• Toll-Free: 1-866-205-6515 (US & CA), 02921 28 3927(UK), (02) 4017 1041(Australia)
  • Phone: (214) 785-6605
  • info@globalcrossroad.com

Volunteer programs in this country are currently unavailable.


Volunteering in Brazil!

Would you like to travel abroad while gaining new perspective on your life? Are you dreaming to explore the natural and cultural splendors of Brazil while making a difference? Our Volunteering opportunities in Brazil are the perfect way to do this and more.

Brazil is an enchanting country that features rugged mountains, lush rainforest, bustling cities, and famous beaches. Visit Iguazu Falls on the border where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet, said to rival Niagara Falls in its majesty.

Explore the Christ the Redeemer monument overlooking Rio de Janeiro.Or visit in time to experience Carnival, which takes place in the weeks before Easter.

Despite its beauty, Brazil is losing ground in its fight against poverty. Gentrification and increased living costs have led to growing homelessness in the cities. Black and brown Brazilians (Afro-Brasileiros) face discrimination left over from slavery, which ended only in the late 1800s. Lack of government spending on social programs, poor access to clean water and sanitation, extreme income inequality, and massive deforestation all contribute to impoverishment in Brazil.

Today, Brazil desperately needs volunteers more than ever.

This is where you can contribute when you join volunteer programs in Brazil. Help in child care, teach English or computer skills, support youth sports programs, or help with a handicraft project. Use your talents and skills to make a significant difference in the lives of disadvantaged Brazilians.

Change your life as you experience rich cultural immersion and make an actual difference in the world.


Volunteering in Brazil: Programs

Want to find a volunteer program that matches your own passion and interests? Global Crossroad has a variety to choose from and explore. You can have the impact on the world you wish, in a program that fits who you are. You can choose.

Poverty is an issue that affects many people in Brazil. A great many families live in the infamous favelas, which are in essence the neighborhoods for the poor, often built with minimal resources for the people living there. The families that live here most often require two working parents, which mean their children require daycare for their protection.

As the areas suffer a lack of services, there simply are not enough daycare or childcare centers to meet the community's needs. Global Crossroads childcare volunteer opportunity in Brazil aims to provide care and attention to these kids, and help alleviate this need.

While taking part in childcare program, you will take a hands on role with the children in care. You will teach basic English, provide essential life skills to the children, and develop creative ideas. At times you will be promoting fundraising activities.

Share your love and passion for children and provide relief and support to families in need. Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Brazil has the lowest English proficiency rate in South America.  Everybody studies English in school to some degree, but opportunities to develop the skills outside of that are very few, and thus, few people speak it. As a result, Brazilians lose out on employment opportunities.

The problem is much worse, of course, for the young people of the favelas, who on the one hand have less access to quality education, and on the other need all the opportunities they can find. The schools in which they study are often underfunded or lack experienced teachers to guide them. Therefore, Global Crossroads teams up with local organizations to improve the access to English learning in Brazil.

By joining our English teaching volunteer opportunity in Brazil, you will be invited to help teach English to children of different ages. Various teaching task may be assigned to you, depending in part on your own interests and skills. Overall, your role is to teach basic English to children, and share experiences as an English speaking foreigner, that may help to broaden the minds of the student.

Change the lives of disadvantaged children and create real opportunities for them later in life. Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Are you an avid sports lover or sports professional? Are you looking to share your passion in sports with the disadvantaged children in Brazil? Then, Global Crossroads youth athletic project is the best fit for you!

A love of sports in Brazil runs deep in the blood of its people. Despite this, the youths in the favelas are too often deprived of sporting activities, and a well-trained coach to guide them. Global Crossroads sport volunteering program in Brazil teams up with the local organizations in creating sports programs for disadvantaged communities.

Joining this program as a volunteer gives you an opportunity to work with the local NGO's to engage the youths of the favelas in sports. Your role here is to teach sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, skateboarding, or whatever is particular to your skills and interests.

Save children from a life on the streets through your love for sports. Visit the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Have you been called to help poor communities in South America? How would you like to join a unique street art project and beautify Rio’s poor favela neighborhoods?

Go to the project page for detail information.


