March, September and November for 4-6 months in Sao Paulo and Rio.

Departures possible at other times.

Possibility to extend the placement by arrangement.

For details apply for an information pack or call for an informal chat with Roger on 01892 770771. Alternatively email roger@oysterworldwide.com

1 Pound Sterling
= 3.18 Brazil Reais
This information should be used as a guide only as currency data has been provided by a third party bank source.

Beaches, Beats and Boogie Boards

Join Oyster's lively gap year placements in Brazil, Latin America's largest and most extrovert nation. Music and dance are everywhere and there's a real passion for life (and football!). But Brazil's social problems and poverty are no secret either. Our voluntary placements involve working with kids in four different projects in Rio and Sao Paulo. Some are street-children, many are neglected; all of them live tough lives. They need trusted adults, like you, to encourage them and help them stay out of trouble with fun projects, football, surf, IT, music and more.

It’s not easy; these are among our tougher placements and participants need loads of determination - but the rewards are fantastic and Brazil itself is unforgettably beautiful.

You'll learn Portguese with a certified language course and enjoy a three-day expedition to one of Brazil’s most famous sights, the magnificent waterfalls in the jungle to the south east of the country, known as Foz do Iguacu.

Brazil

What will I do in Brazil?

We work with four projects, two in Sao Paulo and two in Rio de Janeiro. The two cities are very different; Sao Paulo is the cosmopolitan business capital of Brazil, a rich, frenetic, inland city, while Rio is its drop-dead gorgeous coastal cousin, laid-back, beach-focused and super-fit:

Sao Paulo

  • Sao Francisco Children's Home sits in lush surroundings near the rural town of Extrema. The setting is deliberate: children come here from great hardships in the favelas to rebuild their lives. It operates like a family, offering them love, security and schooling. Stability is all-important; a six-month commitment is preferred.

  • The Children at Risk Centre is actually in one of the expanding favelas on the edge of Sao Paulo. It is a refuge and source of inspiration for local children living in poverty, offering dance, film, music and IT facilities. It’s a really exciting place to work. Read our blog for more information.

    Rio de Janeiro

  • Football Academy (set up for local kids by a famous Brazilian footballer from the favelas) - you will be needed to help with general tasks, organisation and marshalling young Pelés, the idea being to build their confidence, self-esteem and discipline.

  • Surf School - you don’t need to be a surf dude, but you do need tons of energy, enthusiasm and authority to get young surfers to the beach and onto their boards. You will do warm-ups, games, swimming training at a local pool and can assist with disabled kids on Sundays. You may be able to stay at the school, if not, secure lodgings in Ipanema are just a bus ride away. Read our blog for more information.

    • Getting there

    You will fly to Sao Paulo or Rio, to be met by Rachael or Kristina (see below), who will sort out your paperwork, show you your accommodation, show you round and enrol you in your Portuguese course (if applicable)  .

    Representative

    Rachel Rachel
    American citizen Rachel lives in Sao Paulo with her Brazilian husband Marco and their two school-age boys. She speaks Portuguese fluently, runs a shoe-making business and has a background in education. She’s closely involved with Oyster-supported projects, among others in the city.

    Rio de Janeiro

    Kristina Kristina
    Although Kristina is British and was educated in England, she’s a Carioca - born in Rio - and has lived in Brazil all her life. She has three university age kids and is passionately involved in working with young people in her home city.

    Supporting You

    Rachael and Kristina are never far away and they’re always on the end of the phone, if you’re based at Extrema, for example. They will both be there for your initiation and language course.

    Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. They will keep us updated on your health and welfare throughout.

    Accommodation

    In all cases you will live either on site or very close by in safe, secure accommodation with another volunteer. It will be basic but comfortable and in most cases food will be provided, although you may have to cater for yourself on occasions.

    Whichever project you volunteer for, you will develop a good social life - not just with Oyster volunteers but with other local and international volunteers at your project and elsewhere. You certainly won't be short of things to do. Sao Paulo offers great nightlife, culture and restaurants and Rio needs little introduction.

    Cost and what is provided

    The cost of a placement in the Sao Paulo area for a 4 month placement is £2625, excluding flights (£3475 with flight from London).
    This price includes food and accommodation during your placement and 20 Portuguese lessons to help you settle in. Each additional month costs £150.
    The Rio football and surf projects cost £1095 for 4 weeks excluding flights. £75 charge for each additional week. Airport pick up, orientation and hostel accommodation is provided. Not included: flights, food, travel and going out.

    What is Provided?

    • Phone or face-to-face interview and initial briefing
    • 2-day pre-departure course covering medical, safety and placement advice
    • Details of entry requirements
    • Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst away
    • Finding you a suitable voluntary placement and accommodation in Brazil
    • Assistance and support from the Oyster representative
    • Optional return ticket to Brazil with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes).
    • Being met on arrival in Brazil, orientation and safety briefings
    • All-inclusive 3 day 2 night expedition to Iguacu Falls (Sao Paulo only)
    • Food and accommodation for the duration of your placement (up to 6 months)
    • European passport holders do not need a visa and are granted a 90 day stay on arrival. This is extendable at the discretion of the Federal Police for a further 90 days. You will require a full passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of your placement

    What do I need?

    • Insurance - we can recommend you a suitable policy (approx £161 for 4 months)
    • Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £30)
    • Pocket money - some food, going out, telephone cards etc (we recommend £20pw depending on your taste in night life)
    • Any home country travel costs (to the airport or if travelling for face-to-face interview)
    • Organising and paying for independent travel, including return to airport

    One more thing...

    Crime statistics have got an awful lot better in Brazil, but it’s difficult not to look like a tourist, so keep your wits about you and valuables such as watches, rings, cameras and wallets concealed where possible.

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