Experiencing a new country brings a wave of surprises and emotions, a journey of interpersonal growth and memory creation. My recent weeks in Paraguay have been exactly that, prompting reflections and comparisons, especially as a first-generation Mexican-American. Growing up deeply rooted in Mexican heritage, I anticipated cultural similarities between Paraguay and Mexico, both being Latin American countries. However, the reality has been a fascinating tapestry of expected parallels and striking divergences.
One of the initial surprises in Asunción, Paraguay’s capital, is its remarkable cleanliness. Compared to bustling metropolitan areas in Mexico like Mexico City or Guadalajara, and even parts of Los Angeles, Asunción presents a cleaner urban landscape. This contrast is notable, especially coming from Los Angeles where litter and disorganization are common sights. Paraguay’s emphasis on public cleanliness is further underscored by visible signs promoting civic responsibility in maintaining tidy spaces. This aspect immediately set Paraguay apart in my mind when considering Mexico Vs Paraguay in terms of urban environments.
Another preconceived notion challenged was the level of formality in social interactions. Drawing from experiences in Mexico, I expected a similar degree of informality. However, Paraguay reveals itself as a more conservative society, evident not just in religious contexts but in everyday communication and attire. Formal dress and communication styles are prevalent, a degree of formality less consistently observed in Mexico or the United States. Observing this heightened formality has been a key insight in understanding the cultural differences between Mexico and Paraguay.
Considering Paraguay’s classification as a “developing country,” I anticipated encountering more widespread poverty. Yet, my experiences so far indicate a different reality. In fact, I’ve witnessed more overt poverty in Mexico than in the areas of Paraguay I’ve explored. While my exposure to Paraguay is still limited, it’s clear that the country isn’t densely populated, resulting in significant unoccupied land. This lower population density potentially contributes to a different housing landscape. Unlike the often narrow and vertical house designs common in Mexico and Europe, Paraguayan houses tend to be more horizontal, similar to housing styles in many parts of the U.S.
Furthermore, the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, so pronounced in the U.S., seem less immediately apparent in Paraguay. Poverty appears to be more concentrated among indigenous communities like the Qom and Guarani people. This observation adds another layer to the comparison of Mexico vs Paraguay, highlighting different patterns of socio-economic distribution.
Adapting to Paraguayan cuisine and daily schedules presented personal challenges. Accustomed to a vegan diet, even maintaining vegetarianism in Paraguay has proven difficult. The Paraguayan diet leans heavily on red meat, cheese, and bread, differing significantly from the Mexican and Mediterranean influences in my typical U.S. diet. Interestingly, German culture significantly impacts Paraguayan food, reflecting historical ties and German heritage within the population. This culinary divergence is a tangible example of how Paraguay differs from Mexico due to unique historical and cultural influences.
The shift in time zones from the West Coast to Paraguay initially disrupted my sleep, but the demanding schedule at a rural school quickly reshaped my sleep patterns. Interning at the school in Cerrito meant adopting the students’ routine, starting the day before sunrise at 5:30 am for a 6:00 am school start and concluding around 4:00 pm. This rigorous schedule, while initially exhausting, provided valuable insight into the daily lives of the students.
The students in Cerrito impressed me with their maturity and broad knowledge base. Participating in fieldwork and learning practical skills like gardening and land cultivation has been a rewarding experience. Beyond fieldwork, our team is focused on enhancing students’ emotional and social skills. We are developing a mentorship program pairing senior and freshman students to foster a positive school environment and reduce bullying. Our goals are ambitious, aiming to make a lasting impact within a limited timeframe, further bridging the gap and fostering understanding between different communities and cultures, whether comparing Mexico vs Paraguay or local experiences within Paraguay itself.
