An AFSer named Teresa says of her experience in Paraguay:

"Paraguay—a country where a monkey can fall into your arms while on a walk; a country with people who are never in a hurry, even when fighting in crazy traffic; a country steeped in culture with wonderful people who know how to relax and respect traditions, how to dance, have fun and enjoy the beauty of life."

Paraguay is alive with tradition, fusing the indigenous Guaranì Indian culture with the culture of the Spanish conquistadors. While Spanish is the national language, you'll hear the native language of Guaranì spoken often. West of Rio Paraguay is the hot infertile plain of Gran Chaco, so ninety-eight percent of the population lives in the more verdant eastern half. In that half lie many fascinating locations, such as the riverside capital of Asuncìon, Jesuit mission ruins, and national parks.

Paraguayan social life revolves around the family and soccer. In Paraguay, you'll most likely live in a small town with easy access to a nearby city. While your host family may not have all of the modern conveniences that are common in the U.S. (dishwashers, microwaves, or central air conditioning), you'll find yourself looking at the world through different eyes. Paraguay is modernizing as a country, yet you will still find Guaranì Indians selling feathered headdresses in city plazas, and a traditional pace of life.

Summer Soccer Intensive Program
Come spend seven weeks in Paraguay, live with a host family, explore the culture—and play soccer! Through an exclusive partnership with the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, AFS Paraguay is proud to offer this workshop with the silver medal-winning Paraguayan 2004 Olympic Soccer Team. You will practice soccer techniques, share in professional players' expertise, and work with younger soccer students. There will be plenty of opportunities to compete in games including other soccer schools and teams, as well as attend First Division games of the Paraguayan Soccer Association. (Birthdate between December 1987 - June 1991.)

Paraguay has something for everyone!

• High School Year Program
• High School Semester Program
• Short Summer: Homestay, Community Service, or Soccer Program (for High School students)
• 18+ Semester or Year Community Service Program

Imagine the opportunity to spend a year or semester in Latin America as a Cargill Global Exchange Fund Scholar. Thanks to the Cargill Corporation, AFS will offer a number of partial scholarships to students who wish to study abroad in 2006 in one of seven Latin American countries: Mexico, Honduras, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica.

Who is eligible for a Cargill Global Exchange Scholarship? Candidates:

• Must be between the ages of 15 and 18
• Have a strong academic record (3.0 minimum GPA)
• Demonstrated involvement in school and community service
• Must complete the AFS application process by March 1, 2006

Additional eligibility criteria: Students who receive a Cargill Scholarship must visit a Cargill facility prior to their departure from the U.S., and are also required to visit a Cargill facility in the country where they are hosted. Cargill operates in 37 states of the United States. For more information on the Cargill Scholarship, and the closest Cargill Facility to you, please contact Holly Fern at 1.800.237.4636 x 1527.

Words from past Cargill Scholars:

“Living in a different culture presents many challenges, and a certain amount of self confidence is essential. My survival skills were enhanced by the time I spent in Honduras.” -Benjamin Pastor, Cargill Global Exchange Scholar, 2005

“My experience with AFS really did change my life. If I had a chance to go to Argentina again, I would do it in a heartbeat.”
–Andrea Portier, Cargill Global Exchange Scholar, 2005

Most families have no idea how much they'll gain by sharing their lives with a young person—like you—from another country until they become an AFS Host Family. Hosting opens up the potential for your own personal growth, the chance to make a friend for life in another country, and to have a lot of fun!

Please complete this quick on-line Hosting Interest Form or call (800) AFS-INFO.

St. Patrick's Day is on Friday March 17th and it's a great excuse to throw a fundraising party! A few ideas:

Invite family, friends, and neighbors who would be willing to support your adventure. Make it clear that you are looking for contributions to your trip.

Play some games that require your guests to pay small fines. You can raise a lot of money over the course of an evening while still having a great time. For example, tell everyone to wear green and if someone forgets, make them pay a fine upon arrival. You can also draw a 4-leaf clover on the under side of a few dinner plates. When everyone has sat down ask people to flip over their plates to see if they've been tagged. Those that have get fined!

• Serve a baked potato bar with all the fixings.
• Leave out donation pots in various places.
• Don't forget the green beverages...
• For entertainment, find some Irish music and hold a cake walk (you bake it!) or get silly with a game of musical chairs.