Teaching English in Brazil
The largest country in South America, Brazil has
recently emerged as an international economic
powerhouse, creating unprecedented demand for
certified English language teachers. English
teachers typically find work between March and
August.
While a very limited number of English language
schools interview teachers in advance over the
phone and via e-mail, the best way to find a job is
on the ground in Brazil during an in-person
interview. English teachers in Brazil are responsible
for their airfare and housing. Most live in
apartments recently vacated by previous teachers,
and many share accommodations with coworkers.
English teachers can afford a comfortable lifestyle
in Brazil. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of
work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and
explore. Please note that while a Bachelor's degree
is not required to secure a job in Brazil, it still can
be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not
have a degree, you should be prepared for a more
competitive job search.
Please also note that it is not common to obtain a
work visa in Brazil. English teachers typically
work under the table on a tourist visa. It is common
practice, but it is not technically a legal work visa.
Should you choose to work under the table, it is
your responsibility to be informed of the potential
consequences of working on a tourist visa.
TEFL certification is typically required. English
teaching jobs are concentrated in the larger cities
such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, Salvador,
and Brasilia.
For more information about teaching English in
Brazil, check out our Brazil Resource Hub!