Brazil Volunteering: The Definitive Guide

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in BrazilThe Definitive Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Brazil

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in BrazilWelcome to BrazilWhy you should volunteer in BrazilWhat are some popular volunteer projects available in Brazil?Where are some popular places to volunteer in Brazil?Which is the best season to volunteer in Brazil?

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Chapter 2: Choosing your Brazil volunteer programHow you can select the best organizationWhich organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Brazil?

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Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Brazil

Visa, passportVaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested books to readPacking advice and tipsGifts for projects

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Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project

Project detailsWhat to expect when volunteering in BrazilLearn about your host familyLocal supportMake the final call

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Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in BrazilHow to make your volunteer in Brazil experience rewardingSafety while volunteering in BrazilDo’s and don’t in BrazilCulture shockThings to do in Brazil

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Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 21

Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 23

www.travellersquest.com 3

CHAPTER 1: Getting Started – Volunteer in BrazilWelcome to Brazil

Ola, welcome to Brazil. The largest of all the South American countries, Brazil is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, landmarks, football team and popular dance styles. From Iguazu falls and 7000+ kms of stunning coastline, to the Amazon rainforest and the wetlands of the Pan-tanal; Brazil is blessed with spectacular scenery. With a heritage blended from African, Caribbean and Portuguese influences volunteers in Brazil get to experience first-hand this fascinating culture, packed with vivid colors and infectious tunes. Brazil is a country which will awaken all

your senses as you enjoy lots of exciting adven-tures and experiences.

Why you should volunteer in Brazil

Ranging from stunning landscapes to friendly people, there are many reasons to volunteer in Brazil. Here are few major reasons for you

Stunning Landscapes: Brazil is a country of picturesque beaches, breathtaking waterfalls,

Photo Credit: globalnomadic.com


the expansive Amazon River and jungle, spec-tacular mountain views, stunning national parks, fascinating natural cliffs, sand dunes, turquoise lagoons, rainforests, rivers, caves and of course the bustlng cities. When volunteering in Bra-zil you will be able to appreciate the majestic nature of the country’s natural and man-made wonders.

Brazilian festivals: Brazil is known for having one of the biggest festivals in the world - Rio Carnival - which has been a visual spectacular of colour and culture celebrating the start of Lent since around 1850. Brazilians know how to host a celebration, and you will find lots of one day or even one week long festivals held through-out the year and all around the country. Expect each to be visually spectacular, with colourful costumes and decorations accompanied by vi-brant performances of music and dance.

Infectious music and dance: Brazilians love mu-sic and dance. Wherever you hear music you are likely to find people dancing, whether it is in a bar, club, beach or even in the streets, and you might find it hard not to join in. Most Brazilians know how to dance well and watching them can be mesmerising. When volunteering in Brazil you will have many opportunities to hit the dance floor and learn the moves yourself. Join a class or find a local willing to teach you. Most Brazil-ians are more than happy to share their knowl-edge and passion for dance.

Enjoy the National Sport: Home to one of the world’s best soccer teams, Brazilians are pas-sionate about their national sport. You will find people of all ages in the streets, beach and fields practicing and perfecting their ball skills with groups, or on their own. As a volunteer in Brazil you will have the opportunity to partici-pate in a game, or even attend a live match where you can witness the passion the Brazilians have towards the game and soak up the incred-ible atmosphere.

Grand Adventures: With its vast and diverse landscapes, Brazil is a playground for action and

adventure. From parasailing, hiking national parks, caving, canyoning and rafting, surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing, to wildlife safa-ris, floating along the Amazon River, trekking through the jungle and visiting indigenous com-munities, it’s easy to find adventure when you volunteer in Brazil.

Impact other’s lives: With a large portion of the Brazilian population living in poverty, with poor housing and limited access to quality health care and education, the support, assistance, resources, skills and learning opportunities you provide as a volunteer really make a difference in enriching and impacting the lives of those in need.

Rewarding experience: When volunteering in Brazil you will be rewarded by noticing the small achievements and positive impacts that you have on the environment and communities, along with the wonderful sights, sounds and adventures that you have the chance to experi-ence.

Learn Portuguese: The Portuguese language is the official language of Brazil, and when you volunteer in Brazil you will have the opportunity to learn the language. Enrol in a class, or get to know the local people and practice your skills with them. Knowing another language is a valua-ble life skill, so make the most of it by trying to communicate in Portuguese as often as possible, even if it is just asking for directions, acknowl-edging people in the street or ordering food.

Which are some popular volunteer pro-jects in Brazil?

