Regulations

• Teaching visas to Brazil are extremely difficult to obtain. The best way to get around this is to find a job before you leave the United States and have the Brazilian school sponsor you, which would mean for them to declare your presence to the Ministerio do Trabalho e Emprego (Ministry of Work and Business). Many teachers, however, work in Brazil under a business or sometimes a tourist visa, both of which can be easily obtained at your local Brazilian Embassy. This may be the best option if you plan on teaching on the side to private students rather than looking for a job at a local school. It is also possible to arrive in Brazil on a tourist visa, find a job and change the visa into a work one.
  
  

Destinations

• There are three major destinations in Brazil for English teachers: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo and Salvador. Not only are those the largest cities, but the level of affluence is also higher, making it possible for teachers to earn as much as $20 an hour, tax free. For those wishing to secure a job before their trips, there are many websites that list openings in Brazilian schools and allow you to apply either by email or phone.
  
  

Considerations

• Teaching jobs in Brazil can often be found just by walking around and stopping by at any local English school you see advertised. Even small cities are full of English schools. Jobs can also be found online by searching through ESL boards such as Dave's ESL Cafe.
  
  

Background

• Most schools in Brazil will not ask for any particular educational background from teachers, although having an ESL certification will certainly increase your chances of landing a job. CELTA certifications, offered by the Cambridge Institute, are the most respected, but any TEFL or TESOL is better than none. Having a university degree is also not a requisite, but it may help you land a job with private institutions, especially those who work with adult executives, rather than with schoolchildren.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The school year in the Southern Hemisphere runs from March to the end of November. December, January and February are the summer vacation months, which translates as very difficult months to find work. Arriving at the end of February is best, as the schools are getting ready to start and in the lookout for new teachers.