Paraguay
Paraguay is a colorful nation perfect for anyone who loves the exploring the outdoors and who wants to learn more about history
Study in Paraguay
¡Bienvenido a Paraguay! Paraguay is a colorful nation perfect for anyone who loves the 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, and while no one knows the exact translation, many translate it as "many rivers" or "river of many inhabitants". This is very lucky for the locals in Paraguay since it is a landlocked country! In fact, Paraguay has been named one of the world's most up and coming countries to visit due to its many waterfalls. Although it is a small country, it is very proud and has a rich history as well as plenty of things to do.
While on program in Paraguay, you will live with a carefully selected host family who will be able to help you improve your Spanish skills and even introduce you to their indigenous language of Guarani. In fact, Paraguay is the only country in South America to retain its native tongue: Guarani is an official language along with Spanish.
Your host family will also surely introduce you to many Paraguay customs including their incredible food! Chipa, a bagel like bread with cheese, is an all time favorite of the locals. Another favorite is called mate (pronounce mah-tay): you'll be served a strong herb tea made from mate leaves.
Like spending time outdoors? There are plenty of hiking and camping trails throughout the country that will bring you to their many waterfalls. Paraguay faces many problems such as deforestation, which isn't good news to the Capybara. The Capybara calls Paraguay its home and is the world's largest rodent. It looks like a giant guinea pig! Maybe outdoors are not for you, and you're more interested in arts and crafts? Paraguay women love doing lace making and embroidery as a past time and would be happy to teach you!
Living in the land of "many rivers" will certainly be an experience you won't want to forget. What are you waiting for?
Pastimes
The most popular sport in Paraguay is futbol (soccer). However rugby, volleyball, tennis, and basketball are also popular among Paraguayans!
+ Scholarships Available
Scholarships for 2020 programs have not yet been confirmed. Applications for 2020 Summer/Fall scholarships will open in the Fall of 2019. The YFU Financial Aid Fund can be applied to any program and will remain available for 2020 Spring programs until September 15. The YFU Legacy Grant can be applied to any program at any time of application. For more details on the Financial Aid Fund, Legacy Grant, and previous merit-based scholarships please visit our scholarships page.
Learn more about scholarship details and deadlines.
+ Programs & Tuition
Fall Year: $14,995
Fall Year Volunteer: $14,995
Spring Year: $14,995
Spring Year Volunteer: $14,995
Fall Semester: $12,995
Fall Semester Volunteer: $12,995
Spring Semester: $12,995
Spring Semester Volunteer: $12,995
Summer Semester Volunteer: $12,995
Summer Volunteer: $6,995
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by October 1 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 personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips. Students may also need to pay an additional compulsory school fee if applicable. YFU will check with families before officially enrolling students in a school that requires an additional fee.
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 semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. 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 2-week 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.
Special Program Offers
YFU Paraguay offers cultural trips for students while on program for an additional fee. Students may also have opportunities to travel with their host families or with YFU on organized trips during school breaks. Students will find out more about these excursions and how to sign up when they arrive in Paraguay.
Volunteer in Paraguay!
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!
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Year | 0178 | early July | early June | $14,995 |
| Fall Year Volunteer | 1420 | late August | early August | $14,995 |
| Spring Year | 1281 | late January | early January | $14,995 |
| Spring Year Volunteer | 1419 | mid January | early January | $14,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Paraguayan high school
- 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
Spring 2019 Programs: January 31, 2001 - February 28, 2004. Fall and Summer 2019 Programs: June 30, 2001 - July 31 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program 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. Spanish language classes are available for students wishing to participate in the volunteer program.
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 or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. 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 2-week 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.
Special Program Offers
YFU Paraguay offers cultural trips for students while on program for an additional fee. Students may also have opportunities to travel with their host families or with YFU on organized trips during school breaks. Students will find out more about these excursions and how to sign up when they arrive in Paraguay.
Volunteer in Paraguay!
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!
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | 1283 | early July | early January | $12,995 |
| Fall Semester Volunteer | 1416 | late August | mid March | $12,995 |
| Spring Semester | 1282 | late January | late June | $12,995 |
| Spring Semester Volunteer | 1417 | mid January | mid July | $12,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Paraguayan high school
- 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
Spring 2019 Programs: January 31, 2001 - February 28, 2004. Fall and Summer 2019 Programs: June 30, 2001 - July 31 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program 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. Spanish language classes are available for students wishing to participate in the volunteer program.
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:
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 or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. 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 2-week 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.
Special Program Offers
YFU Paraguay offers cultural trips for students while on program for an additional fee. Students may also have opportunities to travel with their host families or with YFU on organized trips during school breaks. Students will find out more about these excursions and how to sign up when they arrive in Paraguay.
Volunteer in Paraguay!
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!
| PROGRAM | CODE | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Semester Volunteer | 1387 | late August | late November | $12,995 |
| Summer Volunteer | 1418 | late August | late November | $6,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Paraguayan high school
- 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
Spring 2019 Programs: January 31, 2001 - February 28, 2004. Fall and Summer 2019 Programs: June 30, 2001 - July 31 2004. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program 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. Spanish language classes are available for students wishing to participate in the volunteer program.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed in small towns, but can be placed anywhere throughout Paraguay.