Volunteer in Brazil

Travel to Brazil – an enormous country and difficult to generalize. Volunteer in Bahia , which seems to represent a “typical” Brazilian image that Western travelers may have in mind: lush and dense Brazilian rainforests with waterfalls, rolling sugar and tobacco plantations and beaches – miles and miles of sandy beaches. When the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil in 1500, they landed on the beaches of Bahia and it is said that the capital city of Salvador is one of the true birthplaces of contemporary Brazilian culture. Cultural experiences are for the taking throughout Salvator with an energetic, original music scene and its extensive calendar of popular festivities.

Yet, with all Brazil's rich natural assets, arts and entertainment and a culture based on personal enjoyment, it is still a country with divisive social inequity throughout. This division is intensely evident in Salvador. The social hierarchy of the havesand have nots are tragically clear with many upper-middle class and upper-class citizens living in gated communities sadly contrasting the large slum-like neighborhoods scattered throughout the city. It is in Salvador that IFRE has found a strong call for international volunteers to support the many projects screaming with need.

Brazil Volunteer Work Projects and Locations

IFRE's Brazilian volunteer program supports local orphanages, children at-risk, medical/healthcare, HIV/AIDS and teaching English programs. Volunteer projects in Brazil are based in Salvador, Bahia. Volunteers can combine volunteering and travel in Brazil and share their support and compassion with local children, low-income families and communities while they immerse in an exotic destination.

Volunteer programs in Brazil include:

Volunteer Brazil Program: Arrangement of Room/Food/Supervision

Volunteers in Brazil stay with well-screened host families in Salvador, Bahia. Our host families are well versed in the art of hosting international volunteers. Rooms with host families may be private or shared with a same-gender volunteer. Bathroom facilities are generally shared with the family and have running hot water and a “western” style toilet. You will have the ability to do your laundry in the house or the host family may offer to do it for you.

You receive three prepared meals per day. We do not accommodate special diets except for vegetarians. More often than not, projects offer meals to their volunteers; however, if this is not the case you can pack a to-go lunch. Host families provide typical meals that are traditional to Bahia, Brazil ( see FAQ Brazilian food ). They try to do their best with vegetarian options, but you must clarify any special needs ahead of placement. If traditional Brazilian fare does not appeal to you, there are local restaurants and grocery stores nearby to the residences.

Throughout the project assignment, the local in-country staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Volunteers have 24/7 access to in-country staff via mobile phone numbers. With longer placements, volunteers receive visits every two weeks (when possible). The in-country staff is here to support your volunteer efforts and your success and happiness is very important to all of us.

Brazil Volunteer Program Fee & Dates:

Start Dates: Volunteers program starts on the following (first and third Monday of each month)

IFRE Volunteers is proud to offer all of the services that our competitors offer at a very special economical price (nearly 50-175% less). We here at IFRE Volunteers do not make 6-figured salaries; and we work very hard and smart to keep costs down especially for you the volunteer where it counts the most. We remain devoted to maintaining both the quality of the program and the safety of all volunteers involved. Here is a brief summary of the program fee and services that IFRE Volunteers offers:

IFRE is a 501 (C) 3 organization so your program fee will be tax deductible as provided by law.

IFRE application fee:US $349. The application fee covers advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries).

*Brazil fee does not include meals. Estimated meal budget $50-100 per week.

Additional Costs for Volunteers

International and domestic flights, passport, visa extension, domestic transportation ($1-4/day dependant on project location), personal expenses on water/soft drinks ($1-3 per day), entertainment, laundry, telephone, immunizations.

  Allocation of program fee

Brazil Volunteer Program Free Time

Salvador is often called Brazil's “capital of happiness” based on the relaxed, fun-loving and easygoing nature of the people and an overwhelming amount of outdoor celebrations, including its famed street carnival. The city is noted for its cuisine, music and architecture. The city streets are lined with detailed and colorful buildings.

The first colonial capital of Brazil, the city is one of the oldest in the country and in the New World and wealth in Salvador was abundant during colonial times. This is demonstrated by the magnificence of remaining colonial architecture, with most buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The historical center of Salvador is renowned for its Portuguese colonial palaces, churches and convents with historical monuments dating from the 17th through the 19th centuries and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Salvador's attractions are plentiful. Old Town is a World Heritage Site. The city is a vivacious entertainment scene and holds popular Carnival celebrations. The coastline in Salvador is one of the longest in Brazil. The Park of the City is a designated preservation area of Atlantic forest. Completely overhauled in 2001, in has transformed into a contemporary location for social, cultural and leisure events. The new park provides 720 square meters of lush green in the center of the city.

Tourist activities outside the city include day trips to Praia do Forte, which has been called a "Brazilian Polynesia". Sea turtle conservation efforts are in full swing along this strip of paradise. Brave the ocean waves with a schooner trip to the islands of Baía de Todos os Santos ("All Saints' Bay") or stay on dry land and explore neighboring villages and cities by bus. If all else fails, there is a cool breeze and some dry sand calling for you to grab a book, relax and take in the view from a local Salvador beach.

Major FAQ