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 Rio orientation and help to answer any questions you may have. Your orientation will cover:
- Local culture - social norms, traditions and culture
- Expected behaviour - dress code at project, school and house rules
- Safety - areas and places to avoid, what to do in an emergency
- Locations of important amenities - banks, hospitals, embassies
- Transportation and travel in Brazil - where to go, how to get there, things to do in free time
On arrival into Belo Horizonte you will have a similar orientation to the one above, covering issues related to the local area and the state of Minas Gerais. It will also cover your volunteer placement, daily structure and what to expect from your host family (and what they expect from you).
Accommodation and Meals
During your stay in Rio you'll be accommodated at a hostel located just two blocks from Ipanema beach! Rooms will be on a shared dormitory-style basis. This hostel is popular with travellers from all over the world and has all of the necessary facilities to keep you comfortable during your stay. These facilities include:
- Swimming pool (if you don't like the beach!)
- Internet access
- Cable TV
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Lockers
- Open social areas
The language school, where your Portuguese classes are held, is nearby and many other important amenities are within reaching distance i.e. banks, supermarkets, shops etc.
Breakfast is included at the hostel; however, you will need to self-cater for your other daily meals when in Rio. You should budget £30-40/week for this, more if you wish to eat out.
During your tennis placement you'll be accommodated with a local host family. A host family is a great way to have an authentic cultural experience, as well as having a local support network whilst you're in a foreign country. Our host families generally come from the local middle class and live in safe areas of the city.
At the host family, you will have a private room and access to the household facilities. On rare occasions you may be required to share your room with someone of the same sex.
The host family will provide you with breakfast and an evening meal each day. You will need to provide your own lunch, which can be purchased cheaply from one of the many cafes or supermarkets in Belo Horizonte.
Free Time
Rio de Janeiro
Rio has so much to see and do that any stay here, long or short you'll be kept occupied. If relaxing on Ipanema or on the Copacabana beaches is not enough, then you can always take part in a number of the water sports readily available at or near the beach. Also, the cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain for panoramic views or a trip to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, are must-do's whilst in Rio. If you are looking for culture, then the city has a number of museums and if you are there for the nightlife, Rio has heaps to choose from.
Belo Horizonte
Despite not being as set up for tourists as Rio, Belo Horizonte has a lot to offer. With more bars per person than any other city in Brazil, it certainly has a lot to entertain the outgoing volunteer! However, the city has a lot more than just nightlife. Belo is home to two of the most successful football teams in Brazil, Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro. It also hosts many of the national volleyball team's games. Outside of the city, the countryside is home to a number of adventure sports and within the city there is a lot of culture and history to keep you engaged. Our local co-ordinator can let you know about the many different opportunities based on your interests.
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
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participant’s health
Project Requirements
High beginner or intermediate Portuguese. Participants should also ensure they are fit and able to join a project of this nature.
