study paraguay

Caacupe Virgen Song in Guarani

2009-10-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song in Guaraní. It's about the Caacupe Virgen!

More songs at YouTube

Nice pic. Paraguayan traditional dancers

2009-10-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

more of these pictures on Google images

Budget Travel in South America

2009-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

South America has a lot to offer budget travelers, but it takes some planning and prioritizing to keep from breaking the bank. Just as Mexico’s costs are far lower than in the neighboring U.S. and Hungary’s are far lower than those in Austria, regional differences in South America can be dramatic. Urban Brazil, Chile, the Galapagos, and celebrity-filled beach areas of Uruguay can be surprisingly expensive. On the other hand, stretches of Peru, Bolivia, and mainland Ecuador are some of the least expensive places on the planet for backpackers.

Long-term travelers find enough variety in South America to keep them occupied for months or years, both in the population and the geography. There are the Andean people descended from the Incas, the Spanish and Portuguese descendents of the conquerors, Brazilians whose ancestors came from Africa, and those who have made their life in the jungles along the Amazon. Throw in immigrants from around the world who have been coming for centuries and it’s an interesting mix.

From the sea plains and steamy jungles the elevation proceeds all the way up the scale to Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet). In between there are vineyards, Inca ruins in the mountains, Spanish colonial towns, pulsing cities, deserts, beaches, and otherworldly Patagonia.

PARAGUAY: Health Insurance for All (Registered) Domestics

2009-10-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

By Natalia Ruiz Díaz

It took 42 years for social security health care coverage for domestics to extend beyond the limits of the Paraguayan capital.

The measure adopted by the social security institute, the Instituto de Previsión Social, could potentially benefit some 290,000 people – mainly women – working in domestic service throughout this impoverished landlocked South American country of 6.1 million, as well as their families.

"This is a huge stride forward which will help improve the living conditions of domestics in Paraguay," the president of the Association of Domestic Service Workers (AESD), Solana Meza, told IPS.

The challenge now is to get employers to register their domestics with the social security system, which very few have done.

Although health care coverage is obligatory for formal sector workers under Paraguay's labour code, only as of this week do all domestic workers have a right to health insurance - 42 years after the inclusion of that stipulation in the social security institute's charter in 1967.

Domestic workers were not covered when the Instituto de Previsión Social was established in 1943. That situation began to change when a special system for health insurance for domestics went into effect in Asunción in 1967. The aim was to gradually expand it to the whole country. But that never happened.

The social security institute's health care insurance covers maternity, non work-related illness, work-related illness and accidents, surgery, dental care, medication, hospitalisation and a disability subsidy.

Read full article at IPS News

WHAT IS Bueno, entonces... exactly?

2009-10-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Bueno, entonces... is the best selling language-learning program for the iPhone, now available on DVD and instant download! Featured by Apple as New & Noteworthy, tens of thousands are already learning Spanish with Bueno, entonces…

Taking the most effective elements from traditional audio books and software programs, Bueno, entonces... has revamped language-learning by incorporating those features into a 1-on-1 Spanish lesson format, where you sit in on private classes with fresh audio/visual teaching tools, a huge improvement over programs currently available on the market.

Bueno, entonces... takes you inside 30 private Spanish lessons with Jimena, a gorgeous Spanish instructor, and David, her jackass student from London as he learns Spanish in beautiful Buenos Aires. Like learn-Spanish reality TV, but without the guilt of getting addicted, because in just 5 weeks you'll be speaking Spanish conversationally.

To learn more about Bueno, entonces, go to General Linguistics.

Top ten most unsanitary practices in Paraguay...

2009-10-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

But you grow to love!!

I snagged these from my friend Mark because they are so right on, and I think are applicable in all parts of Paraguay, with MAYBE the exception of some rich people in the capital city. I did add a few personal touches that tend to stretch the boundaries a tad more.

1) Sharing the same guampa and bombilla (drinking cup/bottle and metal straw when drinking Terere). In other words drinking after multiple people usually sitting in a circle and using the same straw, even random drunks and bus drivers...I may or may not be speaking from personal experience.

2) Being served and huge central trough of food among many people, and all sharing one set of silverware, or not using silverware at all!

3) Being served a plate of food on a plate recently used by someone else, and not yet cleaned. Same goes for glasses.

4) Being expected to use the tablecloth as your napkin, that is, grabbing the table cloth and wiping your mouth and hands on it. Table clothes are usually changed every 3-5 days.

5) Sharing a glass with any acquaintance remotely known, when drinking almost any beverage.

You'll love the rest!!! Go to Rohayhu Paraguaype.

