Brazil Volunteering: The Definitive Guide

Travellers Quest
Volunteer in Brazil
The Definitive Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Brazil

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in Brazil
Welcome to Brazil
Why you should volunteer in Brazil
What 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?
3
4
5
6
6
Chapter 2: Choosing your Brazil volunteer program
How you can select the best organization
Which organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Brazil?
7
8
Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Brazil
Visa, passport
Vaccinations
Air ticket
Raising funds
Suggested books to read
Packing advice and tips
Gifts for projects
12
12
12
13
13
14
14
Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project
Project details
What to expect when volunteering in Brazil
Learn about your host family
Local support
Make the final call
15
15
15
16
16
Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in Brazil
How to make your volunteer in Brazil experience rewarding
Safety while volunteering in Brazil
Do’s and don’t in Brazil
Culture shock
Things to do in Brazil
17
18
19
20
20
Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up
21
Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers
23

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CHAPTER 1: Getting Started – Volunteer in Brazil
Welcome 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

Frontier
http://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.html
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/
Advice/brazil
For 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.aspx
New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.
govt.nz/login
US 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 Volunteers
How 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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