Volunteer in Brazil, learn Portuguese and discover its culture

Famous for its rainforests, beaches, and lively city life, Brazilian society includes people of indigenous, Portuguese, European, and African ancestries. Brazil is home to the carnival, a world-famous celebration, as well as neighborhood festivals, street parades, and a music scene unlike anywhere else in the world.

The country is considered an emerging power within the global economy – joining such stars as India and China as one of the “BRICS”. Studying and working here positions international participants for success with multinational corporations. Brazil’s role as one of the world’s top consumer markets makes the country a solid bet for those aspiring to be competitive in the global marketplace. Brazil also proudly holds several records for its wildlife numbers and diversity. This was a result of the urgent need to preserve endangered natural treasures and has inspired a surge in ecotourism and responsible travel initiatives making it a perfect place to volunteer.

The team at AFS Brazil are looking forward to discussing the programmes with you and can be called or Whatsapp’d on +55 21 992 275 917 between 11am and 8pm.

Alternatively enquire now and we’ll call you back.

A photo posted by @alessandro_dispensa on Jul 29, 2019

People of Brazil

Brazilian people are open and affectionate and overall tend to be very receptive, wanting to make international visitors feel comfortable and welcome as part of their families. Diversity is a key word here as in most any topic related to Brazil. The Brazilian population has been in constant development from the initial foundations of Portuguese, Africans and Indigenous groups though the addition of continuous groups of European migrants since WWII, Japonese, Middle Easterns and many newly arrived groups of immigrants from the neighboring countries from South America. This diversity is responsible for the richness of Brazilian art, music, food, warmth and fun.

Community

Brazil’s music, art, rituals, lifestyles, and religions of all kinds make diversity a major part of the country’s daily life. Participants are hosted throughout Brazil, in different settings according to the program choice. Regional differences are vast in terms of culture and setting so it is worthwhile looking into each destination.

Brazil is home to the carnival, a world-famous celebration, as well as neighborhood festivals, street parades, and a music scene unlike anywhere else in the world.

A photo posted by Estefanía Chaile (@eschaile) on Mar 28, 2016 at 4:02pm PDT

A photo posted by Barbara Miranda (@babsimi) on Feb 18, 2016 at 4:21am PST

Food

Mealtime is social time in Brazil, and while breakfast is light, lunch and dinner are big meals with hearty portions. Brazilian food tends to include barbecued meat, African-influenced fish and chicken stews, rice, beans, and farofa or farinha (manioc flour). Lately and more and more people are making choices like becoming vegetarian or vegan or simply eating more fresh and organic meals. A variety of fruit and vegetables are available throughout the year.

Language

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, though English is a popular foreign language. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful. AFS may provide access to Portuguese language lessons prior to your arrival in Brazil if you wish and local volunteers may arrange independent language studies for you during the first part of your stay.

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A photo posted by AFS USA (@afsusa) on Aug 27, 2019

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.

The Global Competence Certificate

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.