Why is there a demand for English teachers?
Teachers are not only in demand in the major cities, there are also many centres spread over the whole of Brazil where opportunities can be found. The are a high proportion of qualified Brazilian English Teachers so only individuals with very specialised expertise are invited to work in very senior posts. Despite this, the TEFL qualification will enable you to work as an English Teacher. The upcoming world cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016  mean that the education authorities in Brazil are making English language teaching a priority.

It is best to drop CV's off at universities and college’s once you are in the country, but be aware that the school may ask you to take a written English test on the spot. On passing the test, you would usually be invited back for a group interview which consists of a few potential teachers undertaking tasks in small groups or pairs. If you are successful after this, you may be asked to attend a two-week training course which is usually unpaid.

How do I go about getting a job in Brazil? There are four British Council Offices in Brazil who should be able to send you a list of established schools. Alternatively, visit the British council website for more information on positions or try the dozens of Culturas Inglesas. Where do EFL teachers live? There are many websites offering English teachers accommodation for their time in Brazil – some are shared houses and some will be separate rooms for additional costs. Do I need to learn/speak Portuguese? There is no need for you to understand Portuguese to take up a position here– but a basic knowledge of the language will help you with general life in Brazil.  What is the food like? Popular foods in Brazil are white rice, black beans and “farinha” which is a type of flour. They are usually served with meat, chicken or fish. What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays? There is always something going on in Brazil so filling your free time shouldn’t be hard. Top of the list for most people visiting Brazil is undoubtedly the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest.  If exploring is not for you, the Brazilian coastline is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, including some fantastic surf spots for those looking for a more action-packed day. How much does it cost to fly to Brazil from the UK? Costs vary but range from £485 upwards.

When is the best time to travel to Brazil for English Teaching jobs?
The best time to start work is following the carnival which is during the week of Ash Wednesday in February as there are lots of job opportunities at this time.

Is Brazil safe?
As a visitor in any country, you must be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Make sure you are not out late at night on your own and trust your instincts. That said, most of the areas where you could be placed will be safe and you should not have any issues.