Work

Volunteer Work Program

  • What?
  • Why?
  • Who?
  • How?
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  • People of different ages and backgrounds participate in cultural exchange programs each year. Among these, the volunteer work programs are an opportunity for young adults to learn new skills and help people in need.

     

    Duration and Program Dates

     

    You may choose to join the Program on the first Monday of every month. The minimum duration is 3 months up to a maximum of 2 years.

  • VIA MUNDO designed the Volunteer Work Program in Brazil to offer international volunteers from all over the world and Brazilian communities opportunities of linguistic and sociocultural exchanges, as well as of developing practices and values centered on sustainability, social protagonism, solidarity, and democracy.

  • To be accepted as a candidate for the Volunteer Work Program in Brazil, you must:

     

    • be at least 18 years old
    • have the personal qualities required to participate in a program of such a nature, such as good health, maturity, and willingness to adapt to a new culture
    • be creative
    • have a genuine interest in helping with social matters or in caring for nature and the environment
    • have completed High School in home country
    • have a clean criminal record

     

    Until now, Europeans and Americans have successfully taken part in this program. They have had the opportunity to take part in a genuine cultural experience, getting to know different landscapes, the culture, the language, the people and their way of life. At the same time, family members and members of the organizations/projects where the participants work are enriched by living and working with a representative of another culture.

  • You will have the opportunity to work either in social or environmental projects of the host community. The community will learn from you about alternative ways of doing things, and you will learn a new language, learn about another culture and develop your social abilities.

     

    Accommodation

     

    Throughout the stay, you will live either at a Brazilian homestay, carefully selected by Via Mundo, or at the residence of the institution where you will work. Homestays/institutions offer you accommodation and the basic meals, besides support and guidance throughout the program.

     

    Portuguese Classes 

     

    As a special feature of the Program, during the first month of it you are offered an Intensive Portuguese course in order to favour your adaptation in the family, institution and community. Portuguese language is taught by qualified teachers and studied through a specific method of Portuguese as a Foreign Language.

     

    Local Coordinator 

     

    Throughout the Program, you will have the support of a Local Coordinator, who will oversee and monitor the experience. There is also a 24/7 emergency phone, that you will be able to call at any time, if you need.

  • Application Process 

     

    You must fill out the Application Form through a partner agency in your home country or directly with VIA MUNDO’s office (in case there is not a partner agency in your country). After receiving the Application Form, the Program team will review it, check for pending information and issue acceptance and placement letters.

     

    Visa Application

     

    Brazilian government requires a temporary visa for volunteers in the country. Visa requirements must be confirmed at a Brazilian Consulate/Embassy in student’s home country, but include preview studies or experience in the area to be worked in. Via Mundo will issue some of the necessary documents for visa application and send them to its partner agency in advance.

Fees

Information about fees and quotations

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