Brazil is a very popular volunteer abroad desti-nation. Many volunteer organizations run volun-teer program in Brazil giving you an opportunity to work in variety of projects. Here are few popular volunteer projects among Brazil volun-teers.

Teaching English


With increasing global trade and international business relations, there is an increasing de-mand for Brazilians to speak English; especially for tourism and business purposes. To meet this need there are many English language volunteer projects located throughout the country, and open to both adults and children. Volunteer Eng-lish teachers get involved in a range of activi-ties, including team and solo teaching, prepara-tion of lessons, assessments and assisting with homework.

Health

Brazil is still a developing country. Still many low income Brazilian families face many health issues. Many local hospitals, clinics, and health centres are trying to help these low income families by offering free or low cost medical care. As a medical volunteer in Brazil you may involve working in hospitals and clinics, or help-ing to raise awareness of issues such as HIV and STD prevention.

Environment and Wildlife

Brazil has a unique environment with an abun-dance of wildlife. Conservation projects focused on sustaining the environment and protecting wildlife have been set up to maintain Brazil’s forests, jungles, marine and wetlands, and to preserve and protect the habitats of the flora, fauna and wildlife which exist in these areas. Volunteers on these projects undertake a range of tasks including, research, monitoring, reha-bilitation, planting, restoration and protection of habitats.

Community Development

Community development programs have been set up in Brazil for children and adolescents who are at risk. They aim to provide educational support to young people in poor neighbourhoods and help minimize their exposure to negative

environments by keeping them off the streets. Volunteers on these projects will be involved in teaching and coaching students in a range of subject areas such as: music, dance, arts and crafts, sports, computing and English. Volun-teers also help children with their homework and participate in general activities with them.

Orphanage Project

Orphanage projects have been set up in Brazil to protect, support and provide genuine care for orphaned children throughout Brazil. Volunteers in orphanage projects in Brazil undertake gen-eral care duties such as cleaning, and prepara-tion of nutritious meals for the children, along with educational support, participation in games and activities, leading field trips and providing care, love and a positive environment for these children in need.

Where are some popular places to volun-teer in Brazil?

Brazil is a great country to volunteer, travel and explore. You can volunteer anywhere in Brazil. However, because of the availability of variety of projects, travelling opportunities, culture, and other reasons, following places are popular among volunteers.

Sao Paulo: This sprawling city is home to nearly 20 million residents, including the super rich housed in high class skyscrapers and the very poorest, who live in the slums. Such contrasts can be quite overwhelming when you first ar-rive. Rich in architectural design and iconic buildings Sao Paulo has a lot to offer volunteers interested in shopping, eating out, or learning more about culture and art in their off time. Once you get to know the city you will soon dis-cover its gems.

Popular volunteer projects in Sao Paulo include: teaching, orphanage Care, community develop-ment, health, working with street children and


conservation.Rio de Janeiro: Famed for its iconic landmarks such as Christ de Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Moun-tain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and its world renowned Rio Carnival Spectacular; Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city of soccer, music, dance, culture and history. It is blessed with stunning beaches and picturesque mountain views. Learn to surf or samba, or just enjoy all that this popular city and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Popular volunteer projects in Rio de Janeiro involve: community development, teaching Eng-lish, construction, childcare and sports.

Salvador: Located in the state of Bahia and founded in 1549, Salvador is one of Brazil’s oldest colonial cities. Rich in history and cul-ture, and known for the colourful buildings and architecture of the Historic Centre, along with vibrant displays of music, dance and Capoeira, Salvador’s charming blend of Portuguese and Afro-Brazilian influences make it a city which will captivate you with its sights and sounds, smells, tastes and atmosphere.

Popular volunteer projects in Salvador focus on: teaching, women’s rights, health, elderly care, community development, orphan care and hu-man rights.

Manaus: Located in the middle of the jungle, Manaus is the largest city in the Amazonas State, and the gateway for an Amazon experience. The city is only accessible by boat or plane to pre-serve both the Amazon’s natural resources and the habitats of indigenous tribes. Popular volunteer projects available in Manaus focus on: teaching English, conservation, wild-life protection and orphanage care.

What is the best season to volunteer in Brazil?

The best time to volunteer in Brazil in regards to the weather conditions is either between

April and June or August and October, but as it is such a large country the climate does vary greatly from region to region. Overall though, December, January and February are the busiest months and also the hottest

Some volunteer projects in Brazil accept appli-cations year –round, particularly those based in cities, but if you choose to volunteer in a rural area like the Amazon, or undertake environmen-tal work, agriculture or marine conservation, than the best time for you to volunteer may be dependent on the season and time of year. It is best to check with your organization for exact details.


