Seasonal or short term international work can not only help to fund an incredible adventure, it can make your resume/CV much more impressive.

Networking is extremely important in South American culture and this is often the best way to find both short term and permanent positions. If this option fails or if you are without contacts in the area, there are a variety of options:

Teaching English

Teaching English both freelance, or through a company, can be an excellent option.
If you prefer to work freelance, this can be much more lucrative then working for a school, but requires greater organization and self- promoting. Teachers can make R25.00 to R55.00 per hour for private classes. By advertising, posting signs around in your neighborhood, and networking, private teaching can be very successful.
There is fierce competition in this market and almost all schools require a work permit, or visa. To increase your chances, it is important to be a native English speaker with a CELTA, or TEFOL qualification. A undergraduate degree can also help you gain employment.

This article, "Teaching English in Rio", offers valuable insight into the Brazilian English language market.

Language Schools:

Newstart offers teacher's pay around R27.00 per hour. Classes generally last an hour and a half, and are located in Barra de Tijuca, which is about an hour by bus from the city center (which they pay an additional R15.00 for the commute). Newstart make customized courses for their students, and expect detailed reports, and lesson plans. Class sizes are normally 1 to 5.

Falar Idiomas is located near the middle of the city, at Petrobras. Pay is about R22.00 per hour and the classes are generally for an hour. This is a good starting position as it is easy to get a job and the company's approach is informal. No lesson plans and no reporting leave teachers to create their own plan. Classes are one-on-one. (Phone number is 55 21 8747 4104).

Britannia is a wealthy school located in the suburbs of Rio. This school requires the most professionalism and experience. The pay is at a higher rate (at least R28.00 per hour and is one of the best experiences for the employees. There are usually around 15 students per class.

Work Abroad Programs

For short term work, like for students on summer break, there are Work Abroad Programs.

InterExchange has been offering students and young adults a variety of short-term summer work abroad programs for over 40 years. Summer Camp Jobs, Teaching English and Seasonal Worker Programs and more are available.
Cost: Varies
Dates: Year-Round
Contact: Interexchange, Inc., 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013, USA. Tel. 212-924-0446; fax: 212-924-0575.
Email: info@interexchange.org

Other opportunities can be found at:

• www.aplus-summerjobs.com
• www.aave.com/leaders.php
• www.jobmonkey.com

Working Holiday Visa

Visa requirements are crucial to your trip planning.

Most working holiday visas are offered under reciprocal agreements between certain countries, to encourage travel and cultural exchange between their citizens. If you intend to take up paid work in Brazil, a work permit is required. The only exception is for citizens of New Zealand who can apply for a Working Holiday Visa.

Au Pair

Becoming an Au Pair is an attractive option for short term work. Au pairs in Belgium can expect to earn at least 450€ per month.
You can find more information in our Au Pair article.

The Student Employment Contract

An employment contract is standard for any working environment and in the case of student or short-term work, a student employment contract may be used. This usually imposes a time-limit between a student and an employer, with the student getting a salary for his/her work. Making a formal student work contract is not mandatory (it is possible to sign a standard employee contract instead), but may have additional benefits for a student position.

Discount Cards

ISE Card(International Student Exchange Card) - An internationally recognized identification card with thousands of discounts in over 80 countries, it is valid for one year from date of issue. Students of ANY age are eligible, as well as faculty members and children to young adults from 12-25. The price is $25 and you can purchase it online at www.isecard.com/products/index.html.

SIC (International Student Identity Card) - Full-time students 12 years and older offers discounts on travel rates, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, basic sickness and travel insurance, and inexpensive international phone calls. A passport sized photo is required and the card costs about $25 and is good through December 31st of each year. It can be purchased at www.isic.org/student-card/buy-an-isic.aspx.

IYTC (International Youth Travel Card) - A discount card for travelers under 26 who aren't enrolled in school, this card offers a smaller range of youth travel discounts. The card costs $22 card.

The Student Advantage Card - Provides student travel, retail and entertainment discounts for an annual $20 membership fee. Provides 15% off Amtrak and Greyhound and gets the $2 Hostelworld booking fee waived. Greyhound will give you the discount without a card, and Amtrak also provides the discount to ISIC card holders, too. Purchase on the main website.

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