Orientation
Once you have been met and picked up from the airport, you will be taken to your accommodation to settle in. On your first full day, your co-ordinators will guide you through your orientation and help to answer any questions you may have.
Accommodation and Meals
Depending on which package you choose, the accommodation will vary.
If you decide the language school and teaching English package is for you, you will stay with a Brazilian host family. All host family backgrounds are carefully screened and must meet stringent requirements before being accepted. All our families are middle-class and live in safe and secure homes. They are considered close friends of the school staff. The distance from the school varies, and journey time ranges from about 20-40 minutes by bus. Volunteers will be issued with a key to the host family's home and you will be able to come and go as you please. The family will provide two meals a day and a private room with a shared bathroom. Families will speak Portuguese most of the time, enabling you to learn the language more quickly and get the most out of your time in Brazil. All families will have at least one member of the family that can speak English if need be.
If you decide on the teaching English project alone, you will stay in a hostel and breakfast will be included. Travelling time to the project may range from between 30-60 minutes. There is an option to stay with a host family for an additional cost. Please ask us for further information.
Free time
Volunteers are only expected to work two hours per day, or alternatively ten hours per week. However, you are free to work as many hours as you would like in addition to this. The latest you will finish is 6pm. In your spare time, we recommend you explore as much of Rio as possible; there is a lot on offer. The cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar) is particularly impressive, as is the well-known statue of Christ (Christ o Redentor), which looks down upon the city. The world famous beaches are ideal for volleyball, football, or simply relaxing by the crystal clear sea!
The school organises weekly excursions and your free time will be at the weekends.
Project Support
During your programme you will have the support of our local coordinator. They will provide you with competent support and assistance (if required) and help you with any questions or support you may need during your stay.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
The minimum age for participants is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
