Cost & Details


Rio Costs

Rio de Janeiro
Length of Program*
 Volunteer
Program Fee
w/ Homestay		 Portuguese Classes
Homestay Only
2 Weeks US$1210 US$1800
3 Weeks US$1480 US$2330
4 Weeks US$1750 US$2860
5 Weeks US$2020 US$3390
6 Weeks US$2290 US$3920
7 Weeks US$2560 US$4450
8 Weeks US$2830 US$4980
9 Weeks US$3100 US$5510
10 Weeks US$3370 US$6040
11 Weeks US$3640 US$6570
12 Weeks US$3910 US$7100

 

6 Week Standard Program -
Includes 2 Weeks of Portuguese Classes and 4 Weeks of Volunteer Program 		Program Fee Homestay
Rio de Janeiro US$2640

Application Fee: $200
(Please see our application fee refund policy here)

Carnival: Note that there is an extra $220 fee for accommodations in Rio 

 

Curitiba Costs


Length of Program		 Program Fee
Homestay		 Wildlife Project
Shared Apartment		 Portuguese Classes
Homestay
2 Weeks US$1210 US$1400 US$1820
4 Weeks US$1610 US$2260 US$2720
6 Weeks US$2010 US$3120 US$3620
8 Weeks US$2410 US$3980 US$4520
10 Weeks US$2810 US$4840 US$5420
12 Weeks US$3210 US$5700 US$6320

 

6 Week Standard Program -
2 Weeks of Portuguese Classes
4 Weeks of Volunteer Program 		Program Fee
Homestay
Curitiba US$2300

Application Fee: $200
(Please see our application fee refund policy here)

Program Includes:

* Pre-departure information
* Airport Pick-up
* In-Country Orientation
* Placement
* Accommodation
* Most or all meals (depending on program)
* 24/7 emergency service

Program Does Not Include:

* Round-trip airfare
* Brazilian Tourist or Intern Visa
* Return trip to airport
* Medical insurance
* Transportation to and from placement

Accommodations

ELI is proud to offer options in both world-famous Rio de Janeiro and the culturally rich city of Curitiba. The program fee includes accommodations with a local family.  Host families live in nicer neighborhoods, have full western style amenities, and provide breakfast daily.  Please note that in Brazil the main meal of the day is typically lunch. The only exception to this set-up is the wildlife program in Curitiba.  Participants in the wildlife program live together in the on-site guest house with full western style amenities and shared rooms.  All meals are provided on-site by a nearby, simple restaurant.

Start Dates

Arrival Dates for All Projects (except Wildlife in Curitiba) 2017: January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, November 26.  All arrivals are on a Sunday.

Arrival Dates for Wildlife in Curitiba: Participants in the Wildlife Project in Curitiba arrive on Mondays before 3:30pm. Departure must also be on a weekday.  If you need to check possible project dates, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Notes & Helpful Links
Acquiring a Brazilian Tourist Visa can be a long process, get started early.  For more information, visit the Brazilian Consulate nearest you (as requirements can vary at different locations).  In Rio de Janeiro, you will fly into Galeao International Airport (GIG).  In Curitiba, you will fly into Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB).

Here's a handy tool to see what time it is in Brazil: Time Conversion Tool.  If you live in the northern hemisphere, remember that seasons are the opposite!  Check the weather in Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba.

Language Requirement
Participants in ELI's Brazil programs must speak one of these languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese.  Portuguese classes are also available in both Rio and Curitiba.  It is very helpful to learn at least a few Portuguese words before you arrive, check out Duolingo's free online Portuguese Language Classes.

Apply Now

After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

 

Details

 

Program Includes:

* Pre-departure information
* Airport Pick-up
* In-Country Orientation
* Placement
* Accommodation
* Most or all meals (depending on program)
* 24/7 emergency service

Program Does Not Include:

* Round-trip airfare
* Brazilian Tourist or Intern Visa
* Return trip to airport
* Medical insurance
* Transportation to and from placement

Accommodations

ELI is proud to offer options in both world-famous Rio de Janeiro and the culturally rich city of Curitiba. The program fee includes accommodations with a local family.  Host families live in nicer neighborhoods, have full western style amenities, and provide breakfast daily.  Please note that in Brazil the main meal of the day is typically lunch. The only exception to this set-up is the wildlife program in Curitiba.  Participants in the wildlife program live together in the on-site guest house with full western style amenities and shared rooms.  All meals are provided on-site by a nearby, simple restaurant.

Start Dates
2015 Arrival Dates for All Projects (except Wildlife in Curitiba):  January 4, February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3, June 14, July 5, August 2, August 30, October 4, November, 8, November 29.  Participants in the Wilflife Project in Curitiba arrive on Mondays before 3:30pm and we transport them out to the sanctuary.  If you need to check possible project dates, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Notes & Helpful Links
Acquiring a Brazilian Tourist Visa can be a long process, get started early.  For more information, visit the Brazilian Consulate nearest you (as requirements can vary at different locations).  In Rio de Janeiro, you will fly into Galeao International Airport (GIG).  In Curitiba, you will fly into Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB).