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Brazil Volunteer Program

Photo Credit: rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org

How you can select the best organization

There are many organizations offering similar sounding volunteer programs in Brazil, making it difficult to know which one to choose. Find the right one for you and check out the details of the organizations the best volunteer projects in Brazil with this useful list of things to look out for.

Things to look for when comparing volunteer organizations

Reasonable and Affordable Program Fees:

Program fees for volunteer projects in Brazil vary greatly, ranging from free to around $2500 for a one week placement. When choosing the

best organization find out what the program fee actually includes, and ask yourself if it offers value for money. Most will include accommoda-tion and meals, but what about transportation costs, insurance and so on? Always check exactly what is covered, and if there are any extra costs to pay in addition to the initial advertised fee.

Another thing you should consider when choos-ing a volunteer organization is whether or not they operate in an honest and ethical way. For example – do they provide financial support to projects by donating a portion of your program fee? Is there an option for you to pay fees di-rectly to the local project if that’s what you’d prefer? Look for volunteer organizations with spending statistics clearly displayed on their website.


Positive Impacts on Communities:

Many people volunteer because they want to make a difference; to help create positive change in the lives of individuals, communities and their environment. When you choose your volunteer organization look for one which has the same goals as you. The best agencies offer projects leading to both long and short term benefits to those in need, with proven success.

Proven Industry Experience and Reputation:Trustworthy volunteer organizations are able to provide evidence of the number of volunteers they have placed into projects, and that they had a positive experience. A good number of reviews and testimonials from previous volun-

teers on their website is a good sign. Reputable organizations may also have long term partner-ships with local communities and NGOs or gov-ernment organizations, and perhaps have won industry awards for their work.

Offers what you are interested in:

When looking for a volunteer organization to book your project through concentrate on those

which offer programs in fields you have skills in or are passionate about, then narrow it down further to those with goals and a mission state-ment that reflects your own. This will leave you with a project which satisfies your needs while enriching the lives of others, or having an im-pact on sustainability and the environment.

Training/Learning Experiences/Support:

Volunteering abroad is an exciting experience, and it should be one where you offer your skills, time and passion to those in need, while having the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. A good company will often provide opportunities for volunteer training and devel-opment in areas such as cultural immersion or language lessons, and make sure that your pro-ject placement will allow you to develop your new skills and knowledge. They will also provide support for their volunteers before and during their placement.

Who are some of the best volunteer or-ganizations in Brazil?

If you search internet you will see hundreds of organizations running volunteer program in Bra-zil. But all volunteers companies are not equal. Therefore, based on price, review, history, and other factors, we have selected following or-ganization as the best organizations running volunteer program in Brazil. Some of them are also very affordable.

RCDP Volunteer Abroad http://www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/

Having sent over 12,000 volunteers to projects around the world since 1998, RCDP Volunteer Abroad aims to provide aid in developing, im-proving and sustaining underprivileged and poverty stricken communities around the world. They offer a variety of volunteer projects in Brazil, and their Rio de Janeiro based projects

Photo Credit: ifrevolunteers.org


start from $890 for a two week placement in the areas of: teaching English, teaching computers, youth athletics, childcare and handicraft pro-jects.

IFRE Volunteers http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/

Providing 200 projects in 18 countries around the world, this USA based company has provided 17,000 people with invaluable volunteer experi-ences since 2006, and has a passion for working with and providing positive benefits to com-munities in less fortunate situations. Volunteer projects in Brazil are based in Rio de Janeiro, in the areas of: youth athletics, childcare, teach-ing English, teaching computers and handicraft projects. Program fees start from $920 for a 2 week placement.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)https://www.volunteerhq.org/

Having worked with 42,000 volunteers since 2007, this New Zealand based organization works with local communities and projects in 30

countries. They are committed to providing vol-unteers with incredible ‘responsible’ volunteer and travel experiences, and they offer training and support to all volunteers.

IVHQ offer a range of volunteer projects in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including: teaching English, sports, community development and childcare. One week placement fees start from $930. They also offer a Rio Carnival Project and program fees for this start from $135.

Travellers Worldwide http://www.travellersworldwide.com

Travellers Worldwide is a UK based organization, which was established in 1994. They offer over 300 projects in 20 countries around the world, all geared to providing both short and long term benefits to communities in developing coun-tries. Their volunteers are offered a once in a life time experience, as they live and work in a foreign country while meeting people of differ-ent ethnicities and cultures.

Travellers Worldwide offer 2 week volunteer projects in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the areas of teaching English, coaching sports and childcare. Project fees for these volunteer programs start from $1050.

