Known for its warm and welcoming people, vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes, Brazil is the ideal location for teachers looking to immerse themselves in a rich culture.
Learn how you can dip your toe into the world of teaching and explore the sheer variety of activities and nature the country offers – from exploring rainforests to surfing to Carnival.
Need for English Teachers
With so much to offer, tourism plays a large part in the importance of English in Brazil. In fact, according to a 2019 report by the European Commission, tourism directly accounts for 3.7% of GDP, increasing to 9.6% when including indirect effects.
It’s no surprise then that English instruction has been steadily gaining more importance in recent years and is now included as a compulsory subject in both public and private secondary schools.
In its efforts to adapt to a continually globalised world, English teachers are thus vital. By teaching in Brazil, you would be helping address one of the country’s needs and setting its younger generations up for success.
Qualifications and requirements
To teach English in Brazil, you’ll need a TEFL certification. The industry standard for this qualification is 120 hours, and courses can usually be taken in person or online, depending on where you’re based.
While having a bachelor’s degree isn’t a prerequisite, employers will look favourably at applicants who hold one. Don’t worry if your degree isn’t closely related to language learning or teaching – any form of higher education will do.
When it comes to visa requirements, most teachers will be employed on 6-month contracts that align with the tourist visa length. Learn more about what else is needed to start teaching in Brazil with this teach English in Brazil guide.
Language proficiency
The most spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese, used by around 98% of the population as the primary language. Although fluency in Portuguese is not a prerequisite to landing a teaching role, some basic knowledge can come in handy.
Some level of fluency would allow you to get to know the locals and your students more deeply. Furthermore, househunting and other daily tasks will be far easier by removing a language barrier. Remember, English is being studied in schools now as a compulsory subject, but that wasn’t always the case.
Moreover, with some understanding of the language, you’ll be able to identify and assist your students with any mistakes caused by direct translation. If you start to notice common mistakes, these can then be things you pre-teach future students.
Finding your feet
If you want to avoid making any cultural faux pas, be sure to read up on the culture before setting off on your adventure. Once you arrive, you can then pick the brains of your colleagues and housemates, who can fill you in on any other cultural dos and don’ts.
Your students will also be a great source of information. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice and even recommendations of places to visit. These questions can even be framed in a way that is useful for them as learners. For example, you could create a lesson on sightseeing that focuses on the use of modal verbs and suggestion language.
To gain confidence as an English teacher, your more experienced colleagues and previous tutors should be your first port of call. Compile a list of questions or concerns and get their take. They may also have resources they could share with you to help.
Choosing a Teaching Destination
When it comes to choosing a teaching destination in Brazil, teachers should bear in mind that cities will generally be more expensive, with rent often being the biggest expense. This can be mitigated by opting to live with housemates or picking up some part-time work on the side.
One popular destination many teachers flock to is São Paulo. This is the biggest financial centre in Brazil and also the largest city in Latin America. It boasts a strong expat community that could help you settle in and a great spot if you want to freelance as a Business English teacher.
For a more exciting taste of Brazilian city life, Rio de Janeiro is another great choice. It has a population of around 6,780,000 and is known for its entertainment and iconic landmarks. Here you can soak up the atmosphere of Carnival, one of the largest celebrations in the world. Read more about what to expect at intheplayroom.co.uk.
Exploring Brazil Beyond the Classroom
As an English teacher in Brazil, you’ll only teach 20 to 25 hours, which means you should have plenty of time to get out and about and explore. From outdoor adventures to must-visit destinations, there’s something for everyone.
For nature enthusiasts, you can take a tour of the Amazon River and catch a glimpse of the wildlife inhabiting the riverscapes. While the Amazon can be visited year-round, the wettest time of the year is usually from January to June.
Alternatively, if you’d like to try your hand at surfing, you can head to one of Brazil’s thousands of beaches. Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and the island of Santa Catarina are all great spots to catch some waves.
In terms of getting around, you’ll need to fly. Brazil does not have any intercity train services, so if you want to see as much as possible during your time there, make use of its extensive domestic flight network. If you’re in less of a rush or on a budget, consider being a bit greener and taking the available and cheap intercity buses.
Overall, by choosing to teach in Brazil, you aren’t just choosing a career. You’re choosing to embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact on your students and leave you with skills and knowledge you may never have otherwise acquired. It’s a choice for growth – whether professional, personal or both.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.