Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world! You could fit India, Argentina, Algeria and Britain inside it and still have room!
Rio de Janeiro will thrill you from the glittering Sugar Loaf, sleek Cristo Redentor and the extravagant samba-school parades of Carnival, it’s a visual extravaganza. The beaches, the tropical vegetation of the Tijuca Forest National Park are breath taking.
Away from the beaches, art galleries, such as the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes and the delightful MIAN (Museum of Naïve Art), are well worth visiting. In 2013, two new art spaces opened: the MAR (Museu de Arte do Rio), in the downtown area, which celebrates Rio de Janeiro’s visual arts, architecture, history and culture; the Casa Daros in Botafogo showcases contemporary Latin American art.
Ahhhh, Brazil will change your life!
Brazil
Did you know, Brazil is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with a total of four million plant and animal species. It has more species of monkey than any other nation.
Enquire about BrazilEligibility Requirements
You must be 16, 17 or 18.
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Access to Alumni Network
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Visa and Passport Fees
- School Uniform

Host family and culture
AFSers are hosted throughout Brazil, usually in urban centers around the country. Parents tend to be protective of their children, especially girls. You should always keep your host parents informed and involved in your decisions, and help out in the chores.
Mealtime is family time in Brazil, and while breakfast is light, lunch and dinner are big meals with hearty portions. Brazilian food tends to be quite heavy, and it includes barbecued meat, African-influenced fish, chicken stews, white rice, beans, and farofa orfarinha (manioc flour). Meals are usually served with carne (beef) and a green and tomato salad. A variety of fruit and vegetables are available throughout the year.

Language and school
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, though English is widely understood. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful. You will participate in language lessons provided by AFS before arriving to Brazil, and local volunteers may arrange independent language study for you during the first months.
You will attend either a private or public high school. The school runs in two shifts—from 7 am until noon, or 1 pm to 6 pm in the afternoon. There are about 10 core subjects that all students must take, plus electives like art and cooking. Not all schools require a uniform, but if they do, it will most likely consist of jeans and a school t-shirt.
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
Kick-start your future with AFS and discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
This programme begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations, other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations which will help you maximize your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community as well as gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad, and as you return to your home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family the whole way through.