Just go for it. It’s easy to think of 100s if not 1000s of things that could go wrong, but realistically the trip will be great. I was nervous about lots of aspects of the trip, but coming back I feel it couldn’t have gone any better. Everyone there is in the same position as you, and thinks the same about many things, so making friends comes naturally.
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Purpose
Improves access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up tp 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who are fluent speakers of English and want to help people of all ages learn the language. No teaching experience is needed, but completing some relevant training, like a TEFL certificate, is encouraged.
Project details
Want to Teach English in Brazil - Rio de Janeiro? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in a community center, gain teaching experience and pass on English language skills to local children. Learning English gives local students the opportunity to secure a wider range of jobs, pursue higher education and better support themselves financially.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
English is a language that isn’t used much in Brazil, but the ability to speak it opens up a range of job possibilities. This is seen as especially valuable in low-income communities, where opportunities are often limited and few English speakers are available to teach the language.
As a volunteer English teacher in Brazil you’ll be taking small classes of children set in community spaces. The atmosphere is more informal than in a traditional school, meaning you’re free to be creative with your lessons. You can assist other teachers or fly solo and teach your own classes. You’ll be encouraged to bring fun ideas to inspire the students and while not a requirement, volunteers who speak Portuguese will find it easier to fully engage with the students and staff.
- Teaching volunteer work can vary but generally includes:
- Teaching English language classes
- Lesson planning
- Helping with language skills and pronunciation
- Talking and connecting with students
- Assist with lessons in other subjects
Joining the Brazil Program over Carnival (Fri, 28 Feb 2025 – Sat, 8 Mar 2025) will incur a strictly non-refundable Carnival Week Surcharge of US$600. This surcharge must be paid in full, along with your Program Fee, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of your program placement. Failure to pay the Carnival Week Surcharge by the specified deadline will result in a reduction of your program duration to ensure that you depart the Program on Fri, 28 Feb 2025.
No volunteer work will be held between Fri, 28 Feb 2025 – Sat, 8 Mar 2025. The accommodation and services of the program, such as breakfast, are still available during this period. You will have the opportunity to relax or sightsee instead. Volunteer work commences again on Mon, 10 Mar 2025.
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Rio De Janeiro with IVHQ?
When you join the Teaching English project in Rio you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping improve access to education in Rio
- Enabling people to speak with a fluent English speaker
- Practicing your Portuguese
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the Brazilian culture
- Exploring the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Brazil photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Community Development project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Community Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
Exploring Rio during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Christ the Redeemer during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring street art during an IVHQ weekend
Watching a Football game during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring street markets during an IVHQ weekend
Enjoying adventure activities during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Rio during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
FS
Finlay Shaw
15 Aug 2024
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SH
Sofia Hague
10 Jul 2024
Just go for it. I cannot stress enough how amazing it will be and you will meet people who will become your forever friends. The experience you get is worth everything.
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RP
Ruby Palmer
26 Mar 2024
I really loved teaching the children, getting to live like a local in Brazil and be immersed in Carioca culture. It is also a great opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and different pathways of life on this program. The Local Team and the volunteers at the hostel really make an effort to make sure that you feel comfortable and help resolve any issues you may have! The Local Team and IVHQ are also very willing to answer any questions or help you with your preparation for the trip!
...
MK
Mariette Kole
10 Aug 2022
My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was, after walking into the favela alone for the first time, lots of thoughts however the feelings of respect, community and warmth seem to be the prevailing ones. Once at the top of the favela, children's voices appear and two kids fly around my neck with joy. Honestly, we are so blessed and these kids deserve all possible to have opportunities to create dreams and make them possible. How lucky am I to learn from them and do my best for them also going forward. People who struggle or have not much are the kindest and warmest people. Our western world problems are no problems compared to people in the favelas, we could all help each other way more. I’ve got more inspired and a humble view on how to do so.
It will be life changing for you to learn how easily you can help people and how they can help you. You will meet people that become a part of your life which you’ll forever be grateful for, not like anyone you’ll meet in your nearby radius. Life’s about the memories you look back on and the connections made!
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AB
Anita-Bella Biro
21 Feb 2022
My time in Rio was more amazing and fulfilling than I ever expected. Even though we came from different parts of the world, we all shared the same values and mindset with the other volunteers. The kids we were teaching were open and respectful, very eager to learn English. Despite of the poor circumstances of a favela school, I really feel that we could make a difference and give some inspiration to the kids there! Don't be afraid (but be prepared), Rio is a charming place with heartwarming people whom you'll long miss after you leave the city.
