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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 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Brazil.

Highlights:
  • 5 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from CA$812 for 2 weeks
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, daily breakfast and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in a dormitory-style hostel in central Rio

  • Affordable Portuguese language lessons available

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from CA$812
Volunteer from 2 - 24 weeks
Ages 18+
Based in Rio de Janeiro
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Portuguese lessons available

Volunteer opportunities in Brazil

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$812

  • 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 CA$812

  • 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 CA$1025

  • 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 CA$812

  • 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 CA$1025

  • 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

NK
Noritaka Kobayakawa
14 Feb 2024

The Carnaval experience program is an exciting program allowing one to see what happens behind the scenes for the preparation for this major event. You also experience how celebratory this event is over many weeks before the parade. It is an amazing experience to see firsthand how the people of Rio de Janeiro celebrate the biggest celebration in the world.

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MF
Myah Ford
02 Feb 2024

I have gained a lot of confidence within myself, and a sense of accomplishment, it is an incredible experience to volunteer. My advice to anyone hesitant about joining this program, is to go for it! I had doubts at the start but when I got there, I had the time of my life, it’s tricky at first, but you will make so many friends and share so many story’s, it’s been an amazing experience, I would highly recommend to anyone.

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EM
Eva Mineiro
24 Aug 2023

I gained a lot of world knowledge and grew as a person. I would tell someone that is thinking of joining to 100% do it because it changes your life, even just the people alone.

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SB
Sofia Betancourt
25 Jul 2022

Traveling to Brazil to volunteer meant so much more than just that. It meant growing up, dancing, singing, walking and helping others in the most genuine way possible. I met people and remembered people, and I took with me infinite lessons that were tattooed on my skin, for example, being authentic and putting aside the opinion of others a little more and living in a more transparent way. Volunteering showed me realities that are difficult to digest, but for the same reason, they make me feel more useful in the things I do because all the lessons I have had in my life experiences and in my professional career began to materialize and it becomes a joint with other generations that perhaps can learn with the same thing that I learned.
I am infinitely grateful and I return to my country revitalized, full of energy, optimism, and I see the world with different eyes. It was really a life-changing trip, thanks to everyone who allowed me, but above all, thanks to myself because it was years of savings, and many moons, tears and steps, but I made it.

To someone who is still hesitating about volunteering abroad, I would say don't hesitate. I believe that there is no more enriching experience than being able to get to know oneself by helping others. I am a faithful believer that there is no better way to travel than being able to contribute something to the country or community to which we travel. It is not only easier, cheaper and more accessible, but it is an experience that can change many lives, including of oneself. You not only meet many people, but you sow new seeds all over the world so that the next time you go to other countries, you already have a house to stay in and more people to help. We are living beings because we are surrounded by them, and it is a privilege to be able to help others because we grow by lifting others. Infinite thanks, IVHQ.

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AK
Anya King
05 May 2022

Rio is an amazing place to visit, and volunteering with children in the favelas is so rewarding. Every day you can see the impact of your help. And to make it better, the children are so grateful and respectful, they are always excited to see you and they are eager to learn - so embrace every moment of it! As someone who has travelled a lot, I can say with certainty that Rio is unlike any other place in the world! Rio is vibrant and so full of life, and this experience really opened my eyes and taught me a lot about myself.

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SW
Sam Wardrop
05 May 2022

I was hesitant pre departure. But what put these hesitations at ease was the professional set up of IVHQ's website, support and information. I knew I was going somewhere that would be a well ran environment. My experience in Brazil was honestly not what I expected. It was much, much more. It was full of laughs, connections, experiences and memories. It is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Thank you IVHQ.

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Check what's required to visit Brazil

Other volunteer destinations in South America

How to get started

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