Brazil: colourful carnival, soccer, and the gigantic Amazon forest. What’s not to love? A perfect way to discover this beautiful country is by teaching English. Read on why teaching English in Brazil is good for you and what the requirements and benefits are.
Teaching English in Brazil
While Brazil’s national language is Portuguese, recent years have shown an increasing demand for English. As Brazil integrates more into the global economy, proficiency in the English language has become crucial for business, trade, and international relations. Next to business, Brazil’s thriving tourism industry also relies on English-speaking staff to cater to the needs of international visitors.
As a response to this increasing need, Brazil has been implementing educational reforms aimed at improving English language education in public schools. This has resulted in a high demand for English teachers to meet the needs of professionals seeking to improve their language skills.
There are several options for English teachers in Brazil. As mentioned above, public schools are in constant need of qualified English teachers. Private language institutes are also prevalent in Brazil, offering English language courses to students of all ages and proficiency levels.
Brazil is home to a growing number of international schools that follow an English-language curriculum. These schools cater to expatriate and local families seeking a globally-oriented education for their children. These institutions often hire native English speakers as teachers to deliver high-quality language instruction.
Lastly, many Brazilian companies provide English language training for their employees to enhance their communication skills in the global business environment. English teachers may work as corporate trainers, delivering customised language programs to employees in various industries.
Requirements: what do you need to teach English in Brazil?
As you teach students a new language, proficiency in that language is typically a fundamental requirement. While fluency in Portuguese is not always necessary, it can be advantageous, especially for navigating daily life and communicating with colleagues and students. Often it is enough to simply have a conversation with your employer to show your proficiency; other times, you’ll need an official proficiency test like the Cambridge test, CEFR, or TOEFL.
Next to being proficient in English, most employers in Brazil will also require English teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in teaching, education, or linguistics. Some institutions may also prefer candidates with additional teaching certifications or qualifications, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. If you want more information, here is a guide to teach English in Brazil without a bachelor’s degree.
Next to the language and educational requirements there is one last important thing to mention: having the appropriate work visa. It is not allowed to earn money on a tourist visa in Brazil. Foreign nationals who wish to teach English in Brazil must obtain a work visa (visto de trabalho) to legally work in the country. The specific requirements and application process for obtaining a work visa vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, employment status, and intended stay in Brazil.
Benefits of teaching English in Brazil
Let’s start with the obvious: salary. English teachers in Brazil typically receive competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, housing allowances, and paid vacation. Do keep in mind that this salary is competitive in terms of other salaries in Brazil, and not necessarily to what is regarded as competitive in your home country.
However, Brazil offers more than a competitive salary to English teachers. The country’s vibrant and diverse culture provides international teachers with a truly unique immersive experience. As you live and work in Brazil, you have the opportunity to discover bustling cities, and stunning natural landscapes and fully experience all sorts of cultural traditions.
If you look at a world map, you’ll notice that Brazil is one of the larger South American countries. Its vast size and diverse geography offer plenty for those who wish for a little exploration and adventure. Can you imagine yourself deep in the Amazon rainforest, on top of the Iguaça Falls, or wandering the streets of Rio de Janeiro? All this and more is possible.
Last but not least, teaching English in Brazil will also benefit your personal development. Having an international teaching experience on your resume is something future employers look at with positive interest because it shows adaptability, independence, and initiative for more. As a language enthusiast, teaching English in Brazil also offers the opportunity to enhance your Portuguese language proficiency.
Considerations
While teaching English in Brazil is, without a doubt, a meaningful experience, there are a few things to take into consideration before you take the leap.
Firstly, the official language of Brazil is Portuguese. If you are not (yet) fluent in this language, you might encounter some communication difficulties in everyday life as not everyone is proficient in English, especially not in the more rural areas of Brazil. It could be a good idea to take Portuguese language classes before moving.
Brazil is known for its rich and diverse culture. While this is mostly a good thing and wonderful to experience as a tourist, it does require some adaptations if you plan to live and work in Brazil. Prepare yourself for differences in communication styles, work expectations, and social norms.
Compared to most Western countries, the cost of living in Brazil is considerably lower. However, vast differences exist between larger, often more modern, cities and the rural countryside. Keep in mind that an international move is quite an undertaking and requires careful planning. Related to this is the cost and access to healthcare. Make sure you have adequate healthcare coverage before moving to Brazil. If you have special medical needs, research if the region you are staying in can provide them.
Conclusion
Teaching English in Brazil comes with many opportunities for personal and professional growth amidst a vibrant and diverse country. With a growing demand for English language education, competitive salaries, and a rich cultural experience awaiting, it’s an enticing prospect for educators seeking an adventure abroad. However, prospective teachers should carefully research if they meet the necessary requirements in terms of language proficiency, education, and obtaining a work visa.
