When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in Brazil?

We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two to three months in advance.

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil , who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 2-3 weeks - occasionally longer (given the time of year).

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online ( http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply.php ). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Brazil-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

. An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

. Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.

. Be in good health.

Visa Information

Passport and visa are required for US citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose.  Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence .  There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa.  All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of stay, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid.  Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa.  The US Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. 

It is the responsibility of all participants to research the entrance and exit requirements of their chosen destination by contacting the embassy or consulates office. In response to the introduction of the US VISIT program, on January 1, 2004 the Government of Brazil began fingerprinting/photographing all US citizens arriving in Brazil .  Travelers are reminded that they are subject to local law, and that showing contempt to a government official is a serious offense in Brazil

Project Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in Brazil ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Brazil is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in Brazil . Most volunteers participate in their respective/assigned projects from Monday to Friday, with work taking up 20-35 hours per week. Most volunteers have the weekends to themselves where they can see the local sights and explore Brazil on their own.

What is the language spoken in Brazil ?

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil .

When are the Brazil-based projects available?

Literally, the projects are open year-round and volunteers are encouraged to apply anytime at their convenience.

How long can I volunteer in Brazil ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Brazil ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

All volunteers must arrive in Rio de Janeiro for their project. All volunteers will fly into the Galeao International Airport.

When should I arrive in Brazil ?

Volunteers should arrive in Brazil the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If arriving earlier to Brazil, you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Brazil , so that we may send it on to our Brazil representative. You will be picked up by a staff member or our In-Country Coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call the In-Country Coordinator, who can help with the pick-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

. Try to call our Brazil In-Country Coordinator from the airport and inform him/her of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

. Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

. Call/email our Brazil In-Country Coordinator once you arrive in Brazil so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's local representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver).

ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Brazilian In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents (passport, clothes, insurance, identification, etc.).

. Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $100 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

. Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to, as the cultural shock may be so strong that you may even want to quit the week following your arrival.  

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

In most cases, you will have to cover all expenses incurred by earlier arrival, but Global Crossroad's Brazil In-Country Coordinator can usually provide assistance in booking hotel rooms and even domestic travel at a reasonable price.

When should I depart from Brazil ?

We suggest that participants depart from Brazil on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

All volunteers will depart from the Galeao International Airport.

Who will drop me off at the airport?

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil or the staff at the family house will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

Your accommodations will be arranged by our In-Country Coordinator in Brazil . You will stay in our volunteer house. If you want to travel with a friend, we can arrange for both of you to stay at the same accommodation if you like.

Are singles rooms available?

Participants will share a room with another volunteer. Private rooms can be made available for an additional fee, depending on availability.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

Yes, but participants are required to inform Global Crossroad's Brazilian Coordinator of this prior to arrival so that he/she can make the appropriate accommodations before hand.

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This usually depends on the exact placement (i.e. date, project) and your preference in this issue.

What are the bathroom facilities?

In most cases, volunteers share bathroom facilities with other participants family.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry is usually done by volunteers with laundry-washing facilities provided in their living accommodations or at nearby laundry facilities.

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Yes. Please note that Brazil uses 110/220V, 60HzHz.

Electrical plug details

European plug with two circular metal pins

American-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin

Japanese-style plug with two perpendicular flat blades

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

While meals are not included in the program fee, Brazil is home to several distinctive cooking styles. The regional dishes include maize, pork, beans, and local soft ripened cheeses. Feijoada (a simmered bean and meat dish of Carioca origin), is popular especially as a Wednesday or Saturday luncheon. Also consumed frequently is arroz e feijão, or rice and beans. Traditionally, black beans are prepared in Rio, rajadinho or carioquinha (brown) beans in São Paulo , and either in Minas Gerais. Another typical food in São Paulo is the Virado à Paulista that consists of rice, tutu de feijão (beans with manioc flour), stewed cabbage and pork meat.

The cuisine of Brazil shows the influence of European and Middle Eastern immigrants. The majority of the present population arrived from Portugal , along with many from Italy , Japan , the Middle East , and other nations. Hence, it's possible to find a wide array of cuisines.

In Espírito Santo, there is significant Italian and German influence in local dishes both savory and sweet. The state dish, though, is of Amerindian origin, and is called Moqueca Capixaba (mainly fish and tomato). The cuisine of Minas Gerais is also strongly influential there, with many restaurants serving fare native to Minas Gerais. Farofa (a dish of toasted manioc flour with small amounts of flavoring ingredients that may include pork, onions, hardboiled eggs and different vegetables), polenta, couve (collard greens), chourisço (a type of sausage that is less spicy than its cousin chorizo), tutu a mineira (smashed beans with manioc flour) and fried banana are examples of popular dishes from Minas Gerais.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

In most places in Brazil , tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your own consumption. If you prefer, you can request that your host family boil water for you each.

Are there hot and cold water facilities available?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants' placement details.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is Brazil ?

Compared to many other countries, Brazil is considered a safe country for tourists. But, petty crime has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. However, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching occur somewhat frequently (especially in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sight-seeing destinations, etc.). So, it is wise to be cautious with your personal possessions in public places. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

.  Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public
.  Keep enough money for immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel
.  Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room
.  Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before going out for a stroll
.  Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
.  Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag
.  Ensure that you remain aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived
.  Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses
.  Always let your hotel or guides know where you are during your free days or while touring
.  Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups
.  Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip
.  Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution
.  Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners
.  Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Brazil's laws and code of ethics and morals

More about Travel Safety to Brazil

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

I am young girl. How safe it is to travel alone?

