Edgar Espínola, originally from Asunción, Paraguay, now works and lives in Ireland, a country he moved to, just by himself, in pursuit of a dream: to study abroad, and experience the world. That bold decision to set off to Dublin opened the door to a life filled with travel, cultural exploration, and personal growth. “I never thought I would have the opportunities to do this,” Edgar (36) reflects with a smile.
Since that leap of faith, Edgar has visited every continent, exploring countries such as Australia, Canada, the US, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Norway, and Finland. Each trip has deepened his understanding of the world. “Ever since my first trip, I never stopped. It’s something I love,” he says.
The Antarctic dream
One of Edgar Espínola’s most life-changing adventures was his recent trip to Antarctica in March 2025. He travelled as a tourist, fulfilling a long-held dream to witness the untouched beauty of Earth’s most remote continent. “When I stepped onto Antarctica, everything felt unreal, so white, so pure.”
Over the course of five days, Edgar kayaked in icy waters, climbed snowy peaks, and observed incredible wildlife: six species of penguins, whales, seals, and rare birds. “I even saw a seal eating a penguin.”
Strict environmental regulations were in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. Visitors could not touch the ground, interact with animals, or leave anything behind. “We had to attend mandatory training before arriving, covering safety, environmental rules, and how to act in emergencies.”
Harsh conditions, and unforgettable beauty
The conditions were intense, Edgar says. With temperatures dipping to -10°C, the Paraguayan wore multiple layers of specialised clothing, and used trekking poles to move safely on the snow and ice.
“One day, a snowstorm hit while we were out walking. We got lost for a while. It sounds scary, but it was also one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and hope others get the chance to experience it.”.
That journey left a profound mark on him. “I left Antarctica more human,” he says. “The energy there is unreal. Everything is so extreme and fragile. It changes you in ways you cannot explain.”
Edgar Espínola: Life beyond the ice
Today, Edgar works at TikTok and has previously worked at Google. Despite his impressive career, his curiosity and humility remain his most notable traits. He plans to visit the Arctic in 2026. “Since I have seen the South Pole, I might as well see the North.”
His advice to others is simple, yet powerful, “Do not settle for what others expect. Do not compare yourself. Focus on your path, and celebrate every achievement. We are all capable of great things, and for me, the heart of every Paraguayan is humility. That is what has taken me this far.”
Esgar’s journey mirrors that of Fabrizio Peralta, the young Paraguayan finalist for the 2025 Global Student Prize. Both show how humility, purpose, and perseverance can take Paraguayans to the world stage. And inspire others to dream beyond borders.
Edgar Espínola’s story is a powerful reminder that bold decisions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. His journey from Paraguay to the ends of the earth reflects not only a thirst for discovery, but also a deep appreciation for the fragility and wonder of our planet.
For a closer look at his journey check Edgar Espínola on Instagram.