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JB
Jessica Baker
29 Jan 2021
Volunteering in Rio taught me so much about education and made me more aware of my own teaching philosophies. I'm excited to bring my new knowledge back into my classroom! Come in with an open mind, and heart, and you'll leave with so much more understanding of Brazilian culture and a heart full of memories and happiness.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
IVHQ’s volunteer projects are based in the glittering city of Rio de Janeiro. It’s the second largest city in Brazil and home to glorious beaches, breathtaking scenery and a huge selection of cultural activities including the world’s biggest street parade, Carnival.
The volunteer accommodation is based in Glória, a bayside neighborhood in central Rio which is close to Copacabana Beach and many restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums and tourist attractions.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive into Rio de Janeiro on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Rio. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are travelling in Brazil prior to your volunteer program, you will need to arrange your own transport to the hostel accommodation.
Orientation is hosted by our Brazil team at their office in Rio de Janeiro. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Brazil - an introduction to Brazil, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local team member and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and hours at the placement are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the hostel. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteeers travel to their placements. |
| 8:30 - 2:00PM | Volunteers join the placement staff and begin work. There is usually a morning tea break and lunch break. |
| 2:00 - 5:00PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, go sightseeing, hit the beach, or do some shopping. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have free time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Rio de Janeiro and other areas of Brazil. Popular tourist activities include relaxing on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, climbing Corcovado Mountain, visiting the statue of Christ the Redeemer, catching the cable car to get a 360-degree view of the city from Sugar Loaf Mountain, horse trekking and wildlife spotting in the Pantanal wetlands, exploring Iguazu Falls and trekking through the Amazon.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers stay in a hostel in the central Rio neighbourhood of Glória, which is a short walk from the metro station.
You can expect to share a bedroom with 5 to 8 other volunteers of both genders. Bedrooms have bunk beds with bedding and air conditioning provided. All rooms have a communal, co-ed bathroom equipped with western toilets and hot showers. You should bring your own towel or can rent one at the hostel for 5 BRL. Lockers are available but you’ll need your own padlock.
Accommodation upgrades to private or matrimonial rooms or homestays can be requested subject to availability at an additional cost after registering for the program. All upgrades must be arranged through the local team prior to your arrival. Additional accommodation before and after your program can also be arranged subject to availability. Please ask your IVHQ program manager for more details.
WiFi is available for volunteers to use at the hostel. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to keep connected.
Due to the higher costs over busy Carnival week, an accommodation surcharge will apply to any volunteers on the program over the Carnival week period.
Meals
You’ll be provided with breakfast at the hostel, but will need to arrange your own lunch and dinner. Breakfast generally consists of coffee, tea, natural fruit juice, fruit, bread, butter, jam, cheese, ham and cake.
The hostel has cooking facilities to prepare meals and there are nearby shops to buy food. If you have any special dietary requirements for breakfast, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$505), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$505) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $730 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 4 weeks | $880 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,030 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,180 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,480 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,780 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,080 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,680 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,280 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 24 weeks | $3,880 Equivalent to $23/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$505) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Brazil generally find US$250 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including lunch, dinner and miscellaneous spending.
- Joining the Brazil Program over Carnival (Fri, 28 Feb 2025 – Sat, 8 Mar 2025) will incur a strictly non-refundable Carnival Week Surcharge of US$600. This surcharge must be paid in full, along with your Program Fee, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of your program placement. Failure to pay the Carnival Week Surcharge by the specified deadline will result in a reduction of your program duration to ensure that you depart the Program on Fri, 28 Feb 2025.
- Breakfast
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Portuguese language lessons
Portuguese language lessons are available to all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ recommends these lessons for all volunteers in Brazil unless they are fluent in Portuguese. Volunteers with a basic level of Portuguese should strongly consider these lessons to allow them to work and communicate more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be organised upon arrival in Brazil, during the program orientation. These language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Portuguese and must be paid for in Brazil to our local program staff.
Check what's required to visit Brazil
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Brasilia |
| Population | 198.7 million |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Real (BRL) |
| Time zone | UTC-03:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate of Brazil has a wide range of weather conditions across a large area and varied topography, but most of the country is tropical. The different climatic conditions produce environments ranging from equatorial rainforests in the north and semiarid deserts in the northeast, to temperate forests in the south and tropical savannas in central Brazil. Many regions have starkly different microclimates.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