Working Abroad http://www.workingabroad.com/

Established in 1997, Working Abroad sends vol-unteers to over 25 countries around the world, and are committed to providing humanitarian, environmental and teaching volunteer experi-ences.

In Rio de Janeiro, working abroad offers volun-teer projects in the areas of: art and design, sports, childcare, English teaching, environment conservation, NGO development and carnival preparation. Program fees start from $1060 for a 2 week placement, however prices increase during the New Year and Rio Carnival periods.Photo Credit: travellersworldwide.com


Frontierhttp://www.frontiergap.com/

Established in 1989, Frontier has over 25 years’ experience in the volunteer industry, working in over 50 countries. Frontier volunteer projects benefit people living in low income areas, and implement positive impacts on the sustainability of the environment.

Volunteers programs offered in Brazil are: com-munity development, construction and renova-tion, women empowerment, teaching and com-munity work, coaching sports, health promotion and childcare. Program fees for a 2 week place-ment start from $1095.

Real Gap Experience http://www.realgap.com/ Real Gap Experience creates unique adven-ture, travel and volunteer experiences for over 45,000 people and worked with 200 volunteer projects in over 35 countries around the world since 2004.

Real Gap Experience provides volunteer place-ments in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the areas of: football coaching, education, teaching English and community development. 3 week volunteer placements start from $1200.

i-to-i http://www.i-to-i.com/

Since being established in 1994 in the UK, i-to-i, have provided TEFL training to over 150,000 people, and sent over 55,000 volunteers to projects in underprivileged communities where assistance is needed. They are committed to working with NGOs and local communities to create projects which deliver positive benefits and make a real difference in the world.

i-to-i offer volunteer projects in Brazil in the areas of creative education and English teaching

Photo Credit: frontiergap.com

in Rio de Janeiro. Program fees for a 3 week vol-unteer project in Brazil start from $1199.

API http://culturalembracebyapi.com/

API is a US based company who are commit-ted to promoting cultural diversity and cultural embrace. Established in 1997 they now work in over 30 countries, offering assistance and community development in areas of need while providing volunteers with rich cultural immer-sion volunteer experiences. Brazil volunteer programs offered by API are: environment con-servation, childcare, teaching, social justice, coaching sports and construction, (all in Rio de Janeiro). Program fees for these projects start


from $1205 for a 2 week placement. They also offer a jaguar conservation project in Curitiba, with prices starting from $1695 for a 2 week placement.

Geo Vision http://geovisions.org/

Established in 2001, Geo Vision is a USA based company passionate about providing volunteer experiences which deliver valuable benefits to local communities in need, while offering volun-teers authentic life changing experiences.

Geo Vision offer volunteer English teaching placements throughout Brazil. Prices for these placements start from $1,399.

Amizade https://amizade.org/

Amizade is a USA based organization established in 1994. They have worked with 8000 volun-teers, sending them to community driven pro-jects in twelve countries around the world. Each project directly addresses the issues of the indi-vidual community to ensure it delivers relevant positive benefits and development, while also providing invaluable cultural exchange experi-ences for volunteers.

Brazil based volunteer projects offered by Amizade are in the fields of: community devel-opment, teaching English, teaching art, health, and environment conservation. These projects are based in Santarem and program fees for a two week placement start from $1,440.

Kaya http://www.kayavolunteer.com/

Kaya has been in the volunteer industry since 2008. They are devoted to creating grass roots projects which enhance development and create positive benefits to the communities in which they work with. They are also committed to

providing meaningful and exciting experiences for their volunteers. In Brazil they offer volun-teer projects in wildlife and botanical research in the Pantanal Highlands. Prices for a 2 week placement start from $1,908.

Cross Cultural Solutions http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/

Established in the US in 1994, Cross Cultural Solutions have so far provided invaluable experi-ences to 35000 volunteers and communities in need. Working closely with local communities they are committed to addressing their issues and needs through each project. This way they can guarantee a positive impact, whether the focus is on the development and/or mainte-nance of: facilities, resources, learning, commu-nity development or the local environment. Cross Cultural Solutions offer volunteer place-ments in Salvador, Brazil, in the areas of: edu-cation, child development, support for people with disabilities, Aging with Dignity, HIV/AIDs projects, women’s empowerment and health-care. Program fees for a 1 week project start from $2687.


CHAPTER 3 : Getting Ready to Volunteer in Brazil

Once you have chosen your volunteer project in Brazil, it is time to start preparing for the jour-ney. Here are some of the important things to know and consider before you go.

Visa

You must get visa to go to Brazil. However, what type of visa you need, whether you can get visa in airport or not, what kind of documents you need vary with your nationality so please check with the Brazil embassy or organisation you vol-unteering with

Passport

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from date of entry is required for passport hold-ers.

