Deciding you want to teach English abroad is a big decision. You’re leaving behind your family, friends, and comfort zone to experience something new and challenge yourself in ways you never thought you would. You are committing to learning a new skill that will set you up for a new career path.
These tips for teaching English in Brazil will make you feel more comfortable and more excited to start your adventure in Brazil. After all, moving to another continent for any length of time can be intimidating. This is especially true if you’re moving to Brazil, where you may not speak much (or any) of the Portuguese language, and the cultural attitudes might be more bold than you're used to.
No need to fear, advice for teaching English in Brazil is available! Read through the list a couple of times and bookmark this page so you can refer back to it. Now, on to the teaching English in Brazil tips!
15 best tips for teaching English in Brazil
From exciting moments in the classroom to downtime at breathtaking beaches, teaching English in Brazil is the ultimate adventure.
1. Practice your Portuguese!
English teachers are in demand in Brazil because English is not widely spoken there. Take a crash course or use Duolingo or Rosetta Stone to pick up some key phrases before you go. Odds are you will learn more Portuguese along the way, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
2. Enjoy living in a tropical climate.
The humidity can be brutal, but the temperatures are rarely dramatic. Their winters usually stay above 55 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit. So pack light clothes and leave your winter gear behind.
3. Get your TEFL certificate before you go.
It will be easier to get a job in Brazil if you already have the qualifications before arriving in the country. Sometimes, schools won’t even consider you if you do not have a TEFL certificate.
READ: 10 Lifelong Benefits of Having a TEFL Certificate
4. Work on getting real-life experience in the teaching field.
Try teaching English locally, online, or volunteer to make sure you love it. Aside from this, you could also try volunteering with children, teens, or whatever age group you want to work with. This is another way you can dip your toes in.
5. Figure out when and how long you want to go.
At what time in the coming year(s) are you available? Is there anything back home you do not want to miss? You also need to determine if you want a short-term job (say three to six months) or a long-term job that lasts about one to two years.
If you can, figure this out before you go. You can always change your mind later.
6. Complete your bachelor’s degree.
Looking ahead to post-graduation plans? Your bachelor’s degree will help you land a teaching job!
In the field of education, degrees are highly valued. That’s why you need to get a bachelor’s degree to get a well-paying English teaching job. In fact, most positions require you to have a degree to teach English and will not hire you if you don’t have at least a bachelor’s.
7. Passport and visa check.
Of course, you need a passport to get into the country. Having permission to work in the country is another deal. American English teachers usually go to Brazil on a tourist visa. They are easy to obtain and are valid for 180 days.
8. Native speakers are preferred.
Most schools want teachers with native English skills. Sometimes they even state in the job description that they want teachers from the UK, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, South Africa, or New Zealand.
9. Learn about what’s in the news in Brazil.
Study up a bit on the history of the country. A little background may help you understand the culture better along with knowing your students, co-workers, and new friends a bit more.
10. Embrace the Brazilian culture.
You’ll love learning and experiencing Brazilian culture.
Some advice for teaching English in Brazil: Embrace the soccer-loving, extroverted partying ways of Brazilians! Brazilians are known to be bold, loud, and eager to party. The famous yearly Carnival of Brazil alone should give you an idea of how Brazilians like to enjoy life.
11. Make sure to do some touristy things!
This may be one of the most fun teaching English in Brazil tips. Hike up to Christ the Redeemer, take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, explore Copacabana Beach, venture into the Amazon, and see breathtaking waterfalls. Find inspiration in this gorgeous country and see firsthand what it has to offer.
12. Pick up side gigs.
If you’ve got some extra time to spare, you could volunteer to help the local community or help wildlife in the Amazon. Alternatively for a bit more extra cash, you could tutor a child or an adult a couple of times a week.
13. Beware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets.
This can go for a number of places in the world, but tourist spots like in the city Rio de Janeiro can be hotspots for crimes like pickpocketing.
14. Use public transportation to get around.
Locals frequently use buses to get around the cities and towns. There are planes and trains as well, but buses are used the most for their affordability and ease of getting around.
15. Bring your nice clothes.
Save some room in your suitcase for Brazil-ready fashion statements.
Brazilians love their bright and bold fashion statements, so don’t just bring your flip-flops, jeans, and T-shirts or you will be sure to stick out.
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Next steps to teach abroad in Brazil
- Get TEFL certified: If you haven’t already, you need to pick a program to earn your TEFL certification. Make sure to get a certificate that requires practicum hours, as your future employers will be looking for this. Some programs offer to help you get your TEFL then help you get a job abroad. GoAbroad has a huge selection you can choose from.
- Decide where in Brazil you want to teach: Do you want the city life, small-town feel, or a beachy vibe? Most of the programs on the long list of teaching jobs in Brazil give you options to choose a city to teach in, which is great because that isn’t always the case with teaching English abroad jobs.
- Talk with people who have taught English before: Start networking and find someone who has taught English abroad, connect with someone on LinkedIn and go on an informational interview, or watch videos on YouTube of Americans teaching English abroad. Most are dying to talk about their experiences overseas!
- Figure out how to pay for your adventure: Your employers abroad may pay for many of your expenses. Sometimes round trip flights are included in job offers, and you may get travel opportunities, some meals, and even your housing paid for. Make sure you read the fine print so you can organize your finances.
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Ready to teach English in Brazil? You’re set up for success!
These tips for teaching English in Brazil will have you ready to make your lesson plans and board that plane.
Teaching English in Brazil will be an unforgettable experience. It’s great for your career and resume, and even encourages self-growth whether you teach for a short time or a long time. So, follow these tips for teaching English in Brazil and you’ll be well on your way to a great time abroad!
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