|
Situated on the beautiful island of Santa Catarina, this important project offers a great way to enjoy Brazil’s stunning coastal scenery while helping one of the most neglected sections of society. By helping to rehabilitate the island’s blind community, you are not just improving their future prospects but championing their integration into mainstream Brazilian society and allowing them to live as normal a life as possible.
Volunteer Requirements
This is a challenging but hugely rewarding project for which you will need plenty of enthusiasm, compassion and a general interest in helping people. You also require a high beginner level of Portuguese language.
Portuguese will be the main language used whilst on the project in order to respect staff that cannot speak English. For those who are new to the language or for those who simply wish to brush up on their skills, we recommend that you take part in our language school before your project starts.
Age Requirements
Minimum 18 years, maximum dependent on potential participants’ health.
Language School
You can combine this project with the Rio Language School, which has over 33 years experience in teaching the Portuguese language and is one of the largest in Brazil.
The course has been specifically designed for foreign students who need to learn Portuguese for both professional and personal use. You will also be free to explore any other areas of the language you are interested in.
While at the language school you will stay with a host family. Also included with the language school is:
- An airport pick up
- Orientation
- Accommodation with breakfast and dinner
- 3 hours Spanish tuition per day
- Full onsite support throughout the programme
Project Orientation
When you arrive into Florianopolis, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. On your first full day you will be given a comprehensive orientation by one of the project coordinators covering all you need to know about the project itself, including what you will be doing, health and safety etc. You can also expect a country and area orientation, which will cover areas such as:
- The Brazilian Culture
- Money and Getting Around
- An Introduction to Florianopolis
- What to do in your free time
- Local food and places to eat
Project Support
Throughout your time in Florianopolis you will receive the support and guidance of a team of project co-ordinators based in the city. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
The language school staff will be on hand throughout the day to ensure your comfort and safety. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number prior to your departure, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying at an HI Hostel in downtown Florianopolis. It is well located for the city’s many beaches as well as being close to supermarkets, restaurants, bars and the main party spots. The hostel has rooms with 2, 3, 4 and 6 beds and facilities including a kitchen, luggage storage, Internet access, public telephone and TV room. You will receive breakfast at the hostel every morning.
Other meals are not included in the price. Most volunteers join forces and use the hostel kitchen to cook meals for one another. This is also a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine in the numerous, reasonably priced restaurants in the local area.
|
