Teaching English in Brazil

Posted by Erin MacKenzie - 16:02 on 24 March 2010

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Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and there are opportunities to teach English all across the country in the cities and in the country. The major problem with working in Brazil is the difficulty surrounding getting a visa. A tourist visa will allow you to stay in the country for up to six months but it is, of course, illegal to be working even though some smaller schools will take the risk and illegally employ native English speakers. A work visa can be incredibly difficult to acquire as most employers are not willing to grant a sponsorship which is essential to obtaining a work visa. Also, it is impossible to go into Brazil with a tourist visa and get it changed while still there. Despite the horrible sounding red tape involved in working in Brazil, there is a demand for English teachers so once you work out a way to teach in the country you should manage to find a job that suits.

A TEFL certificate is not always required but it certainly won’t damage your employability! Many companies and schools will put you through a training program before you begin to teach regardless of whether or not you have a teaching qualification.

Making an honest effort at learning Portuguese and understanding Brazilian culture will go down well with the locals who might otherwise think you’re only in their country to make money. Brazil has a reputation for being high in crime and although the level of crime in the country has been declining in recent years it is advised that you are still cautious at times. Brazil boasts beautiful weather, a diverse culture and friendly locals and most people find that their experience teaching in Brazil is interesting and exciting.

Your Comments

Comment by paul young at 19:29 on 16 June 2011.

hello, i am doing my tefl course hopefully next month, was wondering if i could get advice and details about working in Brasil as i really would like the idea of teaching here. thanks paul

Comment by ceren, polychronis at 19:48 on 29 September 2011.

we- my self and my friend polychronis- are living in scotland and keen to work our summer (4months) teaching English in Brazil. We do not yet have a TEFL certificate, however, I understand that it is not necessary. Will you please send me information about the job oppurtunities in Brazil for this summer.

Comment by Amy at 09:35 on 13 October 2011.

Hi Ceren, all positions that we handle require a TEFL Scotland certificate, so you would need one of these in order to apply for our positions.

Comment by Amy at 11:40 on 23 November 2011.

Hi Paul! Once you've completed your course with us, you can get access to our job contacts directory which has details of TEFL employers across Brazil! That way you can choose your location and apply to schools directly.

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