I gained so much from this experience! Especially the capacity to adapt, to be agile and practical with my bags, with my life and my decisions. I learned to connect with children through their strengths and also through their fears, extending my hand and offering both help and support. If you speak Portuguese and English, or only English, I highly advice for you to go there and make an impact! I loved the experience, and quite frankly, I should have stayed at least 2 months!
Community Development Volunteer Program in Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Purpose
Support marginalized & low-income communities
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Flexible, enthusiastic volunteers who want to work in a team and help communities at a grass-roots level.
Project details
Interested in being a Community Development volunteer in Brazil? International Volunteer HQ’s Community project allows volunteers to get involved in activities that benefit low-income communities in Rio. Many of our volunteers work with an organization which gives children opportunities through Arts and Music. Volunteers with renovation skills will also be very welcome. The more information you can provide in your application form regarding your skills the better.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Disadvantaged communities in Rio de Janeiro struggle with a number of issues that impact the wellbeing of their people. As a Community Development volunteer, you’ll be assisting local teams and other volunteers working on events and initiatives to improve their community. You’ll be helping with the tasks that are top priority for them at the time so you know what you do will be worthwhile and appreciated.
Community volunteer work varies widely, but could include:
- Restoration projects
- Gardening
- Arts projects
- Health education and awareness
- Technology, media and design
- Environmental development
Please note this project has a minimum duration of three weeks.
Why do Community Development volunteering in Rio De Janeiro with IVHQ?
When you join the Community Development project in Brazil, you’ll be helping out local neighbourhoods while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting disadvantaged communities
- Assisting with a variety of projects
- Gaining community development experience
- Practicing your Portugese
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself fully in the Brazilian culture
- Exploring Brazil’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Brazil photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Community Development project
IVHQ Sports Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Community Development project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
Exploring Rio during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Christ the Redeemer during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring street art during an IVHQ weekend
Watching a Football game during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring street markets during an IVHQ weekend
Enjoying adventure activities during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Ipanema Beach during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Rio during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
IVHQ’s volunteer projects are based in the glittering city of Rio de Janeiro. It’s the second largest city in Brazil and home to glorious beaches, breathtaking scenery and a huge selection of cultural activities including the world’s biggest street parade, Carnival.
The volunteer accommodation is based in Glória, a bayside neighborhood in central Rio which is close to Copacabana Beach and many restaurants, bars, art galleries, museums and tourist attractions.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive into Rio de Janeiro on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) or Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Rio. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in Brazil prior to your volunteer program, you will need to arrange your own transport to the hostel accommodation.
Orientation is hosted by our Brazil team at their office in Rio de Janeiro. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Brazil - an introduction to Brazil, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local team member and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and hours at the placement are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. A typical volunteer day is as follows:
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the hostel. |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteeers travel to their placements. |
| 8:30 - 2:00PM | Volunteers join the placement staff and begin work. There is usually a morning tea break and lunch break. |
| 2:00 - 5:00PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, go sightseeing, hit the beach, or do some shopping. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have free time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Rio de Janeiro and other areas of Brazil. Popular tourist activities include relaxing on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, climbing Corcovado Mountain, visiting the statue of Christ the Redeemer, catching the cable car to get a 360-degree view of the city from Sugar Loaf Mountain, horse trekking and wildlife spotting in the Pantanal wetlands, exploring Iguazu Falls and trekking through the Amazon.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style public hostel set within a charming and character-filled house in the peaceful, historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro.
Surrounded by lush greenery and local wildlife, the hostel offers stunning panoramic views over the city. It’s a safe, vibrant area with plenty of nearby restaurants serving both traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine.
The hostel has a warm, social atmosphere and plenty of inviting communal spaces where you can relax, unwind, and connect with fellow travelers. Volunteers and independent travelers typically share mixed-gender dorm rooms with 5 to 14 people - a fantastic way to meet new friends from all over the world.
Please note that the hostel welcomes both volunteers and other guests. This blend of people creates a fun, diverse environment and adds to the overall cultural experience.
In your free time, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, spend time on the garden terrace, or join the weekly yoga classes offered, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, a barbeque griller, coworking area, cozy lounge with TV, free Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms, 24-hour reception, laundry facilities, and individual lockers.
Private room upgrades and extra nights aren’t included in the program, but you’re welcome to contact the hostel directly if you’d like to arrange any add-ons. Full instructions will be provided in your Program Guide once you complete your registration.
Meals
A continental-style breakfast is served each morning. You can expect a simple but satisfying selection that typically includes bread, toast, ham, cheese, butter, cake, juice, coffee, and milk.
For lunch and dinner, volunteers are welcome to prepare their own meals in the fully equipped kitchen, which features a gas stove, oven, a fridge, and pantry space. Most volunteers, however, choose to enjoy the fantastic local food options with restaurants nearby offering meals ranging from CA$7 to CA$36.
The hostel is able to accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets for breakfast. If you follow a more specialized diet, please be aware that you may need to purchase some additional items locally. Just let us know your dietary needs when you apply so we can help ensure everything is arranged for you.
Volunteer hostel
Volunteer hostel
Hostel communal space
Hostel garden terrace
Hostel pool
Hostel views
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$483), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$483) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $945 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,120 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,295 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,380 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,730 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,080 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,430 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,130 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,830 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,530 Equivalent to $27/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$483) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Brazil generally find US$250 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including lunch, dinner and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit Brazil
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Brasilia |
| Population | 198.7 million |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Currency | Real (BRL) |
| Time zone | UTC-03:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate of Brazil has a wide range of weather conditions across a large area and varied topography, but most of the country is tropical. The different climatic conditions produce environments ranging from equatorial rainforests in the north and semiarid deserts in the northeast, to temperate forests in the south and tropical savannas in central Brazil. Many regions have starkly different microclimates.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
LV
Luis Villa
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IB
Ines Barbosa
I feel I was able to take in so much cultural aspects of Brazil by working directly with children, as I got to see daily habits at school, food, things they learn at that age. But also by becoming closer with the class team, I felt included and as if I had lived in Brazil my whole life. It was an amazing opportunity to dive deep into the country's essence in a way one can't if they're just visiting for a few days or a week. Having one day off a week plus weekends was also an amazing chance to experience more of the city, but also other cities in the country. Additionally, having the option to work mornings, afternoons, or full days, allows flexibility to travel. This was absolutely worth it!!
...
ZR
Zachary Rugamba
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.
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EM
Eva Mineiro
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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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
