BEYOND BORDERS: NAVIGATING AFS OPPORTUNITIES

Logo credit to AFS Programs

November 1st, 2023

By Stephanie L. Granada 

    Hey, there! My fellow explorers! As we continue this journey together, let’s dive into the world of university life in Paraguay and Kansas. Now picture this: Imagine you, a student from the United States experiencing a new campus completely different from yours back in your country, drinking the traditional fresh drink of herbs and yerba mate under the tree with your Spanish-speaking friends during your break from classes. 

    As I mentioned in my previous posts “Exploring New Horizons: Embracing the Early Journey of Studying Abroad”, I came to the United States through the Paraguay-Kansas Partnership which helps bring students from Paraguay to Kansas to study abroad. But, what about students from the US that would like to experience Paraguay at least once in their lives? The American Field Service Intercultural Program, well known as AFS Intercultural Programs is your golden ticket. It opens the door to students from Kansas to explore the vibrant heart of South America, not only providing a travel arrangement but also ensuring that exchange students from the US have a meaningful experience embracing the culture, forming international friendships, and gaining a deeper understanding of the diversity in the world that can last in their hearts forever.

    The program allows any student from the United States and other countries to experience one semester of college in Paraguay at two of the most famous universities: Columbia University and University of San Carlos, learning about the fusion between Spanish people and the indigenous Guarani, creating the miscegenation of two different cultures and traditions. Also, exchange students will live with a Paraguayan host family to get them closer to the customs like eating the traditional barbecue called Asado, and of course the language, Spanish and the beautiful sound of the Guarani.