Paraguay is a really affordable destination but it is not as popular to visit/study as nearby destinations like Argentina and Chile. Most language schools offering courses to foreign students are located in the capital Asuncion.
Reasons to Study Spanish in Paraguay
- This is one of the cheapest destinations to learn Spanish in the Americas
- See spectacular places in your free time like Foz do Iguana waterfalls
- Meet friendly local people
- Courses are great value for money
Languages Spoken in Paraguay
Both Spanish and Guarani are official. Most people in Paraguay speak Spanish and the use and understanding of English is not widespread.
Outside of Asuncion and the big cities Guarani is commonly what you will hear. Due to the extensive use of Guarani, even those who have managed to learn Spanish do not always speak it very well.
The Guarani spoken is usually a mix of Guarani and Spanish, known as Jopara, meaning mixed in Guarani. The number system in Guarani is rarely used, and is almost always replaced with the Spanish number system.
Some basic greetings in Guarani include:
- Mba’eichapa = How are you
- Iporã = Good
- ha nde = and you
- iporã avei = good as well
In the northern, and eastern parts of Paraguay, Portuguese is spoken widely. In some places, Nueva Esperanza (80% portuguese speaking), Katuetè (60%) the majority speak Portuguese, almost always the result of Paraguayan born, or first generation Brazilian immigrants. There are many cases of Paraguayans, who were born during the era of Brazilian immigration who speak only Portuguese at home, although also fluent Guarani, but very little or no Spanish.
Spanish Courses in Paraguay
Courses can be booked every month and you can choose between in-person group/private courses and online. Schools can arrange accommodation if needed.
Is Paraguayan Spanish Difficult to Learn?
In Paraguay Vos is used instead of Tu. There is a slight change in conjugation but not big enough that you won’t be understood using Tu. This Vos is NOT the same as Vosotros. Tienes changes to tenès, puedes changes to podès, but usually you can get by with changing tu to vos.