Vaccinations

Staying healthy and protecting yourself against possible illness and disease while traveling and volunteering in Brazil makes for a happier vol-unteer abroad experience, so before you leave visit your doctor and make sure you get all the required vaccinations. Allow plenty of time as some need to be given up to a month before traveling. The following vaccinations are recom-mended: tetanus, rubella, mumps and measles, hepatitis A & B and typhoid. If you are traveling into dense forest areas or the wetlands where there are likely to be lots of mosquitoes, than it is also strongly recommended that you obtain advice on medication for Malaria. As many coun-tries insist on proof of yellow fever vaccination from visitors who have been to Brazil you may wish to add this to the list too.

Photo Credit: realgap.co.uk


For more information and details regarding health in Brazil check out this site: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/Brazil

Air ticket

You program fee may not cover airfare and most likely you will be responsible for your airfare. Therefore, it is always good idea to plan for air ticket in advance. There are ways you may be able save some money.

▪ Book in advance. ▪ Check to see if there are options to fly in and

out of different airports. ▪ Sign up for airfare deal alerts from airlines

and airfare booking engines. ▪ Have flexibility in your travel dates. ▪ Check fare rules in case of cancellation or

date changes. Cheap fares often mean ex-pensive fees for cancellations or any chang-es.

▪ There are many online sites like trip advi-sor where you can compare airfare of many airlines, take the help of these sites

Raising funds

If you are in need of fund, raising is also a good idea. There are ways in which you can raise funds to support your journey. If you have the confidence you could host an event, or try sell-ing your unwanted items at a garage sale and through online sites such as eBay. You can also set up campaigns online, which is an easy way to receive donations from friends, family mem-bers or even people your local community. A couple of online campaign sites that are geared up for this are:

http://www.gofundme.com/tour/ https://www.volunteerforever.com/They are relatively easy to set up and promote, and for people to send money to.

Suggested reading

Before heading off to Brazil get yourself a good guide book so you can read up on things to see and do, the history and culture of the country , ways to get around and useful travel advice. If possible get your hands on a Portuguese phrase book and study up on the language before you go.

Recommended guidebooks:

▪ Fodor’s Travel - Brazil ▪ Lonely Planet – Brazil Travel Guide

Recommended phrase books:

▪ Lonely Planet – Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book

▪ Brazil: Portuguese Travel Phrasebook by Erica Stewart

Some other books which will help you under-stand or gain a glimpse into Brazil are:

▪ Brazil – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Sandra Bronco and Rob Williams

▪ Dancing with the Devil in the City of God by Juliana Barbassa

▪ Walking the Amazon – 860 Days, One Step at a Time by Ed Stafford

▪ How to Be a Carioca: The Alternative Guide for the Tourist in Rio by Priscilla Goslin

Packing advice and tips

When packing for Brazil, you should be able to get by with mostly lightweight summer clothes unless you are heading South in the winter, then you will need to take some sweaters and long pants as temperatures will be lower. Even in the hotter climates you may want to bring a light-weight sweater or wrap as air conditioning can make indoor spaces quite cold. General advices for packing


▪ Travel documents, passport, visa, itinerary, travel insurance papers, yellow fever (and general) vaccination card

▪ Credit cards and local currency (Brazilian Real)

▪ Travel adapter plug. ▪ Camera, memory cards and all cables and

chargers ▪ Medication, including Malaria tablets - espe-

cially if traveling to the Amazon. ▪ Swimming attire, a lightweight towel or

sarong. ▪ Comfortable walking shoes ▪ Business attire if working in schools, medical

projects or formal situations ▪ Light weight rain jacket ▪ Flip-flops ▪ Sunscreen and insect repellent ▪ Toiletries

Gifts for projects:

Giving a small gift to your project is a nice ges-ture to show your appreciation. Something that represents your home country or town is one idea, or learning resources and supplies would be fine. In general choose gifts which suit the type of project you are participating in.


CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know about your project

Before leaving on your journey of a life time to start volunteering in Brazil it is essential that you have all the information about your project, and accommodation or host family you need. Making sure everything is in place brings peace of mind and makes for a smooth start to your adventure.

