Teaching English (Rio de Janeiro)

Project Summary

Understanding and speaking English is a vital skill that many Brazilians need to succeed. As the economy becomes more intertwined with the global marketplace, it becomes crucial that Brazilians are ahead of the curve. Outside of tourism, English speaking skills can lead to advancements in the academic or professional sectors. Unfortunately, English speaking schools can be very expensive, limiting those who can attend and therefore learn English. By volunteering as an English Teacher, you will help those without the means to learn English and build opportunities for their future. Volunteers will provide short term intensive English classes to prepare many in favelas or low income communities with job market or school exams.

Project unavailable from January to March as schools in Brazil as schools will be closed for holidays.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer teaching English in Brazil, you will be providing lessons or tutoring in a one-on-one environment. Volunteers will also have an option of teaching in the favelas (shanty towns where most of the poor in Rio live). You will be working with people who come from low-income backgrounds. You will be teaching people of all ages – both young children and adults. Daily activities may include:

Skills/Qualifications

Fluency in English is required, but you do not have to native English speaker. You should also have a passion to teach and help your students. Volunteers should be good role models, flexible, patient, caring, creative, responsible and open-minded. If you know little bit of Portuguese you can communicate well with the locals.

Project Location:

This project is located in one of the largest favelas in Rio de Janeiro. These favelas were known for high crime rate but due to the police action and the police presence, the crime scene is virtually non-existence now. Poverty, however, remains entrenched in the favelas as usually it's the low-income families that settle in the favelas.

When not at the project volunteers will have plenty to do in their free time. Volunteers can soak up some sun at one of Rio's famous beaches, or go hiking in one of the largest in urban parks in the world. You can go see the wonderful views from Corcovado or Sugar Loaf. There is also excellent nightlife to experience as well as museums and theatres throughout the city. All of these activities are available through Rio's extensive public transportation system.

For safety reasons, always be aware of where you are going and the best time to go. Ask the local coordinator or trustworthy locals if ever in doubt or need more information.