“[My favorite part of volunteering was] meeting new people and working with the children. It was interesting to see different types of after-school care in another country.”
Caroline Karoczkai
"This program allowed me to take Spanish courses and volunteer at the same time. I was able to accomplish a lot in a short period of time. [My favorite part of the experience was] feeling like [I] really connected and made a difference in the community."
Our Language and Culture in Brazil Program is designed for students interested in language, culture, anthropology, or geography. The program provides participants with the opportunity to explore Brazil’s unique culture and history in the context of its most vibrant city. In the language and culture portion of the program, students will attend thematic Portuguese classes which allow them to discover the nation's history, cuisine, art, and music, as well as participate in cultural excursions and lessons.
The volunteer service portion of the program gives students the unique opportunity to be a mentor and role model to the
youth of the "favelas" (shantytowns) of Rio, encouraging them to seek higher education and productive employment. Volunteers will also be able to lead youth in sports and other recreational activities; organize and teach English classes; tutor kids in English and math; and take care of young children in the nursery. Service learning participants in Brazil will not only help make a difference in the lives of young Brazilians, but will also get an unparalleled opportunity to learn more about the nation's history, culture, and society by interacting with its citizens in a unique and meaningful way.
Program Highlights:
Attend intensive Portuguese classes which emphasize conversational language skills and can also incorporate subjects such as history, samba, art, and cuisine.
Explore the city in specialized local excursions with trips to such sites as the Botanical Gardens, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and Pão de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain).
Volunteer with our local Teach English and Youth Outreach projects serving Brazil’s underprivileged youth as you gain insight into all levels of Brazilian society.
Participate in specialized cultural lessons in samba and Brazilian cooking.
Improve Portuguese language skills while living with a local host family.
This program can be created for one to four week itineraries.
Why Service Learn in Rio de Janeiro?
Brazil’s intriguing blend of European, African, Asian, and indigenous heritages has led to a rich and varied culture, which makes the country a fascinating venue for cultural studies. Service learning participants in Rio de Janeiro will get to experience on a deeper level the cultural, ethnic, and religious influences that have made this country one of the biggest melting pots in modern history. The popularity of the music and dance of samba, the martial art of capoeira, and the world-famous Carnival festivities add to Brazil's international allure.
Despite a welcoming and gregarious populace, however, this diverse nation suffers from severe problems with racial discrimination, social inequality, and economic disparity. Our local partner organization in Rio de Janeiro has taken it upon itself to work with the youth of the local favelas (shantytowns), teaching them English, providing them with recreational opportunities, and giving them a chance for a better future. Through volunteer work at this local community center, service learning participants in Rio will get to interact with a segment of the population they might not otherwise meet, as well as gain first-hand insight into the country’s unique culture, language, and society.
Three Good Reasons to Study Language & Culture in Rio:
The locals of Rio are some of the liveliest, most fun-loving people in the world and will welcome you to their city with open arms.
Rio is home to the samba, along with many theaters, museums, monuments, and beautiful beaches—all of which will allow you to fully immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.
Rio's tropical climate makes it possible to get out and explore the city any time of year.
Contact a BridgeVolunteers representative to discuss how this program
can be personalized for your group.
Request
Information!
Groups & Individuals:
Get More Info on Our Programs
Featured Slideshow
BridgeVolunteers Service Learning & Volunteer Programs
BridgeVolunteers | 915 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246 USA
Phone: 303.785.8881 | Toll-Free 1.877.847.8917
BridgeVolunteers is a division of Bridge-Linguatec, Inc.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
