The Language Assistant Programme, coordinated by France Éducation International within the French Ministry of Education, is revolutionising the lives of young Paraguayans. Each year, Paraguayan students at university are selected to spend seven months in France as assistant teachers of Spanish for school education. Apart from the vocational value it offers, the programme contributes to the discovery of new cultures and lasting foreign friendships.
A life-changing experience
For Sebastián Benítez, who participated in 2019, the experience reshaped his perspective.
“It was life-changing. I met new people, compared educational systems, and learned from all the cultural differences,” says the 28-year-old. His story reflects the profound impact the programme has on both professional skills and personal growth.
Building bridges between Paraguay and France
The programme does not just improve language training, but fosters cultural exchange, giving French students their initial insight into Paraguayan identity, customs, and values. According to Ambassador Pierre-Christian Soccoja, this two-way exchange is at the heart of the programme.
“Paraguayan youth gain professional experience while French students learn about Paraguay. This programme has changed many lives. It is much more than professional training,” the Ambassador tells The Asunción Times.
‘All ambassadors of Paraguay’
The scope of the programme is widening. In the last three years, 22 Paraguayan assistants were selected: six in 2023, five in 2024, and now, eleven in 2025. They are shared among Versailles, Lille, Bordeaux, Amiens, Marseille, Corsica, and others. All of them become, in a sense, an ambassador of Paraguay.
Pedro Aguilar, who joined in 2022–2023, described his sense of responsibility: “I studied French for years coming from the city of Villarrica to Asunción every weekend before qualifying. When I finally got there, I felt like a representative of Paraguay. Showing our country to French students was a dream fulfilled.”
Beyond the classroom
The testimonies of alumni highlight how the Language Assistant Programme goes beyond teaching Spanish. For chemistry student Ángeles Parra, who served in 2023–2024, the personal journey outweighed the professional.
“It meant much more to me as personal growth, than career development. I met wonderful people and learned to keep an open mind, free of prejudices,” she shares.
Similarly, Joel Pereira, who worked in Toulouse, emphasises the transformative effect. “It changes how you see yourself and the world. I arrived with fear and left with friendships and confidence. For many French students, we were their first contact with Paraguay, and that was deeply rewarding.”
These encounters leave enduring bonds. As Parra explains, “Europe used to feel very far away. Now, thanks to friendships I built there, it feels like a second home.”
Andrea González Esteche, who participated in 2009, underlines the long-term opportunities that can grow from the programme.
“In addition to teaching Spanish, I also taught English and Arts. You can even study while you are there, with social security covered and a stipend included. In my case, I was given exactly the city I was hoping for. The best part is that I am still in touch with people I met there, and we even worked on other projects together. After returning to Paraguay and finishing university, I went back to France thanks to those collaborations.”
Preparing the next generation of assistants
The Language Assistant Programme continues to attract interest, with applications for the 2026 cycle opening in November.
Cécile Jouannard, pedagogical coordinator at the Alliance Française, explains the process: “Applicants need at least a B1 level in French, be between 20 and 30 years old, and already studying at university. The workload is only 12 hours per week, leaving assistants time for study, or exploration.”
A shared future of exchange
For the assistants, the programme often creates an enduring connection with France. Some return to study or with career opportunities, while others contribute by teaching French in Paraguay. The exchange has doubled the number of assistants in recent years, a testament to its growing influence.
Ambassador Soccoja sums up the spirit of the initiative: “It is a truly enriching opportunity. Participants discover a new country, make friends, and some even find love. This experience leaves a mark on everyone who takes part.”
As Paraguayans continue to bring their culture into French classrooms, they also carry with them lessons of resilience, curiosity, and friendship. The Language Assistant Programme is not just a professional option, but a way of bridging nations: a story, a student, and a classroom at a time.
The next call for applications will be open from November 2025 to February 2026. Interested candidates may contact the Alliance Française of Asunción by emailing info@alianzafrancesa.edu.py and/or through its social media accounts: Alianza Francesa on Instagram and Alianza Francesa de Asunción on Facebook.
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