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Brazil Volunteer and Travel Info - Volunteering in Brazil
 
Volunteering and Travel in Brazil is an Unique, experience of a lifetime
Brazil is the most diverse country on the planet, spanning a territory almost as large as the United States. A true paradise for the senses, an astounding diversity, a mystique, vibrance and exuberance which is impossible to find anywhere else!
Basic Cultural and Volunteer Travel Information for Brazil
You will be embarking on a typical cross-cultural experience in Brazil, where you will be exposed to different ways of thinking, speaking, and interacting with the local people, their customs and cultures. There are some principles which will help you to gain the most from your volunteer travel, and to help you enjoy a positive experience in Brazil, and to also avoid some possible misunderstandings which can occur in cross-cultural settings.
Flexibility, humility and open-mindedness will be your most valuable traits. These may have even been the key qualities that led you to volunteer in Brazil in the first place, so it should not be difficult for you.
Some Points to Consider
· Affection between men and women is often expressed; public kissing, hugging, and hand-holding can be seen. The common greeting is a kiss on both cheeks, to family or friends.
· Bargaining is to be expected. Don’t bargain if you’re not really interested. You can always get a lower price when you go to the local markets or some small shops for souvenirs.
· Clothing is conservative. You can wear any comfortable clothing. Please do avoid extremely tight shorts or very short skirts on your volunteer work and in public (official) buildings.
· Conversations - Brazilians love to talk. They like to be very friendly with people.
· Only drink bottled water, it can be bought very cheaply almost anywhere.
· If Brazilians are eating some snacks, they will almost always share some with you.
· Invitations often arrive at the last moment. Don’t be surprised or offended, it happens to everyone. If you’re busy, even a short appearance is enough.
· Rice and or beans is almost always included in meals.
· Time is very flexible. A person may show up at 3:30 for a 3 o’clock appointment. As a foreigner, though, you will be expected to be punctual.
From the mysterious Amazon, to the mad passion of Carnaval, Brazil is an experience of a lifetime,memories to cherish and savour - always...
 
Volunteer and Travel Info
Moral values, religion and cultural issues in Brazil can be very different from your home country. Sometimes you might think roles are outdated and nonsensical, but please refrain from judging their way of life. You are here to learn and to understand these people.
Travelling in Brazil is relatively easy. The majority of Brazilians use public transportation as a major mean of transport (for day to day life). The bus routes in cities are comprehensive. However, the buses are often hot and crowded at rush hour. Within the city you can use metered taxi. If you're short on time and want to go to the next state we recommend flying, which is very efficient.
Health and Safety
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The most common health complaint in any developing nation is upset stomach/diarrhoea/vomiting. In many cases the illness may be attributed merely to a change in diet, but occasional cases of food poisoning can occur, whereby the symptoms occur very quickly, severely and explosively. These are seldom serious or extended illnesses, but medical treatment should be sought if it occurs.
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Tap water cannot be considered safe to drink anywhere in Brazil, especially for foreigners, and so only bottled, boiled, filtered or iodine-treated water should be consumed. You can use the tap water for showering and brushing your teeth.
     
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