Key information

Fully hosted experience from $770

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

Carnival in Rio De Janeiro

Volunteer on the Carnival project with IVHQ 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 a samba school
Volunteers aged 18+

Help local schools prepare for the iconic Carnival festival, making costumes and floats and assisting with singing and dance routines.

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Childcare in Rio De Janeiro

Volunteer on the Childcare project with IVHQ in Brazil

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 a childcare center
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.

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Community Development in Rio De Janeiro

Volunteer on the Community Development project with IVHQ 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 local community facilities
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.

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Sports Education in Rio De Janeiro

Volunteer on the Sports project with IVHQ in Brazil with IVHQ

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 in a local community center
Volunteers aged 18+

Active volunteers can help to organize and play up to 18 different sports with local children and adults from underprivileged communities.

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Teaching English in Rio De Janeiro

Volunteer on the Teaching English project in Brazil with IVHQ

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 a local community center
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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

EC

Elaine Crawford

I gained far more than I expected from this experience. While helping to make costumes for Carnival, I learned about Brazilian culture, met wonderful people, and became part of a local community. It was rewarding to contribute to something so vibrant and meaningful.

Throughout the programme, I found it important to stay open-minded and flexible. IVHQ’s guidance on adapting to a new environment was very helpful, and I particularly valued the local coordinator’s knowledge and practical advice about Rio, which helped volunteers feel confident and well prepared.

Day to day, I learned that experiences like this can be very different from home, and that looking after your wellbeing and staying adaptable makes a real difference. Even when some tasks were more routine, there was a strong sense that every contribution mattered, and I developed patience, teamwork, and attention to detail.

I was 66 when I took part, and it was a privilege to be trusted with specific responsibilities. I especially valued the friendships I formed with volunteers and local staff of varying ages and backgrounds, which I found very refreshing.

Overall, it was a hugely rewarding experience that gave me lasting memories and a strong sense of connection that I will carry with me.

...

NE

Nizar Elmasri Abu Adas

My experience was very satisfying from all aspects. Volunteering with the kids was intrinsically rewarding especially because I saw my younger self in the kids. The program also permitted me to explore all different parts of the culture in the city and even elsewhere over the weekends. There was enough time to experience all the different aspects that I initially wanted to explore. The support from the local team and the initial orientation helped me to feel equipped for all sorts of circumstances and at no point during my trip did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Huge thanks goes out to the local team, the hostel staff and IVHQ for making all of this possible.

...

AR

Alyssa Reinal-Silva

I have never solo travelled before and my dream was to visit Brazil. There was so much personal growth and I made so many new friends! I had a great experience volunteering and also made some great local friends!

...

TM

Taylah McCrystal

I feel I gained a new sense of freedom as well as immense gratitude for having the opportunity to do my program. I learned so much about the kids lifestyle and that’s something I will carry with me forever. I met amazing volunteers who have become lifelong friends. If you’re hesitant it’s natural, but you won’t ever know unless you try. Sometimes we have to do the uncomfortable things to improve our lives because it leaves you with a whole different outlook on life.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Popular tours & experiences in Brazil

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Brazil program.

Iguassu & Beyond (9 days, 8 nights)

For the nature lover who also wants to explore the nightlife of the urban jungle and have plenty of time on the beach, this nine-day adventure offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. Travel from the tango palaces of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro and discover spectacular wilderness in between. Encounter thundering Iguassu Falls with views from both Argentina and Brazil. Then continue to the coast and soak in the sun on Ilha Grande’s beaches and colonial culture in Paraty. Go beyond a vacation — and step into adventure!

From $3049

Iguassu & Beyond (9 days, 8 nights)

For the nature lover who also wants to explore the nightlife of the urban jungle and have plenty of time on the beach, this nine-day adventure offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. Travel from the tango palaces of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro and discover spectacular wilderness in between. Encounter thundering Iguassu Falls with views from both Argentina and Brazil. Then continue to the coast and soak in the sun on Ilha Grande’s beaches and colonial culture in Paraty. Go beyond a vacation — and step into adventure!

From $3049