Moving to Paraguay

Getting around the city is flexible: teachers frequently walk, commute by bus, ride bikes, or buy a car. Purchasing a vehicle is a great option for exploring the beauty of Paraguay outside Asunción, and cars retain their resale value well. If you choose to cycle, be prepared for an adventurous ride—you'll need to be a confident rider, stay alert to road conditions, and always wear a helmet.

Expect hot, humid summers where reliable AC is a non-negotiable must and a pool is a fantastic perk. Spring and fall bring beautiful weather, with pleasant temperatures floating between $75 ext{°F}$ and $90 ext{°F}$. Winters get chilly enough that you'll want a heavy coat for daytime and a down comforter for bed. When it rains, it really pours—the tropical thunder and lightning storms are breathtaking to watch, but you'll definitely want to pack a reliable pair of knee-high rain boots!

Knowing a bit of Spanish will go a long way during your time here! Paraguayans speak Spanish, often mixed with the local indigenous language, Guaraní. While you'll run into some English speakers, most everyday encounters—from grocery store clerks and school support staff to your home help—will be in Spanish, especially once you leave the city. We highly recommend taking advantage of the school's free basic and intermediate Spanish classes, or hiring a private tutor to get up to speed faster. Learning a language can feel challenging at times, but locals are incredibly patient and warm when you try out your skills!

Managing your budget here depends on your spending choices. The local cost of living is very low, making services like healthcare, salon visits, and household help extremely affordable. However, imported items are significantly more expensive. If you live like a local and don't have major financial obligations back home, you can easily save money, though single-income households may need to plan a bit more intentionally. Keep in mind that once your Paraguayan ID is processed, mandatory salary deductions for taxes and social services will start.

You'll find healthcare here easy to navigate, and our school insurance policy offers excellent coverage with access to top physicians. The reimbursement process is simple: you pay upfront at your visit and file a claim online to receive your refund. Many physicians speak English, but if you ever need specific medical services or specialists, reaching out to the ASA community is the best way to get quick, trusted recommendations!

Depends on what you are into! Life is much slower paced here in general so people spend a lot of time cooking and eating with friends. Many people travel out of the city on the weekends and for vacations. Teachers do the same things as eating with friends, exercising, watching movies and TV, going to movies, and spending time outside. There are some nice parks and recreation clubs in and out of the city. On weekends you can go out to clubs/bars--Asuncion has them! Many people also find volunteer work. There are several ongoing athletic events (soccer, for one) and various ex-pat sponsored groups meet--the embassy is well connected to the school. Fundamentally, everyone should take advantage of traveling in Paraguay and South America!

Raising a family here is a wonderful experience—in fact, it’s one of the best parts of living in Asunción! The pace of life is wonderfully tranquilo (relaxed), and the city is safe, peaceful, and uncrowded compared to other South American capitals. Paraguayans are genuinely friendly and generous, and you will quickly make lifelong friends. Expect plenty of warm weather and weekend asados (barbecues) in the garden with family and friends! Nestled in the heart of the continent, Paraguay borders Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The country covers roughly 157,000 square miles (about the size of California) and is split into two distinct areas by the Paraguay River: Eastern Paraguay: Home to rolling green hills, rich farmland, and dense forests. This is where most of the country's population lives and where Asunción’s vibrant cultural and commercial life takes place. The Chaco (Western Region): A unique, expansive plain made up of wetlands, palm groves, and dry shrublands. Travel Opportunities Paraguay's central position makes it a great launching pad for South American travel. Flying to neighboring countries is quick and reasonably priced. Alternatively, if you want to take in the scenery, you can travel via comfortable, high-end long-distance buses that regularly run to destinations like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Santiago.