Bueno Entonces Reviews

2009-09-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

I just started using this app, but already I'm totally loving it. I've tried a variety of other language apps and podcasts and I usually get very bored, very quickly. The format here (i.e. using the backstory of someone who is *actually* trying to learn the language too) is a very cool twist. I also love all the conversational words/tips. The symbols/color keys also rock. So far, big thumbs up! by FIPSbk

Read more reviews at Facebook. you can also join Bueno Entonces as a fan!

Al Paraguay hay que conocerlo! Watch this video!

2009-09-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I found this video, which is promoting tourism in the country. It shows great places to visit sometimes!

Check it out, the girl is really sweet and the places are super cool.
To watch more video, visit YouTube

Iphone Spanish Classes "Bueno Entonces"

2009-09-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

To watch more video of Bueno Entonces, visit YouTube

Learn These Spanish Phrases. They're really useful!

2009-09-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Currency Converter

2009-09-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Use this currency converter to calculate how much your currency is valued at in any other country of the world. In some countries of South America the currency fluctuates continually (based on the value of the U.S. dollar) and residents become accustomed to using a currency converter (or checking the newspaper) daily to view the exchange rate for a particular day. In other countries the currency is more stable.

Use the currency converter at Go South Expat

Trinidad Ruins in Paraguay. Nice place to visit and learn some history.

2009-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Bueno Entonces Review. Take a look at it!

2009-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Prior to moving to Argentina, I spent several years working at an investment firm in Los Angeles. After the financial market collapse, I decided that it was time for me to try something different and accepted a consulting job in Buenos Aires. I set off for this new experience knowing only basic Spanish.

The first few weeks were very frustrating. This was the first time that I was living and working in a city where I did not speak the native language. I was not prepared for how difficult it was going to be to learn Spanish! My biggest hindrance in learning the language was finding the time. With a full work week and the time required to adjust to a new city, I just didn’t have the time to take classes.

I found out about “Bueno, entonces” through a friend who heard they were organizing a focus group to test the product. I joined so that I could try the program in exchange for writing a review.

I was very pleasantly surprised with how great the program was and how quickly my Spanish improved. While some of the beginning classes were below my skill level, I still found it helpful to have them reinforce basic grammar and conversational vocabulary. As the classes continued, I found myself getting pulled into the story line of David and his teacher Jimena, and also learning more and more Spanish.

To read complete review, visit buenoentonces.com/blog

Happy Spring!!!

2009-09-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

September 21st is officially the first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring certainly has arrived in Paraguay - some trees look like they exploded into bloom, flowers hanging from every branch and twig. Naturally the first day of spring is cause for celebration in Paraguay; today is "Día de la Juventud," (Day of Youth). "Jóvenes," or youths, celebrate by exchanging small gifts and having parties. It is also customary to recieve flowers from older family members.

El 21 de septiembre es oficialmente el primer día de la primavera en el Hemisferio Sur. En definitivo la primavera ha llegado al Paraguay - algunos árboles parecen haber explotado, flores brotando de todos sus ramos. Naturalmente el primer día de la primavera es motivo de celebración en Paraguay; hoy es el "Día de la Juventud." Los jóvenes celebran con fiestas e intercambiando regalitos. También se acostumbra recibir flores de miembros más viejos (o mejor para no ofender, "más maduros") de la familia.

In Asunción the Viceministerio de la Juventud is having a music festival all day in front of the Centro Cultural de la República El Cabildo (the pink building downtown - Avenida de la República between 14 de Mayo and Chile). The Municipality of Asunción has also organized the four day "Primavera de la Guitarra" (Spring of Guitars) festival featuring national and international guitar players.

En Asunción el Viceministerio de la Juventud está aupsiciando un festival musical en todo el día en la explanada del Centro Cultural de la República “El Cabildo” (el edificio rosado en el centro - Avenida de la República entre 14 de Mayo y Chile). Además, la Municipalidad de Asunción ha organizado un festival "Primavera de la Guitarra" de cuatro días de duración con la participación de guitarristas nacionales e internacionales.

Read more at Living and Traveling in Paraguay.

Paraguay Deforestation: the soy invasion

2009-09-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is really interesting. It's been going on not only in Paraguay, but also in most of the Southamerican countries. It'd would be great to do some research on the topic...

Studying Abroad Questions and Answers

2009-09-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

BETWEEN PANAMA AND PARAGUAY, WHICH IS BETTER FOR STUDY ABROAD?

I have a preference to go to Panama or Paraguay. Central America or South America? My idea is to sense spanish improved as well as to be surrounded by culture. Which nation would give me a most appropriate experience. My Spanish is utterly glorious though not proficient sufficient that is because we am starting abroad for 6 weeks. Which nation would we collect as well as why?

Read the answers and comments at thedegreemaster.com

The General Linguistics Method for Teaching Foreign Languages

2009-09-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Created by linguists, teachers and students from a half-dozen countries, General Linguistics developed Bueno, entonces… to incorporate all the best elements of the software and audiobook language learning methods like Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone that have been around for decades.

