Brazil, the largest country in South America and an emerging economic powerhouse offers exciting opportunities for those looking to teach English abroad. With an ever-growing demand for English language skills, Brazil presents a vibrant and rewarding environment for teachers.
Whether you’re interested in teaching in bustling cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo or experiencing life in smaller towns, Brazil has a place for you. This guide will walk you through the key steps, requirements, and opportunities to teach English in Brazil.
Do You Need a Degree to Teach English in Brazil?
One of the most commonly asked questions is: “Can you teach English in Brazil without a degree?” The answer is yes, you can teach English in Brazil without a degree, but it’s important to understand that not having one might impact your pay rate and job options.
Instead of a degree, employers in Brazil place a higher emphasis on TEFL certification and practical experience, both of which can significantly boost your chances of finding a job and increasing your earnings.
If you’re considering teaching English in Brazil, focusing your job search in cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, Salvador, and Brasilia will increase your chances of finding a position, as these areas have the highest demand for English teachers.
Why TEFL Certification Is Essential
To teach English in Brazil, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is crucial. Most language schools require it, and it’s a valuable credential that provides you with the training needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers.
Here’s why getting TEFL certified is important:
- Enhances Job Prospects: Many language schools in Brazil prefer TEFL-certified teachers over those without certification. Certification can make you a competitive candidate in a crowded job market.
- Boosts Salary Potential: With a TEFL certificate, you may qualify for better-paying positions, especially if you lack a college degree.
- Builds Teaching Skills: TEFL certification courses equip you with the skills to teach grammar, pronunciation, lesson planning, and classroom management—skills that are vital when teaching English in a foreign country.
If you’re planning to teach English in Brazil, investing in a TEFL certification is one of the best ways to ensure a successful job search.
How to Get TEFL Certified for Teaching in Brazil
There are several options for obtaining a TEFL certificate, but one popular choice is to take an in-person TEFL course in Latin America. This option gives you hands-on experience in a similar cultural context, which can be beneficial when transitioning to teaching in Brazil.
Alternatively, you can complete an online TEFL certification course, which is often more flexible and convenient.
Explore the following options for getting TEFL-certified:
Most Popular Guidebooks
Maximo Nivel
Getting TEFL certified with Maximo Nivel is your first step toward a rewarding career teaching English abroad. Their program offers hands-on training and expert guidance to help you develop essential skills and techniques, ensuring you’re fully prepared to teach confidently in any classroom.
Designed for everyone from recent graduates to seasoned professionals, Maximo Nivel’s TEFL certification includes guaranteed job placement, opening doors to paid opportunities worldwide. You can take the TEFL Online, or immerse yourself in Latin America with Onsite and Hybrid placements in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
International TEFL Academy
Earning your TEFL certification through the International TEFL Academy (ITA) equips you with the skills and credentials to teach English abroad and online. ITA offers accredited courses, including a popular 11-week part-time online option, designed to fit various schedules.
Their comprehensive training covers essential teaching methodologies and includes live practice teaching sessions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the classroom. Upon certification, ITA provides lifetime job search guidance, assisting you in securing teaching positions worldwide.
With a network of over 40,000 alumni teaching in more than 80 countries, ITA stands as a leader in TEFL education.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers a 100-hour online TEFL certification through TEFL HQ at a discounted rate. This course, developed by experienced second language acquisition specialists, provides a flexible and convenient way to gain the skills required to teach English abroad or online.
The interactive learning platform includes videos and assessments, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Upon completion, you’ll receive an internationally recognized certification, enhancing your qualifications for teaching positions worldwide. To enroll, visit the TEFL HQ page and take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Volunteering Solutions, in partnership with TEFL UK, offers an excellent online TEFL course you can complete at your own pace from home. With a minimum of 120 hours, the course covers everything from grammatical awareness to interactive teaching methods.
No prior teaching experience is necessary, and upon completion, you’ll be qualified for international teaching jobs and even get paid according to global standards. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your resume and gain valuable skills for teaching overseas or online.
Can You Teach English in Brazil Without Experience?
Yes, you can teach English in Brazil even if you’re new to teaching. Many English language schools in Brazil do not require professional teaching experience, and some have their own teaching methodologies, which means it’s more effective to train new teachers than to invest in experienced teachers who have to take extra time un-learning what they already know.
However, experience is always helpful, even informal experience. Volunteer teaching opportunities are also a great way to gain experience before applying for paid positions.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers a Teaching English Volunteer Program in Rio de Janeiro! Fluent English speakers can volunteer from 3 to 24 weeks, with programs starting every first and third Monday of the month.
You’ll teach English to children in community centers, helping them improve their language skills and access better opportunities. Accommodation is provided in a dormitory-style hostel, and you’ll work up to five hours a day. Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture while making a meaningful impact!
Getting a Teaching English Job in Brazil
To legally teach English in Brazil, obtaining the appropriate visa is essential. The primary visa options include the Work Visa (VITEM V) and the Temporary Visa II.
- Work Visa (VITEM V):
- Employer Sponsorship: Securing a job offer from a Brazilian employer is a prerequisite, as they must initiate the visa application process on your behalf.
- Application Process: The employer submits necessary documents to the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. Upon approval, you apply for the visa at a Brazilian consulate in your home country. Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of qualifications, a clean police record, and a medical certificate.
- Processing Time: The process can take several weeks to months, so initiating it well in advance is advisable.
- Temporary Visa II: This visa is intended for individuals coming to Brazil for work purposes, including teaching. Similar to the Work Visa, it necessitates a job offer from a Brazilian institution and involves a detailed application process.
Some teachers enter Brazil on a tourist visa and seek employment upon arrival. However, working on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to penalties or deportation. While this practice exists, it is not recommended due to the associated risks.
We would recommend coming to Brazil under either a volunteer teaching program or internship, networking and making contacts, and then applying for proper employment where the correct permits can be processed for your stay in Brazil.
For the most current information, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Brazilian consulate in your country!
Your Brazilian Teaching Adventure Awaits!
Teaching English in Brazil offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture while making a meaningful impact on students’ lives. Whether or not you have a degree, Brazil’s growing demand for English teachers means there are positions available for enthusiastic individuals, especially those with TEFL certification.
By investing in proper training and perhaps starting with volunteer programs like those offered by IVHQ, you can gain valuable experience and build a network within the community. With the right preparation, understanding of visa requirements, and a passion for teaching, you can embark on an unforgettable journey enriching both your life and those of your students in Brazil.
Munira Maricar · Travel Writer
With an international living background spanning Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and Mexico, Munira enjoys sharing insights on immersive travel while emphasizing the vital role of cultural respect and ethical engagement. Her extensive experience offers a unique perspective that inspires others to explore the world through service, ensuring that every journey respects and contributes positively to local traditions and communities.