Paraguay’s climate is variable ranging from cold to quite hot and usually humid. It is subtropical, with summer and winter seasons opposite those in the U.S. Winds are generally moderate, but high winds, thunder, and spectacular electrical storms are not uncommon. On average, Asuncion receives 59 inches (150 cm) of annual rainfall, which is well distributed seasonally but with a greater quantity in the summer months. The eastern and southern borders receive even more rain than Asuncion. borders receive even more rain than Asuncion. Summer is from November through March, with January’s average maximum temperatures at 95° F (35° C) and its mean temperature at 82° F (28° C). Hot spells with high humidity are common. Once the thermometer reaches about 100° (38° C), a tropical thunderstorm is sure to cool things down, at least for a while. The relative humidity ranges between 67% and 78% year-round and can be particularly high in the summer. Needless to say, this high humidity requires an adjustment for those unaccustomed to the heat. Winter extends from May through August. There are cold spells with night temperatures in the 30’s (32° F = 0° C) and low 40s Fahrenheit (40° F = 4° C) accompanied by daytime temperatures in the 50’s (59° F = 15° C). These cold days are interspersed with several days in the high 70’s and even low 80’s (80° F = 27° C). Frosts are rare near Asuncion but occur frequently in the countryside. During the winter months, there are frequent and abrupt changes from winter to summer-like weather and back again. Daily changes of 30 to 40 degrees can occur. Such drops in temperature occur whenever a thunderstorm hits. There can also be an incredible difference in average mean temperature from one winter to another. Moreover, even if you are following the weather forecast on CNN and/or the Web and it appears like Paraguay has been experiencing only high temperatures in June and July, please realize that the climate can change dramatically in just a few hours. Don’t be misled by these reports. Be prepared for hot and cold on the same day!

The entire country of Paraguay is located in a one-time zone east of Eastern Standard Time. Since seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere, daylight savings time operates in Paraguay from approximately the first Sunday in October through the first Sunday in March. Approximately when the US moves the clock backward one hour to Standard Time, Asuncion moves forward one hour to Daylight Savings Time, and vice versa. Consequently, during the northern hemisphere winter (e.g. in December) Paraguay is two hours ahead of New York. During the northern hemisphere summer (e.g., in July), it is the same time in Paraguay as in New York. During parts of March and October, Paraguay is exactly two hours ahead of New York since both are on Standard Time together for just a brief period of time.

There are beautiful flowering trees and plants year-round in Paraguay (e.g., poinsettia, lapacho, and chivato), and fruits such as mangoes and papayas are in abundance. If you like plants, you will love it here. Paraguay also has some of the oldest and some of the rarest animals in the world. Jaguars, pumas, monkeys, tapirs, alligators, giant lizards, sloths, capybaras (world’s largest rodent, nicknamed “water hog”), armadillos, coatis (the raccoon’s cousin), peccaries (wild pigs), and ant-eaters inhabit the jungles along Paraguay’s eastern border and/or in the Chaco just west of Asuncion. Local bird watching and fishing are said to be among the best in the world. Paraguay is home to over 400 bird species; including rheas, parrots, parakeets, macaws, storks, herons, and spoonbills. Fishermen, professionals, and amateurs, regularly catch Surubi catfish as well as golden Dorados.

Paraguay was first reached by Europeans in 1524, with its capital, Asunción ("Mother of Cities"), founded in 1537 as a hub for regional Spanish colonization. After gaining independence in 1811, the nation was shaped by three successive long-term leaders: Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, Carlos Antonio López, and Francisco Solano López. Devastating conflicts—primarily the War of the Triple Alliance and the Chaco War—decimated the male population, leading to Paraguay being dubbed the "Land of Women" and driving significant foreign immigration. Following 20th-century political instability, General Alfredo Stroessner ruled from 1954 until he was ousted in 1989, initiating a transition to democratic governance that continues through the presidency of Santiago Peña.

The mix of native Guarani Indians, Asians, and Europeans has created a unique Paraguayan culture. Less than 1% of Paraguay’s inhabitants are indigenous, mainly from non-Guarani tribes which represent numerous language families. They still live in isolated villages as far as possible from encroaching civilization. Unfortunately, many have lost their lands to agriculture. A relatively new aspect of Paraguay’s population is the large number of Asian immigrants, primarily Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. This immigration pattern is also evident at ASA, which has had a noticeable increase in Asian students.

One of the most fascinating aspects of living in Paraguay is its rich bilingual culture! Both Spanish and Guaraní are official languages. Spanish is the primary language for business and government, but Guaraní is spoken everywhere by people of all backgrounds. In fact, many common words you might recognize—like jaguar, piranha, and jacaranda—come straight from the Tupí-Guaraní root words. While learning Spanish will be your main daily tool, picking up a few phrases in Guaraní will earn you extra smiles and warm appreciation from locals! At ASA, we love to lead by example, and learning local languages is a wonderful way to connect with our community. To help you settle in, free basic Spanish classes are provided for all new staff. If you're looking to build your skills even faster, private tutors (including some experienced ASA colleagues) are easily accessible. Bringing along a reliable bilingual dictionary or phrasebook will also give you a great head start!

