Teaching English in Brazil

The largest country in South America, Brazil has recently emerged as an international economic powerhouse, creating unprecedented demand for certified English language teachers. English teachers typically find work between March and August.

While a very limited number of English language schools interview teachers in advance over the phone and via e-mail, the best way to find a job is on the ground in Brazil during an in-person interview. English teachers in Brazil are responsible for their airfare and housing. Most live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share accommodations with coworkers.

English teachers can afford a comfortable lifestyle in Brazil. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. Please note that while a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Brazil, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

Please also note that it is not common to obtain a work visa in Brazil. English teachers typically work under the table on a tourist visa. It is common practice, but it is not technically a legal work visa. Should you choose to work under the table, it is your responsibility to be informed of the potential consequences of working on a tourist visa.

TEFL certification is typically required. English teaching jobs are concentrated in the larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, Salvador, and Brasilia.

For more information about teaching English in Brazil, check out our Brazil Resource Hub!