Project Details:

Essential details you need to know/confirm:• The name of the project and their contact

details.• The location.• The starting date and time.• The end date.• How you will get to and from your project.• Contact details for any in-country support

staff.What to expect when volunteering in Brazil: It is important when undertaking your volunteer project in Brazil that you understand exactly what will be expected of you before you begin. This helps clarify your duties and responsibili-ties and makes any guidelines on dress code or behaviour clear, Essential details you need to know/confirm:• The duties involved• Hours of work expected daily• Who you need to report to• Who you will be working with• How you need to behave, any cultural beliefs

or customs you need to respect• The dress code• Rules and guidelines for the project

Photo Credit: amizade.org


Get to know your host family:

If you are staying with a host family while volun-teering in Brazil it is a good idea to try and find out a little bit about them. As well as providing you with a place to stay and regular meals your host family can help you understand more about Brazil, and practice the language too. If possi-ble it’s fun to exchange photographs before you meet them, and make a connection to build on once you arrive. It is important to find out:• Where they are located.• How many family members you will be living

with.• The names and ages of the host family mem-

bers • What they do (i.e. do they work, study?)• Their interests (what they like to do).• If they speak any English.• Whether or not there are any house rules

which you will need to abide by.• Are there any opportunities to learn Portu-

guese or participate in other activities like samba classes or Capoeira?

• Have they hosted any volunteers in the past?• What are their religious beliefs?

Local Support:

When you volunteer in Brazil it is important to find out if there will be any in-country or lo-cal support available for you. If so find out the location of their office, relevant contact details, and their operating hours. Make contact with them before you leave and make sure that they will be available to help if you happen to have any problems or issues while in Brazil.

Final call:

For true peace of mind make a final call to your organization a few days before you set off. You can ask any last minute questions, check they have accurate contact details for you, have

received all your flight details such as airline/flight number arrival date and time (for a smooth pick up from the airport), and if there has been any changes to your project or desig-nated host family.


CHAPTER 5 : Arriving and Volunteering in Brazil

Photo Credit: globalvolunteers.org

How to make your volunteer Brazil experi-ence rewarding

Volunteering in Brazil means you’ll see the im-pact you personally have on the environment, community and individuals you’ll be working with. This offers an invaluable life experience, so here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of this amazing opportunity.

Be passionate about what you are doing:

If you are passionate about making a difference and what your project is trying to achieve then you will find even the most mundane of tasks you have to do is all part of the experience, and contributes to the project’s success.

Stay positive and appreciate the experience: During your volunteer placement, you are likely to experience a range of different emotions. What you see and feel may not always be pleas-ant, and at times you may think that your help is not having any impact at all. It is important to stay positive and know that every little thing that you do in your project is of a huge benefit to long term developments and is very much ap-preciated.

Get to know the locals:

By getting to know the locals you have more op-portunities to integrate into the community. You can learn more about the culture and customs, practice the language and get to know the local haunts that tourists will never see. This all con-tributes to a more rewarding experience as you


are drawn into the community and start living more like a local than a visitor.

Explore the country:

Brazil is a magnificent country, so make time to see some of it either alongside, before or after your volunteer work. While longer trips may need to wait until you have completed your placement, getting out and exploring more lo-cally on your free days each week will be re-warding in itself.

Set your goals:

Before you leave sit down and work out what your goals are for your volunteer experience. These could include things like: travel, learn the language, visit Iguazu Falls, learn to surf, or stay in a jungle lodge in the Amazon. You may wish to add some more abstract goals, such as: see the difference you are making in some-one’s life, spend time with the children playing games, hear stories from the elderly or rescue an animal in danger. Setting your goals helps you achieve what you want while you are away, which in turn means your volunteer experience will be more rewarding.

Safety while volunteering in Brazil

The largest of all South American countries - Brazil has a bad reputation for petty theft, crime, violence and generally being a danger-ous country in which to travel, however this is not necessarily true of all parts of the country. Like traveling to any location you need to take precautions such as being aware of your sur-roundings, and never bringing any unwanted attention upon yourself. Most crimes are com-mitted by people looking for money or items of value, so leave any expensive items behind or keep them well concealed inside your clothes. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself in a robbery situation it’s best to offer no resistance, as most muggers do not really want to hurt their

victims. For up to date advice on safety in Brazil visit the sites below:http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/eng-lish/country/brazil.htmlhttp://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/brazilFor your safety:• Email a copy of your itinerary and all im-

portant documents to your family or close friends.

• Purchase a good travel insurance policy be-fore you leave.

• Always carry around a copy of your passport and visa.

• Ensure you have all required vaccinations before you leave, especially yellow fever.

• Research current safety and travel warnings in Brazil.

• Have all details of emergency services and embassy details and find out where they are located.

• Once you arrive get to know your surround-ings.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and try not to stick out like a tourist (by standing around looking at maps/guide books and so on), or bring unwanted attention to yourself.

• Don’t trust everyone, and be alert for scammers who might be trying to pickpocket you while you are distracted by someone asking for directions or the time.

