a host family while also 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 are able to place them with an organization that meets their interests. We ask that applicants for this program are high school graduates, and while there is no formal language requirement, applicants should be willing to learn Spanish during the intensive Spanish classes that take place during the first two weeks of the program. This program offers students an incredible experience to immerse themselves in a culture while also building their resume!

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Fall Semester Early July Early January $12,995
2024 Volunteer Fall Semester Late August Early February $13,995
2025 Spring Semester Mid January Early June $13,195

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a carefully selected host family
  • Enrollment in a local Paraguayan high school or NGO for Volunteer program
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Paraguay Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Fall Semester Departure: Students born June 30, 2006 – July 1, 2009.
  • 2025 Spring Semester Departure: Students born January 31, 2007 – December 31, 2009.
  • 2024 Volunteer Fall Semester Departure: Students born September 1, 1998 – August 1, 2006.
  • 2024 Volunteer Spring Semester Departure: Students born December 31, 1998 – January 1, 2006.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Host Family Placement

Students are typically placed in small towns, but can be placed anywhere throughout Paraguay.

+ Trimester Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture. Part of your experience will be:

Volunteer Program

Students 18 – 25 are encouraged to apply for the Community Service Program in Paraguay! Students have the opportunity to live with a host family while also 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 are able to place them with an organization that meets their interests. We ask that applicants for this program are high school graduates, and while there is no formal language requirement, applicants should be willing to learn Spanish during the intensive Spanish classes that take place during the first two weeks of the program. This program offers students an incredible experience to immerse themselves in a culture while also building their resume!

Orientations

All students applying for the trimester must be available for a mandatory 3-day 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. All students applying for a Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

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, 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 have 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.

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Volunteer Fall Trimester Early August Early November $9,995
2024 Volunteer Fall Short-Term Early August Early October $9,545

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a carefully selected host family
  • Enrollment in a local Paraguayan NGO for Volunteer program
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Paraguay Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Volunteer Fall Trimester Departure: Students born September 1, 1998 – August 1, 2006.
  • 2024 Volunteer Spring Trimester/Short-term Departure: Students born December 31, 1998 – January 1, 2006.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Host Family Placement

Students are typically placed in small towns, but can be placed anywhere throughout Paraguay.

+ Summer Programs

While in Paraguay you will stay with a carefully selected host family and be immersed in the culture. Part of your experience will be:

Volunteer Program

Students 18 – 25 are encouraged to apply for the Community Service Program in Paraguay! Students have the opportunity to live with a host family while also 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 are able to place them with an organization that meets their interests. We ask that applicants for this program are high school graduates, and while there is no formal language requirement, applicants should be willing to learn Spanish during the intensive Spanish classes that take place during the first two weeks of the program. This program offers students an incredible experience to immerse themselves in a culture while also building their resume!

Orientations

All students applying for the Summer program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. 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, 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.

PROGRAM DEPARTURE RETURN FULL TUITION
2024 Volunteer Summer Late June Early August $9,545

Tuition Includes

  • Placement with a carefully selected host family
  • Enrollment with a local NGO
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic and international travel
  • All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
  • Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
  • Support from a YFU Paraguay Area Representative while on program
  • Comprehensive insurance

Age Requirement

  • 2024 Volunteer Summer Departure: Students born July 31, 1998 – June 30, 2006.
  • Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Host Family Placement

Students are typically placed in small towns, but can be placed anywhere throughout Paraguay.