Are you an English speaker with a passion for teaching? Are you looking for an adventure and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture?
Teaching English in Brazil might be the perfect fit for you!
I used to be an English teacher in Brazil. Although I'm not in the same situation as you — after all, I'm Brazilian — I think I can tell you one thing or two about teaching English in Brazil.
Well, I won’t say it’s all roses (as we say in Brazil), but it’s a good profession to have if you’d like to use your native (or near-native) skills to live in Brazil.
The Pros of Teaching English in Brazil
I know you don't need convincing to teach in Brazil — if you are reading this article, you are considering the possibility. So let's talk first about the possible benefits of teaching in Brazil and what you can expect to find.
Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth
One of the greatest benefits of teaching English in Brazil is immersing yourself in a rich, vibrant culture. You'll be able to form deep connections with your students and colleagues, learn Portuguese, and gain a new perspective on the world.
Teaching abroad is an excellent way to challenge yourself and grow both personally and professionally.
I've been lucky to teach foreigners who decided to become English teachers in Brazil. They've all gone on to become great English teachers, some married and started living in Brazil permanently, and some have thriving businesses up to this day.
High Demand for English Teachers
Brazil needs English teachers.
We do have them in public schools, but the school curriculum includes the verb “to be” in all its forms for all grades. And that’s just about everything we study in public schools.
Private schools are a different kettle. Some of them offer bilingual education. However, students from those schools won’t have an English-speaking environment to support their newly-acquired English skills. So, they’ll need teachers.
With a TEFL certification and a bachelor's degree, you'll be able to find plenty of job opportunities. Some won’t pay much, especially if the position is in a smaller school. But you can go the “private tutor” route. According to the International EFL Academy, English teachers in Brazil can make around US$ 800-1300. In my experience, that’s true, but you’ll have to do some prospecting and self-promoting to find students willing to pay what you deserve.
Opportunity to Explore Brazil
If you’d like to go the digital nomad route, most Brazilian cities have a relatively low cost of living.
You can have pretty good living standards if you earn about R$ 5,000. And that’s what Expatistan estimates, too.
With that amount of money, you won’t be able to travel every weekend, but you’ll have enough to go places and eat good food. And you’ll be able to save money up for a bigger, more significant trip.
Also, you can live in a touristy city (like Salvador!) and experience the city like a local.
Making a Positive Impact on Students
Teaching English is a rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of your students. In Brazil, you'll be able to work with a diverse range of learners, from young children to university students and working professionals.
And believe me: everyone needs English in Brazil.
Of course, there’s a big difference between “needing” and “wanting.” If you can make people see that, then you’ll be in a good position.
Just so you know: I’m Brazilian, and if I hadn’t learned English as a kid, I would have never started teaching Portuguese. Simple as that. My life can be defined as having two points: one before learning English, and another after learning English.
By helping your students improve their English skills, you'll equip them with a valuable tool for success. They’ll have more academic and work possibilities that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
The Cons of Teaching English in Brazil
But you should also know some of the drawbacks of teaching English in Brazil. And that's what will discover in this section.
Potential Language Barriers
If you don't speak Portuguese, you may encounter some language barriers when working and living in Brazil.
And don't make the mistake of thinking that people already speak English.
If you're teaching a younger audience, that's probably true. According to this research from the British Council, around 10% of younger people speak English.
But if you want to gain your students’ trust, you'll need to speak Portuguese.
Don't worry that you will have an accent — if you have any. Most Brazilians don't care, and those who do won't be good students anyway.
So, my advice here is to learn some basic Portuguese. If you are teaching online from another country, it will be harder, but learning Portuguese will pay off in spades.
And if you want to learn the basics of the language, start off with these 48 basic sentences.
Adjusting to Cultural Differences
Brazil has a unique culture with its social norms and customs. As an expat, it can take some time to adjust to these differences.
For example, Brazilians tend to be more relaxed and informal than Americans.
However, with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you'll be able to adapt and thrive.
Navigating Job Market Competition
Although there is a high demand for English teachers in Brazil, there is also a lot of competition for jobs.
The English major is one of the most popular courses in Humanities. And from personal experience, most majors in this area are willing to accept a very low salary.
If you're a native English speaker who speaks Portuguese, that's qualification enough to teach most people privately. You can even arrange small groups. If you have a bachelors degree and would like to work for a company, that's okay. The fact you are a foreigner might be an advantage, but less so. So if you have a certification in English as a foreign language, and helps you stand out from other applicants.
Understanding Local Education System
Understanding the local education system would be important if you were teaching in public schools. To work and private schools you would also need to note that to a certain extent, but not really if you're just teaching conversation. And most Brazilians just want to learn conversation — this Brazilian included.
Additionally, the bureaucracy in Brazil can be challenging to navigate, so it's important to be patient and persistent when dealing with administrative tasks.
Safety Concerns
This one is such a biggie that I have written an entire article about it: is Brazil that dangerous?
FAQ Section
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Teach English in Brazil?
While speaking Portuguese is not strictly necessary, knowing the language can be a huge advantage when teaching in Brazil. It can help you build stronger relationships with your students and colleagues and navigate daily life more easily.
And even if you are strictly against grammar and grammar-based teaching, you will make more friends than foes if you're able to explain why a sentence is structured in a certain way in Portuguese.
What Are the Requirements to Teach English in Brazil?
You'll typically need a TEFL certification or a bachelor's degree to teach English in Brazil if you’re working for a school. Additionally, you need a work visa and authorization from the Ministry of Labor to work in Brazil. It's a complicated process that is described in Portuguese in this article.
Where Are the Best Places to Teach English in Brazil?
The best places to teach English in Brazil will depend on your personal preferences and teaching goals.
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are popular choices, as are smaller cities like Florianópolis and Salvador. Keep in mind that urban areas may have more job opportunities, but smaller cities may offer a more immersive cultural experience.
What Is the Average Salary for English Teachers in Brazil?
English teachers in Brazil can expect to earn between $800 and $1500 USD per month, depending on their qualifications and experience. While this may not seem like a lot, the cost of living in Brazil is generally lower than in the United States or Europe.
Can I Teach English in Brazil on a Tourist Visa?
Technically, it is not legal to work in Brazil on a tourist visa [in Portuguese]. However, many English teachers do work on a tourist visa. Keep in mind that this carries some risk, as you could potentially be fined or deported if caught.
Closing Thoughts
Teaching English in Brazil can be an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to positively impact the lives of your students while immersing yourself in a vibrant culture.
Although there are challenges to be aware of, the benefits may outweigh the cons. If you're considering teaching English in Brazil, I encourage you to gather more information before you make the leap – but once you’ve decided, do it!
Have you had any experience teaching English in Brazil? Share it with us in the comments below.
Helpful Resources and Links for Further Research
- TEFL Certification: https://www.tefl.org/en-us/
- Embassy of Brazil in Washington, D.C.: https://washington.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/
- Expats Brazil: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatsbrazil/
- Teaching Kids BR: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teachingkidsBR/
- Catho (Job search website, paid service): https://www.catho.com.br/