• Try to travel in a group, and stay out of areas which feel or look unsafe.

• Do not venture into the favela (slum) areas without a local who knows the area well.

Register your travel plans with your embassy.Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspxNew Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/loginUS Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/


Do’s and don’ts in BRAZIL

DO• Use common sense, always be alert, and try

not to stick out from the crowd• Be aware of your surroundings at all times,

especially if on your own • Try to learn the Portuguese language and

cultures of Brazil• Always take a registered taxi• Write destination details down and give to

bus and taxi drivers or carry them with you Respect cultures and beliefs

• Talk to the locals (but also be aware of sus-pect characters)

• Be passionate and dedicated to your project• Respect your host family• Embrace the cultures and integrate into the

community• Travel the county and witness its beauty

Don’t

• Drink tap water• Trust everyone• Carry around large amounts of cash or valu-

ables• Bring unwanted attention to yourself• Disrespect anyone or cause any confronta-

tions or scenes• Leave drinks unattended in a bar, and be

careful if anyone buys you a drink. (The saf-est option is to only drink from a bottle or can you opened yourself).

• Walk around on your own, especially at night• Go into any areas that feel or look unsafe

Cultural shock

If you take a walk around Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Salvador you will see vast contrasts in the way of living, from the high rises of the financial district to the favelas (slum areas) which can be unsafe to enter. Such differences can be quite shocking and difficult to come to terms with.

New sights, sounds and feelings can all contrib-ute to culture shock, but accepting that this is natural and learning to embrace it will help you through. Here are a few tips to help you overcome cul-ture shock.

Learn the Language:

Don’t be surprised when you arrive in Brazil that you have difficulties finding someone who speaks much English. Although English is be-ing introduced into schools the process is slow, meanwhile a large percentage of the popula-tion have very limited or zero English speaking ability. The exceptions to this can be found in major cities amongst well educated Brazilians, as for them English language skills are neces-sary for career development. This makes it quite important that you learn as much Portugese as you can before you arrive. Enrol in a class, grab a phrase book/dictionary, or find some online learning courses or apps to get you started. Once in Brazil practice your skills whenever you can and participate in some classes. You can always make do with sign language and diction-aries to fill in the gaps.

Research and Consideration:

Do some advance research so you know more about what to expect when you finally arrive. Learning the basics of Brazil’s economics, laws, customs, important festivals and events, major industries, ethnic mix and regional differences in attitudes and beliefs will give you a solid picture of how things work. It is also a good idea to stay up to date with current news events to know what is going on in the country.

Interact with Locals: A great way to get to know a country and its culture is to talk to and get to know the locals. Go to neighborhood diners/cafes and bars where the locals hangout, and attend classes or com-munity events. Locals are a great resource for


practicing language skills and for insider infor-mation on the best things to see and do. Your volunteer experience in Brazil will provide you with many opportunities to interact with the locals so welcome each opportunity with open arms.

Embrace the Culture:

While volunteering in Brazil you will be exposed to many traditions which will be new to you. Showing an interest in these cultural differences provides insight into the lifestyle of Brazilians and helps you feel like part of the community much faster.

Things to do in Brazil

• Visit the wetlands of the Pantanal• Check out the spectacular views from Sugar

Loaf Mountain and the Christ de Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro

• Visit the many beautiful beaches• Go surfing• Go hiking, canyoning, rafting, caving or

swimming in one of the many National Parks• Take a cruise along the Amazon river and

spend a few nights in a jungle lodge• Photograph diverse wildlife • Learn the moves of Brazil (Samba/Salsa/

Axe/Forro or Capoeira)• Participate in a game of beach volleyball• Watch a soccer game at the famous Maraca-

na Stadium• Visit the magnificent Iguazu Falls and be

blown away by its beauty• Attend a carnival or celebration• Wind or kite surf in Jericoacoara• Learn about history and culture in the vi-

brant and colourful historic town in Salvador• Visit an indigenous tribe• Take a trip to Fernando de Noronha a UN-

ESCO World Heritage site for marine life• Visit the Tamar project (Turtle conservation)

in Bahia

• Learn the Portuguese language• Enjoy sipping a caipirinha (Brazils most popu-

lar drink)


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project & follow up

Photo Credit: communityinaction.org

Your volunteering experience in Brazil is likely to have a great impact on your growth and development personally, emotionally and spir-itually. When it comes to an end you may expe-rience conflicting emotions, such as gratitude for the experience, satisfaction from devoting your time to helping a good cause, sadness to be leaving those that you have worked with and had a positive impact on, yet excited to share your stories and experience with friends and family.

