Teaching English in Brazil

Everything you need to know about teaching English in Brazil

When it comes to Brazil, most people think of Ipanema beach in Rio, the sea, the surf, the beachcombers, and partygoers, but it is difficult to overstate just how much fun is to be had throughout the country. It’s also a very diverse and beautiful place, with plenty for culture lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, dancers, foodies, and lovers of street and high art, to see and do.

However, Brazil can be a tough nut to crack, read on to get a handle on your options.

Wages

Wages

Earn $10 per hour teaching, and up to $20 for tutoring!

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

A haven for those who enjoy beaches, dancing, or even trekking through rainforests!

Communication

Communication

Portuguese and reasonable English spoken on the street.

Climate

Climate

Sunny all year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C (68°F)

TEFL Wages in Brazil

Brazil is known as a country where you will most likely break even, but this is not necessarily so. The country is for self-starters and those who can forge their own way, so income tends to vary according to entrepreneurial sense.

Savings will not vary from region to region so much as from person to person. That said, with the demand for English so high, you can be successful without really straining all that much. That is, if you can get the appropriate visa for work permission (more on this later).

The typical wage for teachers at a school is R$20-40 ($6-$12) an hour, or R$40-60 ($12-$19) for private lessons.  Cities in poorer areas near the North will pay proportionally less than the cities elsewhere, with Rio and Sao Paulo on the upper end of the scale.

Class types: Wages:
Schools $6-$12 p/h
Private tutoring $12-$20 p/h

Most teachers begin working at a school, find private students, and eventually work toward providing only private lessons. This process will likely not take more than a month or two, given demand in most locations throughout the country. Working at a school can be a good investment in the beginning as you make contacts, learn more about your new city, and get the necessary contacts.

Where to teach English in Brazil

Brazil has many populous and beautiful cities, and plenty of eager learners. Where to base yourself can be chosen based on your own lifestyle, passions, and goals.

Here are some of the top teaching locations in Brazil:

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Food in Brazil

Besides sipping coconut and acai juices or cocktails and snacking on all variety of fried things, Brazil has a whole lot to offer those who come to savor its real delicacies. Here are just a few:

English teaching requirements in Brazil

It helps to be scrappy and charismatic if you want to move to this country. Brazilians like to hire likable people who are already in their circles, so finding a job from your home country can be challenging.

It’s best to just show up where you would like to live and work. However, be advised, you can’t just show up on a tourist visa and begin working, as doing so is illegal (and enforced). To get a working visa, you’ll need a school to sponsor you. The process is also complicated by the fact that you must finish the processing outside of Brazil in an embassy or consulate, so plan on having funds to take a few weeks off, and fly either back home or to a neighboring country, while waiting for the work visa to come through. The good news is once your work visa is in hand it will be multiple entry, so you will not have to worry about repeating the process anytime soon.

Given that you do have permission to work, the rest is much easier. There is plenty of work and even if you are not your own boss, you will only be expected to work 20-30 hours a week, so the coveted work-life-balance we hear so much about should be achievable.

Non-natives: If you don’t have a passport from the UK/US/IRE/CAN/AUS/NZ/SA, you can still get a fully legal work permit in Brazil.

Teachers without degrees: You can also work legally in Brazil without a degree! Having one helps, but it’s not essential for a work permit.

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