Youth For Understanding USA

Academic Year and 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.

Extracurricular Activities: 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.