The Paraguayan-British Cultural Association, ANGLO, has spent more than eight decades shaping English education in Paraguay through language teaching, Cambridge certification and cultural exchange programmes.
Founded in 1938, the institution has become one of Paraguay’s most recognised English language centres, operating in Asunción, Fernando de la Mora and Concepción, while also offering online classes.
Communication, culture and opportunity
ANGLO provides courses for children, teenagers, adults and companies, following international standards based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Director General Stella Netto says the institution’s ability to combine tradition with innovation has allowed it to remain relevant across generations.
“We continue training teachers, adapting to new generations and improving how we teach,” Netto tells The Asunción Times. “The goal is still communication, culture and opportunity.”
The British roots
Originally established by a British woman, Mrs Gregory, ANGLO was created to promote English language learning and British culture in Paraguay. After her death, former teachers reopened the institution in Asunción as Centro Anglo-Paraguayo.
Today, ANGLO functions not only as a language institute but also as an official Cambridge examination centre, preparing students for internationally recognised certifications.
“If you say you have a B2 Cambridge certificate, people understand it everywhere in the world,” Netto explains. “That recognition gives students opportunities internationally.”
A career built within ANGLO
Stella Netto (45), began her career at ANGLO at the age of eighteen, teaching B2-level classes on Saturdays before moving into coordination and leadership positions. “After teaching, I became coordinator, and then I opened one of the branches in Luque,” she says.
Over the decades, the institution expanded across Asunción, at one point operating up to nine properties, including branches on Avenida España, Juan de Salazar, San José and Artigas. While its physical structure has changed over time, ANGLO continues to maintain both in-person and virtual education programmes.
Language beyond grammar
Netto says the institution’s long history has helped build public trust. “We have been here for more than eighty-five years, so people know our work, many families return generation after generation.”
Beyond language instruction, ANGLO was founded as a cultural institution aimed at promoting British traditions and perspectives through education and community activities.
“The idea was to promote British culture and give opportunities to the community to learn English,” Netto explains.
She believes language learning involves more than grammar and vocabulary. “Language is culture. Through language you transmit everything.” “People think English is just accents, but there is much more behind it.”
Technology and human connection
According to Netto, communication remains the institution’s central objective regardless of accent or regional variation. “If you speak English, you must understand all accents, British, American, Australian or South African,” she says.
ANGLO has also adapted its teaching methods in response to technological changes, particularly after the pandemic, increasing its use of digital tools and online education. “We now use computers, mobile devices and digital tools in every class.”
Despite these advances, she insists that teachers remain essential to the learning process. “Face-to-face teaching will not disappear because you cannot replace the warmth of a teacher.” “You can have artificial intelligence and machines, but you cannot replace passion and emotion.”
Continuing opportunities
Netto says English education continues to create professional and academic opportunities for students in Paraguay. “People get better jobs, better salaries and opportunities to study abroad.”
She adds that many former students now work as teachers, professionals and public officials. “Many started here as children and still recognise ANGLO as part of their journey.”
ANGLO currently offers adult courses in both face-to-face and virtual formats with flexible schedules, including Express, Rapid, Intensive and Fast Track programmes. Classes are available on weekdays and Saturdays, while children’s and teenagers’ programmes follow the academic school calendar beginning each March.
For more information, students can visit the ANGLO website or ANGLO on Instagram.