In addition to the above projects, we also offer family Volunteering, alternative spring break, high school volunteering, college/university volunteering and many other programs. Contact Global Crossroad for further information.


Volunteering in Brazil Dates and Prices

Dates: Volunteer in Brazil

All volunteer programs in Brazil start every Monday of each month. However, if there is travel constrains, you can start any project on any day.

Fees: Volunteer in Brazil

Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteering programs in Brazil. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.

Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Brazil application and registration fee cost US $299.

In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.

    Duration Childcare/Computer Teaching/Youth Athletics Teaching English/ Handicraft
  1 Week $370 $395
   2 Weeks $595 $645
   3 Weeks $845 $920
   4 Weeks $1,095 $1,195
   5 Weeks $1,345 $1,470
   6 Weeks $1,595 $1,745
   7 Weeks $1,845 $2,020
   8 Weeks $2,095 $2,295

Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
How your fee is allocated?

Program fees cover:
  • Accommodations (Hostel)
  • Food (only breakfast)
  • Airport pick-up and transfer
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
  • Visas
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

The volunteering overseas in Brazil program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually Monday) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses.


Accommodations and Meals

When you join our volunteer program in Brazil, you will have the choice between two hostels – Cabana Copa situated within walking distance of Copacabana Beach, and Rio Hostel, in the heart of Santa Teresa, an artistic, historic neighborhood. Both the accommodation will have dorm-style rooms and are in safe and secure locations. Breakfast is included with the program fee for volunteers staying in both the locations. Volunteers will need to eat the rest of the meals in local restaurants. Meals in Rio are about 30-40% cheaper than New York City.

Learn more about your accommodation and meal plans in Brazil.


Free Time Options

The volunteer opportunities in Brazil are based in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most exciting cities in Brazil. Whether you enjoy admiring breathtaking views, exploring historical landmarks, relaxing on stunning beaches, dining at exquisite restaurants, venturing out into the nightlife, or taking adventure tours, Rio de Janeiro has something for everyone.

Your accommodations will be close to the world famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and right next to Lapa, which is well known for its nightlife and creative vibe. You most definitely will experience, whether close up or from afar, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Maracana stadium. The annual Carnival is a popular festival and draws huge crowds into the city.

During any of the volunteering programs in Brazil, volunteers will have plenty of free time in the evenings and on the weekends. While Global Crossroad does not specifically arrange activities for volunteers, local staff can provide suggestions, travel tips, and assist you in making suitable travel arrangements.

Learn more about your free time and weekend exploration options in Brazil.


Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador: FAQs

If you still have some questions for us, that’s great. Please take your time looking through our FAQ section for answers to the most common volunteering abroad questions.

Which airport do I need to fly in?

For joining volunteering program in Brazil, you will be flying to the Rio de Janeiro Airport.

What happens if I missed flight or arrived late?

If you miss your flight you should contact your in-country coordinator as soon as possible. After the information is received, the coordinator will make new airport pick up schedule.

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

Before joining Brazil volunteer programs, you need to make sure that you have packed all of your official documents like passport and travel insurance. Things like clothes, shoes, books, laptops, mobile phone, charger, adapter and first aid kit are also quite important.

Where are the projects located?

Our projects in Brazil are located in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is a stunning location from morning to sunset, and beyond into the night. It is known for its golden beaches, lush green mountains, samba-flavored nightlife, and its spectacular football legacies. So these are some of the momentous brilliance of Brazil for you to witness during your volunteering in Brazil project experiences.

Is there any minimum and maximum stay? Can I extend my stay if I choose to?

Yes you can stay from a minimum of 1 week to the maximum of 12 weeks. If you wish to extend in your project, you can contact your in -country coordinator and let him/her know about this desire. If an extension is granted, you will also have to extend your visa for taking part in Brazil volunteer opportunities.

Who will guide or support me in the project?

You will be supported and guided by our in-country coordinator and the project related staff during your volunteer experience in Brazil. They will check in with you regularly, and if there is anything you need help with, please do not hesitate to ask.

Can I work in more than one volunteer program?

Yes you can work in more than one volunteer projects. Generally you are not allowed to work in two volunteer projects at a time, simply because there are not enough hours in one day! However, if you want to work in two programs, you simply have to finish your first project before being welcomed into a second.