We mixed the comprehensive learning material of the audiobook courses with the addictive, fun and universally beloved format of a television show to create the Bueno, entonces… series. Each of the 30classes is 30-40 minutes long, proven as the perfect length for a language course - long enough to cover vocabulary and grammar topics but short enough to keep you interested the whole time. The challenging fast pace and edgy, entertaining style of Bueno, entonces… will keep you coming back for more.

Learning Spanish doesn’t have to be boring and monotonous. Bueno, entonces… infuses a witty, engaging storyline into the learning process - and by following along you absorb more Spanish, morequickly than you ever thought possible. By the end of the 5-week, 30-class series, you will be speaking and understanding native conversational Spanish!

To finish the article, visit buenoentonces.com/blog

She won a trip to Argentina, to study Spanish

2009-09-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Oh, San Telmo...

Before I move on to telling you all about my time at the in-laws, I need to tell you about San Telmo how I love San Telmo and how I haven’t spent enough time there. Sundays in San Telmo are lovely.. they get a bit touristy but the street music and street theatre are just really charming. There’s a student orchestra that plays in the middle of the street in Defensa and I can listen to them forever.

San Telmo is very very tango, has gorgeous antiques and an antiques market on Sunday, but also a shop where I found my new favourite bag, made out of a recycled inner tube. It’s made beautifully and the strap is made out of a bicycle inner tube. Love this stuff, and goes well with my crazy bag collection.

See all at beadventuresinba.blogspot.com

Programs and Events. US Embassy in Paraguay

2009-09-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Embassy Launches Scholarship Program for English Teachers

August 4, 2009

Chargé d'affaires a.i., Perry Holloway, launched the third edition of the Fellowship Program for English Teachers of public schools of Central Department and the Department of Itapúa on August 4, 2009.

During the ceremony, held at the “Clara Irma Piacentini de Cacace School”, a cooperative agreement was signed and a significant book donation with a value of fifteen million guaraníes was made to the school’s library. The event was attended by the Minister of Education, Luis Alberto Riart Montaner, and the Chairman of the Board of the CCPA, José E. Fernández Arrúa.

To read full article, visit paraguay.usembassy.gov

Learn Spanish With Bueno, entonces

2009-09-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Accommodation

2009-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Business travellers or private visitors, looking for a very special personal atmosphere are invited to a visit at our aparthotel Porta Westfalica. Our guests enjoy the elegantly furnished Apartments. After outings to places of interest in the surroundings one will find plenty of possibilities to relax an the outdoor pool. Elegance and cosiness will make you feel at home.

Thanks to its tasteful family flats the family Aparthotel Porta Westfalica is the right place for parents and children.

Read more at GoAbroad.com

One semester of Spanish

2009-09-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Documents Required to Apply for Residence in Paraguay

2009-09-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

You'll need yo handle the following:

1. Identification document (passport, etc.);

2. Police or court records from the applicant's country of origin; *

3. Birth certificate; *

4. Civil state certificate (marriage, divorce, separation, widowhood); *

5. Health certificate from the country of origin, or country of last residence; *

6. Consular tourist visa for the countries that require it;

7. Proof of economic solvency that must be demonstrated by one of the following:

Keep reading the article at Alo' Expat

Paraguay Map

2009-09-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ver mapa más grande

Check out this video!

2009-09-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

wanna speak Spanish?

2009-09-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

This is the easiest way to learn it!

Universities!!!

2009-09-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Universities in Paraguay impart education at the highest levels. After completing high school with considerably good grades, one can find a place in the Paraguay universities. There are well renowned Paraguayan universities, where various subjects are taught to the students with immense care and precision. Traditional as well as modern subjects and languages are taught at these universities at Paraguay. A degree from these well known universities can provide a boost to the career of the students. There are undergraduate, post graduate as well as doctorate levels of studies that can be pursued in these universities.

Universities in Paraguay have well educated and well trained faculties. Education imparted in these universities match international standards. Many students come from other countries to Paraguay to seek admission in the various universities of the country. The medium of instruction in most of the colleges and universities is English, though in a few cases, Italian and Spanish are also spoken.

To read full text, visit mapsofworld.com

About Paraguay

2009-09-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay (Spanish: República del Paraguay, pronounced [reˈpuβlika ðel paɾaˈɣwai]; Guaraní: Tetã Paraguái), is one of the two landlocked countries which lie entirely within the Western Hemisphere, the other being Bolivia, both in South America.

It lies on both banks of the Paraguay River and is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Because of its central location in South America, the country is sometimes referred to as Corazón de América — Heart of America.^[5] As of 2009 the population was estimated at over six million.

To read full text, visit Wikipedia.