Studying in Paraguay: an introduction
Paraguay is a hidden gem in South America – and is particularly popular with medical students on a tight budget
Having worked as a counsellor for the past 30 years, I’m used to seeing students all apply to the same countries and not give enough value to other countries that are not as popular. This can be a shame – for these countries are often where the richest experiences are to be found.
Surrounded by Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, Paraguay is a hidden gem in South America, offering university students cultural richness combined with affordability. The country is becoming an appealing destination for international students, especially those wishing to attend medical school.
Paraguay: welcoming, international and cheap
Paraguay offers an increasingly structured path to higher education, as well as quite an international and relaxed way of life. Many Europeans – and particularly Germans – are starting to move to Paraguay. Approximately 450,000 Paraguayans have German ancestry.
The capital, Asunción, is not only considered a welcoming city for such a growing international hub, but is also a destination for foreign investment, thanks to its free-trade policies and low taxes.
The local currency is guaraní, which is the lowest-valued currency in the Americas, with an exchange rate of about G7,520 to $1. Public transportation is not exactly organised, but it is low cost. And, because Paraguay is a predominantly subtropical country, its produce is always fresh and diverse.
Mandatory Spanish proficiency
Paraguay’s official languages are Guaraní and Spanish, and the latter is used for almost all university majors in the country – the few exceptions are courses taught in English.
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for those considering higher education in Paraguay. However, the most prestigious universities offer preparatory Spanish-language programmes to help non-native speakers become fluent, and as a pathway into undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This is particularly so for medicine – though Spanish fluency must of course be combined with the usual application documentation – usually high-school diploma, transcripts, passport copy, proof of science-related prerequisites, financial proof, a valid passport and medical certificate.
Paraguay’s best-ranked university is the Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA). It appears at 1,501+ in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Moreover, it was in the top 150 in South America and in the Latin America University Rankings.
A medical degree on a tight budget
I once counselled a student who applied to study medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Asunción, one of the private international universities in the capital. Once she proved that all documents were in order, she enrolled in the university’s Spanish-as-a-foreign-language course (Español como lengua extrangera). In less than six months, she had finished her Spanish course and was fluent in the language and ready to enter medical school there.
Two years into the programme, she then managed to transfer to Universidad Nacional de Asunción, the largest university in Paraguay. She was granted Erasmus funding and graduated some years later.
That particular student’s dream was to study abroad and, at the same time, to learn a different language. She was also aware that her family was on a tight budget. So we had to redefine best fit when searching for places for her to apply. It all worked out fine as, some years after graduating, she was able to convalidate her diploma in her home country, and opened up a clinic that offers health assistance to Spanish-speakers on vacation there.
Students are charged between $1,500 to $5,000 annually at private universities in Paraguay; public universities tend to charge only a small fee for foreigners. Living expenses can vary quite a bit, but the maximum monthly expenditure for an international student would be $600. Scholarships are not widely popular, but financial support may be offered by some organisations. Part-time work is also an option for some.
Who knows? Maybe your students could benefit from quality education at a reasonable cost while learning another language.