Traveling alone can open you up to unique personal experiences in Brazil . As mentioned above, it is a foreigner-friendly country. However, traveling alone as a female, you should be aware of the following issues

. If you get a hotel room during your free time, request a room that isn't on the ground floor, which can offer easy access through a window when you are sleeping in a hotel.
. Get to know the area where you'll be staying, and trust your intuition; avoid places that look risky.
. Dress like a local resident, or at least try to look inconspicuous in your dress and behavior.
. Be cautious when meeting new people. Try not to easily tell them that you are traveling alone.
. In case you run into trouble, contact your embassy/consulate or the local police immediately.

What are the principle health risks?

Basically, every country in the world has potential health concerns and Brazil is no exception. It is common sense to be aware of some major health concerns if you travel to Brazil for the first time. In the following, you will find some of the major health risks for your Brazil trip. Do be careful!

AIDS: Exists in Brazil and every country in the world. The things to avoid are well known. The blood supply is not as safe as at home.

Hepatitis A and B: Very common due to less than ideal food storage, handling and cooking.

Malaria: Mostly in regions away from cities.

High Altitude Sickness: Very common when you travel in Brazil just like any other mountainous area. Symptoms are temporary and go away as soon as the victim returns to a lower altitude.

Rabies: Rabid dogs are a problem in most of the rural and semi-urban sites of Brazil . You, therefore, should remain aware of and away from non-domestic or freely roaming dogs in Brazil .

Typhoid: Consider a vaccination for long stays and if you are an adventurous eater.

Numerous others exist, but not in abnormally high or epidemic proportions.

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Be sure to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist before your trip to Brazil . Global Crossroad is not staffed by medical professionals.  Also, if you plan to travel to rural areas of Brazil , you should be vaccinated for Yellow Fever and obtain pills to protect yourself against Malaria. If you intend to stay in cities, these are not required. If you plan to travel to rural areas of Brazil , it is generally recommended you get a Rabies vaccination.

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. Western and traditional Brazilian medicines are widely available in most urban areas in Brazil . In effect, your health insurance is crucial. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after covering medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medications, etc. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider but this is rare. 

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

. Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator;
. Your country's embassy in Brazil - participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No! While you are in Brazil , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of the street vendors and the food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you are familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Brazil , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in Brazil ?

. Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in case you need to use the public toilet.
. Brazilian toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
. In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In these cases a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
. Use hotel lobby toilets: these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of the hotel that you are using.

What vaccinations are required?

Yellow Fever vaccinations may be required for entry into Brazil . Check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) before traveling. Furthermore, you should bring anti-Malarial medication with you, as Malaria is a common problem in South America .

Global Crossroad STRONGLY suggests volunteers follow the Center for Disease Control's travel advice (www.cdc.gov) or consult a travel doctor.

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but a $2-4 USD surcharge often applied for each transaction.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official Brazilian currency is the Real (reals).

Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be cashed at various branches of the Bank of Brazil or Commercial Bank of Brazil . Current exchange rates can be found using our currency converter.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside the major cities, facilities may be limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept US Dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureaus) often give better rates than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.

How much money should I bring with me?

It is suggested that you bring US$100 and cash it into Reals after arrival at the Brazilian airport. The money will be sufficient to cover the first 2-3 weeks for shopping and travel to your project.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe - therefore, do not carry a large surplus of cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Reals. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Brazilian currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local representative?

Contact information - i.e. Phone numbers for your in-country coordinators will be provided in your placement details.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in Brazil ?

International Direct Dialing from Brazil is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. The Brazilian mobile phone networks will usually allow many major cell phone providers to access their network but you might want to check with your provider to see if you will be able to use your phone in Brazil . Internet cafes are available in most towns although they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

Internet cafes are available in most major cities, although the cafes can be very noisy as they are a popular venue for the youth to play online games and for students to do work.

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at your respective accommodation, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in Brazil.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Yes, though you will want to contact your cell phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in Brazil.

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in Brazil ?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please.

What should I know about Brazilian religious conduct?

Brazil respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord.

How do I respect the Brazilian people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Brazilian culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Brazilian people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with other volunteers on outings to or invite them along on an outing.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Brazil ?

Brazil is characterized by the extensive low-lying Amazon Rainforest in the north and a more open terrain of hills and low mountains to the south - home to most of the Brazilian population and its agricultural base.

Located mainly within the tropics, Brazil 's climate has little seasonal variation. Southern Brazil , however, has a subtropical temperate weather, occasionally experiencing frost and snow in the higher regions. Precipitation is abundant in the humid Amazon Basin, but more arid landscapes are found as well, particularly in the northeast.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Rainfall

Average Daily Temperature

Official Brazilian Holidays

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Monday before Lent: Carnival Monday
Last day of Carnival: Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras in the USA)
46 Days before Easter: Ash Wednesday
Friday before Easter: Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Corpus Christi (sixty days after Easter)
April 21: Tiradentes Day
May 1: Labor Day
September 7: Labor Day
October 12: Our Lady of Aperecida: Patron Saint of Brazil
November 2: All Souls' Day
November 15: Republic Day
December 24: Christmas Eve (a half-day holiday)
December 25: Christmas Day
December 31: New Year's Eve (a half-day holiday)

What about tipping in Brazil ?

Tipping is generally expected in Brazil, with a usual amount being 10% of the bill.

Materials to Bring

•  Camera
•  Sleeping bag
•  Mosquito repellents and net
•  Insect repellents
•  Sunscreen
•  Books about Brazil
•  Map of Brazil
•  Toiletries
•  First-aid kits
•  Flash light
•  Electricity adapter/coverter
•  Sunglasses
•  Walking shoes (for work and travel)
•  Towel

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or their personal travel advisors to verify this information.