Here's a handy tool to see what time it is in Brazil: Time Conversion Tool.  If you live in the northern hemisphere, remember that seasons are the opposite!  Check the weather in Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba.

Language Requirement
Participants in ELI's Brazil programs must speak one of these languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese.  Portuguese classes are also available in both Rio and Curitiba.  It is very helpful to learn at least a few Portuguese words before you arrive, check out Duolingo's free online Portuguese Language Classes.

Apply Now
After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.  We have set up a Brazil Checklist for you to see exactly what steps you will need to take to go abroad with ELI.

 

Overview

 

Statue photo from helicopter, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon rainforest, samba, Bossa Nova, Carnival…Brazil is famous for its spicy culture, booming economy, and world-class Jaguars at the Wildlife Program, Curitiba, Brazilbeaches spanning as far as the eye can see! It's the fifth largest country in the world and boasts some of the most diverse culture and ecology on Earth, along with one of the top ten largest economies.

Brazil has it all. Just a half-day’s journey from modern Rio de Janeiro places you in the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. With over 55,000 plant species, 524 different species of mammals, and over 1600 species of birds, the rainforest is considered to have the greatest biodiversity in the world! This rapidly disappearing ecosystem is on the list of biodiversity hotspots and is estimated to be about one-tenth of the size that it was before settlers moved into the region. Many efforts are being made to save the indigenous wildlife and environment.

ELI places volunteers and interns in the rushing cities of Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba to the south of the country.  Portuguese language skills are helpful but are not a requirement. If you can keep up, Brazil is waiting!

Panorama from Sugar Loaf, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

The Amazon rainforest, samba, Bossa Nova, Carnival… Brazil is famous for its spicy, friendly culture and some of the most diverse ecology on Earth!  Most of ELI's Brazilian volunteer projects are based in amazing Rio de Janeiro.You'll live in Copacabana or Ipanema and do valuable work in impoverished "favelas" in and around Rio.

Looking for a wildlife program? Our program near Curitiba has been a favorite for years!

Volunteer Programs

  • Wildlife Sanctuary

    Wildlife Sanctuary - Curitiba

    Just outside the city of Curitiba lies a 183-acre property devoted to Brazilian flora and fauna. The organization that runs this property has painstakingly replaced non-native plants with indigenous species over the last fifteen years, and now the sanctuary is home to parrots of all colors, tortoises, tapirs, bush dogs, ocelots, pumas, jaguars, spider monkeys, and dozens of other types of animals. Some of the animals were the victims of abuse or found injured, but many of the valuable animals were rescued from the illegal pet trade. For that reason, the park is closed to the general public and the entrance is not marked. ELI volunteers help with the following activities: feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures, breeding programs, planting, monitoring behavior, assisting the full-time biologist, and visiting researchers and permanent staff as needed. Accommodations in our lovely guest house are provided on-site, along with a fully stocked fridge so that volunteers can cook all of their meals. The minimum stay is 2 weeks. Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Teach English in Rio

    Volunteer to teach English to adults and/or children in Rio’s favelas. Short-term intensive English classes enable favela residents to prepare for the job market, school exams, and to master areas of specific interest. Basic Portuguese is required for this program. The intensive nature allows short-term volunteers to have a bigger impact on their students than most programs.

    Your duties:
    Contribute toward material costs
    Design English curriculum and lesson plans (optional)
    Teach classes for 5 – 30 students (per class)
    Network with local residents
    Monitor students’ progress and write evaluations

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Youth Sports

    Are you athletic? The therapeutic value of sports can be life-changing in the favelas. Help empower youth through participation in sports. Soccer, volleyball, tennis and other sports are offered at our partner schools. Get involved!

    Your Duties:

    • Support sporting programs in local schools
    • Lead and organize activities
    • Network with local school staff and Community in Action staff
    • Monitor students’ progress and write evaluations

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Teach Handicrafts to Women

    Are you creative? Do you have a skill that you can share with others? Maybe sewing, knitting, painting, perfume making, pottery, candle making, sandal design…  Numerous schools and community organizations around Rio are looking for teachers.

    Your duties:

    • Contribute to material costs to teach handicrafts to Women
    • Design class curriculum and prepare lesson plans
    • Help participants market and sell their products
    • Coordinate with school/organization staff

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Teach Art and Paint Murals

    Can you teach art? Work with art students to develop their technique and refine their vision. Would you like to do your own art? Organizations are creating murals in the favelas as part of their restoration efforts. You can literally leave your mark on Rio. How cool is that?

