Learn About the Countries: Paraguay
The district we exchange with is actually an international district as it includes clubs in both Argentina and Paraguay. The district lies at the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and offers great opportunities to visit parts of all three countries. Students are generally sent to the town of Ciudad del Este which is walking distance from one of the largest water falls in the world - the Falls of Iguazú. The Guarani Indians continue to have a great influence in the country - even the language is considered official, together with Spanish. The climate is very warm but along with that comes fabulous and abundant tropical fruits and vegetables. Corn and corn meal is used in many dishes prepared in Paraguay. Musical instruments unique to Paraguay are hand crafted as are linens and leather work - these make excellent gifts for yourself and to take home to family - all at very reasonable prices. Like to dance or listen to music - folk, classical, and rock are an integral part of the culture here.
Country Officers
Steve and Ruby Lee
steveandrubylee@hotmail.com
Places of Interest in Paraguay
- The capital city Asuncsion where you can visit government buildings, museums, the markets, and botanical garden
- Attend professional soccer matches (called futbol in So. America)
- Iguazú Falls - best from Brazil or Argentina
- Itaugua - home of the artisians that make ñandutí lace.
- Jesuit missionaries settled much of Paraguay in the 1700s. A number of museums and ruin sites are located in Paraguay. Rent the movie The Mission (1986) - for a great preview of Paraguay, the falls, and a piece of Paraguayan history.
Interesting Facts about Paraguay
- ñandutí - traditional handmade ‘spiderweb lace’ - makes wonderful gifts
- Drinking Mate - an herbal tea sipped through a special container and strained through a unique and ornate ‘straw’ or infuser - is a social custom similar to the English tea time.
- Carnival is celebrated here - though not as wild as that in Brazil, it is lively and a must do - participate in the dancing, music, parades and other festivities. Ciudad del Este is an international market place - significant populations of Japanese, Koreans, and Germans are found in the city.
- Itaipú Dam on the Rio Paraná near Ciudad del Este is a binational project shared with Brazil. It is represents the largest hydroelectric plant in the world.
Paraguay Links of Interest
Other Paraguay Information
Visas for both Brazil and Paraguay should be obtained for this exchange. Our inbound students have all been superb - they are MORE than willing to share with you information about Paraguay.
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