I enjoyed incredible experiences and made unforgettable memories with people I had just met and became so close to in the short time we were together. We are now bonded by this trip forever and I'm so grateful for the experience. I couldn't recommend it enough I just want to go back and do it all over again. My only advice to anyone is to just go, take the leap and full send it. Life is too short to live with regrets, your trip will give you unforgettable memories and stories you can tell for a lifetime. You get to enjoy life whilst also contributing and integrating yourself in a new culture as well. The volunteering work is extremely fulfilling and the people are amazing. I am so glad I found IVHQ and now I can never travel anywhere the same - nothing compares to the experience I had in Rio through the IVHQ program.

Volunteer in Brazil
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s magical Brazil volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Brazil volunteer projects, including Teaching English, Childcare, Community Development, Sports and a unique Carnival project. Volunteer work in Brazil is based in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 147,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Brazil.
Highlights:
- 5 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $770 for 2 weeks
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily breakfast and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a dormitory-style hostel in central Rio
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Affordable Portuguese language lessons available
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Brazil
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $770
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help local schools prepare for the iconic Carnival festival, making costumes and floats and assisting with singing and dance routines.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $770
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in childcare centers in Rio de Janeiro
- Volunteers aged 18+
Contribute to under-resourced childcare in community centers across poor communities. Entertain and educate lively children, helping with lessons and activities throughout the day.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $945
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in diverse neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help community-based organizations with projects and initiatives that transform neighborhoods and improve the lives of the people living in under-privileged parts of Rio de Janeiro.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $770
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at a community center in Rio de Janeiro
- Volunteers aged 18+
Active volunteers can help to organize and play up to 18 different sports with local children and adults from underprivileged communities.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $945
- Duration: 3 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in communities around Rio de Janeiro
- Volunteers aged 18+
Assist local teachers or lead English lessons for students of all ages. Volunteers help in community spaces, where lessons can be informal and allow for creativity and flair.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I gained invaluable insight into a fascinating, unique culture which I immersed myself in for 2 weeks. Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city, from the natural landscape to the people and its lifestyle. The volunteering project made me appreciate how important sport is in bringing the local communities together as a tool for education and peace. Engaging with the kids and coaches by transferring skills I have gained from playing football back home made the whole experience especially fulfilling.
To anyone who is hesitant, I would say that Rio de Janeiro is the best place in the world to experience football. Having said that, there is also a range of other sports and projects, all of which provide the same opportunity to give back to a truly amazing culture, all whilst being in one of the world's most iconic and idyllic cities. By following the advice of the program, you should never feel unsafe, and you will also meet so many people with similar interests to share the experience with.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to IVHQ for providing me with an amazing 6-week sports volunteering placement in Rio, Brazil. This opportunity to run football sessions for children in the favela has been incredible. Seeing the joy on the kids' faces and witnessing their passion for the game was truly inspiring. The support from the IVHQ team made this experience seamless and rewarding. Thank you, IVHQ, for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful program and for helping make a positive impact in these children's lives.
This experience helped me pick up another language and become conversation in Portuguese, it gave me the opportunity to make an immense amount of connections that I will carry with me forever and have the most memorable, spontaneous, crazy adventures.
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