| Overview of the Project
With the importance of the English language spreading in all corners of the globe, Brazil is no different. In addition to English becoming the language required of those looking to participate in today's global market, the constant influx of tourists visiting Brazil makes English-speaking citizens even more of a commodity – enabling Brazilians from ALL walks of life to be eligible for a position in the county's growing industries of tourism and hospitality.
In Global Crossroad's English-teaching projects in Brazil , volunteers can teach English to a number of eager, knowledge-hungry citizens. Volunteers will work alongside local organizations aiming to teach a variety of real world skills as well as the English language to children and (occasionally) adults. Brazilians benefiting from these services are usually low income individuals who cannot afford to send their children (or themselves) to schools teaching/offering these skills. Volunteers may also help in developing creative programs for art, music, dance, and sports. Additional assistance with day trips, sanitation, personal hygiene, cooking, and administrative duties may be requested.
Role of the Volunteer
Volunteers are involved in various activities such as:
- Teaching Basic English
- Developing children's conversational skills (in English)
- Supporting recreational and artistic activities with the objective of educational learning
- Supporting teachers
- Educating children pertaining to issues of personal hygiene
- Participating/assisting in location-specific duties – routine maintenance, construction, etc.
Skills/Qualifications/Requirements
There are no specific qualifications required since Global Crossroad's local coordinator and project staff members provide any necessary orientation and training to adequately perform volunteer activities. However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Portuguese is preferred as well as individuals who are enthusiastic about teaching and caring for others and compassionate to the often unfortunate situations of these children and other Brazilians.
NOTE: Global Crossroad's local partners offer Portuguese classes (15 hours a week) taught in conjunction with volunteer projects. Portuguese classes are mandatory and ensure the success and maximum level of involvement for volunteers.
Room/Food/Supervision
In collaboration with its local partners, Global Crossroad arranges living accommodations in a nearby volunteer house located in a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood located in the sprawling city of Rio de Janeiro . Within walking distance, participants will find the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, the “sambadroma” (location where samba schools compete), pristine beaches, numerous restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, a health clinic as well as easy access the city's public transportation. Volunteers staying in the volunteer house receive cable television, use of the kitchen, internet access, as well as laundry and cleaning services. Additional details pertaining to living accommodations will be included in participants' details prior to their arrival in Brazil .
Location Description – Rio de Janeiro
The once-capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (also know as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa' or ‘gorgeous city') is famous for it amazing art-filled streets, cosmopolitan characteristics, passionate people, the beauty of its surrounding terrains (ocean, mountains, forests, lakes), the annual vibrancy of “Carnival,” and the iconic looming figure of Jesus Christ the Redeemer (‘Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World). Offering a multitude of luminous beaches, there are also a number of natural and man-made attractions, including: Sugar Loaf Mountain (offering a completely panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay), the Rio-Niteroi Bridge , and the landscape-hugging mountains surrounding the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
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