There are several things you can do to manage this transition from volunteer back to regular life and keep those precious memories alive.

Share your experiences: If your volunteering experience was a truly rewarding one which you want to share with the world then why not

create a blog based on your experience? Shar-ing your stories, thoughts and feelings as well as photographs of the destination, sights, your project, the people you met along the way and those that you worked with helps give your audi-ence a real understanding of what you were involved in, and the impact that the people and the country had on you. Writing a blog about your experiences will also be an excellent re-source for future volunteers who are interested in undertaking similar projects.

Provide feedback and reviews: For the continual development of projects volunteer organizations appreciate any constructive feedback, sugges-tions or recommendations you have regarding your experience with them and the project. Reviews or testimonials are also welcome, as


these help build the organizations profile and reputation and are useful to potential future volunteers.

Keep in contact with your project and fellow volunteers:

The people you worked with during your volun-teer placement, including staff at your project and fellow volunteers, are potentially valuable sources as future travel buddies career moves (including leads and references), as well as be-ing great to chat to simply because you shared a special time. With social media platforms like Facebook, chat apps, email and even the good old fashioned postal system there’s always a way to stay in touch.

Continue your support:

Leaving your project may be quite an emotional moment, and once you return home you are not likely to forget the positive impact you had on the Brazilian people or their environment. Although you may not be able to volunteer your time in person again immediately it is still possi-ble to offer your support in other ways. Contact the organization or project and ask how you can provide continual support for the cause you are passionate about.


CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From VolunteersHow will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

When you arrive in Brazil you are supposed to be received by a representative from your organiza-tion, or accommodation provider, who will then take you to where you will be staying.

Will there be support from staff in country?

Yes, in most cases you will find that local support will be available for you. Before you leave check with your organization for the exact details.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

This will depend on your project and the time of year that you will be volunteering. Ask your or-ganization for further information on who else will be around when you are.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same project and housed together?

Yes, in the instance that you and your friend would like to volunteer together you will be able to be placed in the same project, and you should be able to share the same accommodation facilities. Check with your booking organization to be sure, and let them know well in advance so suitable ar-rangements can be made for you.

Are housing and meals provided?

In most cases accommodation and meals will be provided as part of your volunteering program fee. You will either be placed in a hostel or with a host family close to your project. If you are staying with a host family then it is likely that you will receive 2-3 meals a day, however if you are placed in a hostel than you will probably have to provide your own meals.

Do I have to bring my own bedding?

No, your accommodation provider should supply you with bed linen. However if you plan on trave-ling during or after your volunteer placement it’s wise to pack a sleeping sheet or sleeping bag. If you are volunteering in areas of high humidity or wetland areas where mosquitoes are common you may want to take a mosquito net.

Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

Yes, you will have some free time while volunteering in Brazil and it is recommended that you use that time to get out and explore . However Brazil is a large country and travel times between destinations can be long, so you will need to take this into consideration when planning your trav-els. Check with locals and tour providers for recommendations, travel tips and interesting day trip destinations.


What if I don’t speak the native language?

For most volunteer positions you will be able to get by without speaking Portuguese, however not knowing any at all can make your travel experience awkward at times, so it is recommended that you learn at least a few words and phrases to help you get by. If taking your smart phone, down-load a translator or learning apps, or take a phrase book to help you out. Check language require-ments with your organization as some placements do require volunteers have Portuguese language ability.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will depend on where your project is located. Some placements are within walking distance, or if not the project staff may organise transport for you. However, in some cases you will be ex-pected to make your own arrangements, which may involve using public transport. In this case ask your organization for information on how to do this.

Can I speak with a previous volunteer on my project?

Many organizations now have networking forums or online volunteer communities where you can ask questions about projects or destinations, and previous volunteers will respond. If this is not available or doesn’t produce any results ask for a direct introduction to a former volunteer.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

Most volunteers work between 4-6 hours a day, but some projects have flexible working hours. Be sure to check with your organization for the exact details of your placement.

How much money do I need to bring?

Brazil is probably one of the most expensive of the South American countries, however you can still get by on a budget. How much you should take with you really depends on what you plan to see, do and experience while traveling and volunteering in Brazil. Your program fee will include ac-commodation, however, if you want to see some sights around the country you will need to think about costs such as transportation, and alternate accommodation, entrance fees and activities. In the non-touristy areas you may well find things are considerably cheaper, so if you are on a tight budget try socializing and eating out in places where the locals go.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is

impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant

and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook

this advice.

Brazil Volunteering: The Definitive Guide

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Transcript of Brazil Volunteering: The Definitive Guide