Roman Catholicism is the central faith tradition in Paraguay, shaping many local customs and holidays. One of the largest annual traditions is the December 8th pilgrimage to the Basilica of Caacupé, located about 35 miles east of Asunción. However, religious freedom is fully protected by the national constitution, and Asunción is home to a wonderfully diverse mix of worship communities: Protestant Traditions: Active groups include Mennonite, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican, Assembly of God, Disciples of Christ, and Seventh-day Adventist congregations. Global Faiths: You'll also find Eastern Orthodox churches, LDS wards, Jehovah's Witnesses, a Jewish synagogue, and worship spaces for Muslim and Buddhist communities. English Services: If you are seeking English-language services, select Catholic and Protestant churches in the Asunción area hold weekly services in English.

Major Sights & Destinations Natural & Scenic: Iguazu Falls (Paraguay/Brazil/Argentina border), Lake Ypacaraí resort town (San Bernardino), and the Chaco (wildlife & ecosystems). Historic Routes: The Golden Circuit (Caacupé, Piribebuy, Chololó, Piraretá, Paraguarí), UNESCO Jesuit ruins, and Yaguarón (Franciscan church and Francia Museum). Artisanal Towns (Artesanía) Areguá & Itá: Pottery & ceramics Carapeguá: Hammocks & bedspreads Itauguá: Ñandutí lace Limpio: Wicker & straw goods Luque: Guitars, harps, & filigree jewelry San Miguel: Woven wool products Tobatí: Wood carvings Yataity / Villarrica: Aó Po’í embroidery Ypacaraí: Leather goods

Getting to Know - Asunción Life in Asunción revolves around outdoors, community, and relaxed socializing. You'll often see neighbors chatting out front or gathering around a poolside asado (barbecue). The heart of any social gathering is yerba mate, Paraguay’s national drink: Enjoy it ice-cold as tereré (a local favorite on hot days!). Drink it piping hot as mate during cooler months. Try it brewed in a cup as cocido, often prepared with toasted sugar. City Layout & Atmosphere Founded in 1537, Asunción beautifully mixes historic colonial architecture with modern towers and charming, tree-shaded cobblestone streets. Most diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy, line the historic Avenida Mariscal López. To escape the summer heat, locals head to modern shopping malls or movie theaters, where most films play in their original English audio with Spanish subtitles. When the sun goes down, Asunción offers a vibrant nightlife—from relaxed pubs and parrilladas (barbecues) to venues offering traditional harp music and folk dances.

Sports & Recreation in Paraguay - If you love staying active, you'll feel right at home here! Soccer (fútbol) is the beating heart of Paraguayan sports culture, and catching a live weekend match is a fantastic experience. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball are also widely played throughout the community. Staying Fit & Outdoors Gyms & Wellness: Finding a place to work out is easy—Asunción has plenty of high-quality gyms, pools, pilates studios, and yoga classes. Water Activities: Located near major rivers and lakes, the area is great for jet-skiing and water-skiing. Paraguay is also famous as a world-class fishing destination! Cycling & Running: Running is a popular everyday pursuit. If you're a cyclist, there’s no need to ship a bike from home—bikes, helmets, and accessories can easily be bought locally.

There are two major universities in Asuncion, the National University and the Catholic University, both offering a range of career choices. Many offer university courses in the evenings, and if fluent in Spanish, one might be able to enroll.

At various times during the year, concerts (classical, rock, and folk), plays, and ballet performances are offered to the public. Participants are local artists while sometimes international artists come to Asuncion as part of programs sponsored by the cultural centers of the various embassies. Cultural centers provide the city with a variety of other programs as well. A very active Paraguayan/American Cultural Center (CCPA) is available for your cultural use. In addition to its cultural program and English language classes, the CCPA also houses an excellent lending library of English books and sponsors lectures, displays, art exhibits, and conferences for English-language teachers.

Art galleries and museums are also popular. They offer exhibits of works by Paraguayan and international painters and sculptors. Asuncion and its surrounding suburbs have numerous museums as well as several historical monuments. Some of these museums are House of Independence, Casa Viola, Pantheon of Heroes, Ethnographic Indigenous, Fine Arts, Ceramics, Myths and Legends, Military History, National History, Botanical Gardens, Biological Inventory, and Natural History. They all make for great class field trips and for your personal enjoyment.