    Your duties:

    • Contribute to material costs
    • Teach and learn art techniques
    • Design activities and prepare lesson plans
    • Monitor students’ progress and write debriefs
    • Network with local artists

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Provide Child-Care Support

    Your days will include playing, nurturing, helping with meals and naps, tutoring, and providing general classroom assistance. A great gig if you like working with kids!

    Your Duties:

    • Support basic child needs
    • Provide tutoring services
    • Help with meals, naps, and play-time activities
    • Design and implement new activities for children
    • Network with local school staff

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Teach Computer Skills

    Computers are such a part of our daily lives that it is hard to imagine that many residents of the favelas do not yet know how to turn on a computer, open a program, or conduct online research.  As a volunteer, depending on your skill-set and placement opportunities, you will be teaching classes as the primary teacher, supporting computer maintenance, or serving as a teacher’s aide.

    Your Duties:

    • Contribute to computer training materials
    • Support the development of computer training curriculum
    • Develop lesson plans for separate classes
    • Teach classes for 5 – 15 students (per class)
    • Network with local school staff and Community in Action staff
    • Monitor students’ progress and write evaluations

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Construction

    Are you fit and handy? Work alongside favela residents to help them realize their dreams.  Help paint homes, complete landscaping projects, or support “basic” construction tasks.

    Your Duties:

    • Help implement manual labor projects: painting, landscaping, basic home repair
    • Provide supplies, supporting local residents
    • Prepare and lead activities
    • Network with local residents
    • Monitor progress and write debriefs

    *Projects are designed based on immediate needs within the community.  You may work solo or with other volunteers, depending on the time of year you travel to Rio.

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Urban Gardens

    How are you with plants? You don’t need to be a farmer (though if you are, that would be great!). Learn and teach about tropical urban gardening, medicinal plants, nutrition, and conservation.  Work in local schools to start small gardens for students and work in a local favela community garden.

    Your Duties:

    • Design/Deliver garden-based educational curriculum in local schools
    • Network with local community residents and Community in Action staff
    • Introduce new gardening techniques to youth in the favela
    • Contribute to material costs: seeds, soil, tools, and supplies

    Questions? Click here

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

Cost & Details

  • Cost - Brazil

    Costs


    Length of Program    		 Volunteer
    in Rio*    		 Wildlife Project
    Curitiba    		 Wildlife Project
    Florianopolis
    1 Week US$370 n/a n/a
    2 Weeks US$645 US$1700 n/a
    3 Weeks US$920 US$2150 n/a
    4 Weeks US$1195 US$2600 US$2370
    5 Weeks US$1445 US$3040 US$2610
    6 Weeks US$1695 US$3460 US$2850
    7 Weeks US$1945 US$3880 US$3090
    8 Weeks US$2195 US$4300 US$3330
     9 Weeks US$2370 US$4720 US$3570
    10 Weeks US$2545 US$5140 US$3910
    11 Weeks US$2720 US$5560 US$4050
    12 Weeks US$2895 US$5980 US$4290

    * An additional materials fee of $25 per week is required for the following projects in Rio: Teaching English, Art/Murals, Urban Gardens, Construction, Handicrafts

    Application Fee: $200
    The application fee is a separate administrative charge for all programs. It does not apply to the program fee. (Please see our application fee refund policy here

    Credit card payments: Payment by credit card will be assessed a 3.5% surcharge. This is the fee that we will be charged for the transaction. Contact us about alternative forms of payment.

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • What's Included/Not Included

    Rio Program Includes:

    * Pre-departure information
    * Airport Pick-up
    * In-Country Orientation
    * Placement
    * Favela Tours
    * Cultural Integration Sessions
    * Portuguese translation support
    * Donations to local projects
    * Accommodation
    * Breakfast
    * 24/7 emergency service

    Program Does Not Include:

    * Round-trip airfare
    * Brazilian Tourist or Intern Visa
    * Return trip to airport
    * Medical insurance
    * Transportation to and from placement

    Apply Now

    After you fill out the Application Form on our website, our Application Advisor will be in touch to help you with the next steps.

  • Start Dates
    Please email for start dates: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Notes & Helpful Links

    Notes & Helpful Links
    Acquiring a Brazilian Tourist Visa can be a long process, get started early.  For more information, visit the Brazilian Consulate nearest you (as requirements can vary at different locations).  In Rio de Janeiro, you will fly into Galeao International Airport (GIG).  In Curitiba, you will fly into Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB).

    Here's a handy tool to see what time it is in Brazil: Time Conversion Tool.  If you live in the northern hemisphere, remember that seasons are the opposite!  Check the weather in Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba.

    Language Requirement
    Participants in ELI's Brazil programs must speak one of these languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese.  Portuguese classes are available in Curitiba.  It is very helpful to learn at least a few Portuguese words before you arrive, check out Duolingo's free online Portuguese Language Classes.