I gained a lot from volunteering abroad. Not only did I learn something about the amazing Brazilian culture, but I also had to get out of my comfort zone and thus learned a lot about myself. I had so many great experiences that I will remember for a long time
Childcare 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 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 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 like interacting with children and have plenty of energy and enthusiasm for playing with and looking after them.
Project details
Full of life and want to be a Childcare volunteer in Brazil? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project enables volunteers to help out in community centers and get experience looking after children. Schools in Rio de Janeiro run in either the morning or afternoon which often means children are left alone for long stretches of time while their parents work. This project aims to give children a safe and supervised environment where they can spend their time constructively, continue learning and have fun.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, thousands of children grow up with little money and few opportunities. This project aims to give babies and small children a safe place where they can spend their time in a socially positive way and with adult supervision, care and attention.
As a childcare volunteer you’ll be assisting local staff at community centers where there are often many children per staff member. Your help will allow children to get more time with adults and lighten the load for local staff.
Tasks will vary but are likely to include:
- Giving children care and affection
- Setting up and playing educational games
- Arranging sports and physical activities
- Helping teachers with lessons
- Teaching basic English
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 Childcare volunteering in Rio De Janeiro with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with children in Rio you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to quality education
- Helping students grow and learn in a safe space
- Practicing your Portuguese
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare 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
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IVHQ Childcare project
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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
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Luna Niemann
24 Sep 2024
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NH
Nathan Hill
10 Jul 2024
This experience helped me pick up another language and become conversation in Portuguese, it gave me the opportunity to make an immense amount of connections that I will carry with me forever and have the most memorable, spontaneous, crazy adventures.
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EW
Emily Widdows
04 Jul 2024
I gained a sense of purpose and responsibility. If someone was to join the program I would tell them to walk in with no expectations and an open mind to allow you to immerse yourself fully into it.
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AM
Ayanda Musengezi
26 Jun 2024
Volunteering in Brazil was a transformative experience that enriched my life in countless ways. I gained a profound appreciation for the vibrant culture and warmth of the Brazilian people. Immersing myself in community projects allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of social issues and the importance of grassroots efforts in addressing them. My communication skills improved as I navigated language barriers, and I cultivated resilience and adaptability through facing various challenges. The friendships I forged and the sense of making a tangible difference left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever appreciate the best friendships I made on this trip
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Natasha Guarin
08 Aug 2023
One of the best experiences of my life! You meet people that will remain your friends for life, so many special connections, it’s amazing.
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SB
Sofia Betancourt
25 Jul 2022
Traveling to Brazil to volunteer meant so much more than just that. It meant growing up, dancing, singing, walking and helping others in the most genuine way possible. I met people and remembered people, and I took with me infinite lessons that were tattooed on my skin, for example, being authentic and putting aside the opinion of others a little more and living in a more transparent way. Volunteering showed me realities that are difficult to digest, but for the same reason, they make me feel more useful in the things I do because all the lessons I have had in my life experiences and in my professional career began to materialize and it becomes a joint with other generations that perhaps can learn with the same thing that I learned.
I am infinitely grateful and I return to my country revitalized, full of energy, optimism, and I see the world with different eyes. It was really a life-changing trip, thanks to everyone who allowed me, but above all, thanks to myself because it was years of savings, and many moons, tears and steps, but I made it.
To someone who is still hesitating about volunteering abroad, I would say don't hesitate. I believe that there is no more enriching experience than being able to get to know oneself by helping others. I am a faithful believer that there is no better way to travel than being able to contribute something to the country or community to which we travel. It is not only easier, cheaper and more accessible, but it is an experience that can change many lives, including of oneself. You not only meet many people, but you sow new seeds all over the world so that the next time you go to other countries, you already have a house to stay in and more people to help. We are living beings because we are surrounded by them, and it is a privilege to be able to help others because we grow by lifting others. Infinite thanks, IVHQ.
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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 traveling 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 socializing.
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 CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $580 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 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 CA$452) 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
- Personalized 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 organized 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.
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