What age ranges take part in these projects?

For participating in Brazil volunteer program you should be of 18 years or above. In case if you are a minor looking to participate in volunteer programs, parental permission is required. However you also have an option of joining the volunteering project directly with your parents, and participate under their supervision.

Will I receive training before the start of the project?

Yes, training is always given to you before you actually start working in the program. The training is given to you by the in country coordinator. This particular training gives you a fair idea about the country, cultural beliefs, traditions, language, safety do’s and don’ts, and the sentiments of the people, arming you with all the necessary information to succeed.

Is there dress code in the project?

Yes, there is a specific dress code that you are required to follow while participating in volunteering opportunity in Brazil. You are required to dress conservatively in all your assignments that you undertake. No short-shorts and tank tops are allowed. You are allowed to wear jeans and t-shirts while working in the projects. These requirements are always specific to the country and culture in which you are volunteering, and following this code will help ensure your safety and success.

Why pay to volunteer abroad?

The payment that you make helps us in running the office, its maintenance and all the other administrative activities of our program. It also covers your food and accommodations.

Why are Global Crossroads fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?

Global Crossroads fees are more often than not affordable than the other volunteer organization for the simple reason that it never operates for profit. We never employ any kind of middlemen in our projects, helping us in cutting down overhead costs. We have a good network of local partners, which means you do not have to pay extra beyond your initial the fees.

For more readings
Cost/Money Matter
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Program fee

Is it safe to travel and volunteer in Brazil programs?

Yes it is safe to travel to Brazil. It is always advisable for you to be in touch with your own advisory board back home, and get recent updates on the country to which you wish to travel. The various links below provide travel information advisories for a few countries from which our volunteers often come.

Kindly make note of the following  links to collect more travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice  
American State Department Advice
Australian Government Advice

What are safety measures you take for the volunteers?

Volunteer safety is our priority. We not only pick you up from the airport, and provide orientation in your first hours or days. This orientation is given by our in country coordinator briefing you about every detail about the projects, and what you can expect from your time. This orientation helps familiarize you with the country’s culture, traditions, and do’s and don’ts for safety. We aim to give you all the information necessary to succeed.

What Vaccination Do I need to take?

Please take needed vaccination before joining volunteering opportunities in Brazil. Check out this list of recommended vaccinations by CDC for Brazil. These are: Chikungunya, Dengue, DTP, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B Malaria, Rabies and Schistosomiasis etc.

For more readings
Vaccination
Health and Safety

What kind of visa do I need to work as a volunteer?  

You need to get a tourist visa. This can be done by visiting the nearest Brazilian embassy to you in person.

How do I apply for the visa?

You can apply for a Brazilian tourist visa by visiting the Brazilian Embassy located at your home country. Citizens of some countries may apply for the visa online, it is best to check with the customs office of Brazil’s official website for more information.

How can I apply to volunteer program in Brazil?

You can directly apply for taking part in volunteer opportunities in Brazil programs or by downloading an application online from Global Crossroads official website. Please send us your completed form along with $299 as an application fee.

How long does it take to process my application?

The normal time taken for an application is 2 to 4 weeks. The time frame however may also depend upon the volume of applications received at the time of year, and the projects selected by the applicants.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

For participating in volunteering opportunities in Brazil  the only document required is your application form. This form is available online which can be downloaded through this link: -

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in Brazil volunteer opportunity?

You only need to be 18 years of age or above in order to join the volunteering programs of your choice.

How do I contact Global Crossroads local coordinator?

You can contact the in-country coordinator for Brazil by either phone or email. All the required project details are provided to you in the placement packet sent to you for participating in Brazil volunteering program.

What to bring for my volunteer project?

You should carry Slip on shoes, a water bottle, Bug spray, Sunscreen, Rain gear (jacket, rain fly, dry sacs), a sweater or sweatshirt, Warm weather clothing, Bathing suit, Sturdy Daypack, Quick Dry Towel, Hiking Shoes, passport, first aid medical kit, toiletries, a camera, phone and chargers (for all your electric devices).

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.

Page updated: 26th September, 2019