Location:

Asuncion, Paraguay

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world. We've been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That is six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

AFS Mission: AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

AFS offers year, semester, and summer programs to destinations throughout Paraguay. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.

Peguahe pora Paraguaipe, bienvenidos a Paraguay, and welcome to Paraguay-a country alive with tradition, fusing the indigenous Guarani Indian culture with the culture of the Spanish conquistadors, and where the old world meets the modern...

Colleges recommend high school study abroad experiences - as these programs provide the opportunity to develop confidence and self-reliance before pursuing higher education. In addition, after exploring the world you may have a clearer vision of what you'd like to study in college. As a result, you may spend less time switching majors, which means you'll save time and money. An exchange program also boosts college applications and gives you an immediate advantage when applying for scholarships.

Plus, the language skills you develop on an AFS program might exempt you from required language courses, thus enabling you to finish college sooner. Some students have received as much as 18 hours language credit-almost enough to provide a minor in language and a huge financial savings when you figure the cost of credits.

Setting Description:

West of Rio, Paraguay is the hot infertile plain of Gran Chaco, so 98 percent of the population lives in the more verdant eastern half. In that half, there are many fascinating locations such as the riverside capital of Asuncion, Jesuit mission ruins, and national parks. Paraguayan social life revolves around the family and sports, especially soccer. In Paraguay, you'll most likely live in a small town with easy access to a nearby city. Your host family may not have all of the modern conveniences of the U.S. (dishwashers, microwaves, or central air conditioning), but you'll find yourself seeing the world with different eyes. Paraguay is modernizing as a country, yet you will still find Guarani Indians selling feathered headdresses in city plazas, and a traditional pace of life.