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Moving with Brazilian boyfriend to Recife

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sammf94
  2/9/2015 13:46 EST

Greetings!

My name is Sam and I am 21 years of age, currently living in Northern Califronia. My boyfriend is from Recife, Brazil. He is asking me to relocate with him commencing in August. I have a ton of question before taking this gigantic step into this vastly different culture. I know very few things about Recife: English is rarely spoken; the cost of living as compared to the average income is incongruent; the beautiful beach is inhabited by treacherous sharks, and the weather is typically warm and beautiful!

What I need to know is if I will have access to the Universities, if any of the Universities lecture in English, and/or if there are any available language-immersion programs (I speak very little Portuguese).
Also, are there any availbable jobs for someone such as myself, who does not have a college degree, nor experience in Portuguese?

One thing that I can possibly do before making the leap, is enrol in a TEFL program (one here in the states) to become a certified, english teacher. I can complete that program before moving.

Other pertinent information helps - how much can I expect to pay for a one bedroom apartment? Will I need a car immediately?

Anything helps! Thank you!

Danerlenborn
  2/13/2015 08:09 EST

Sam, so, my partner/spouse have lived here for 8 yrs. I still don't speak Portuguese very well at all. Definitely take the tefl course it will be your only ticket to a teaching job. We live in the south so nnot too aware of conditions in Recife, but I do knownthat the shark dangers are overstated. There's a US consulate ther and they would have a full listing of lectures and cultural events. Big barrier for you would be not having residence or a work permit. They both take forever unless you and your BF plan to wed or register in a "Civil Union". Apts. should be available for around $300 US. Clealry a car will be hugely useful as Recife is really really hot and humid and public trans won't be AC. Be prepared for tons of paperwork so I would suggest collecting as much there before you come. Some things like any former marriage divorce,birth certificates ,criminal records,need to be certified by the Brazilian embassy in DC as well as the US state department. Good luck.

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exnyer
  2/14/2015 18:51 EST

Sam. I live in Brasil and I can say as a father of a daughter of whom I am VERY PROUD---Whats the rush? your 21. Go to school, become a Doctor (my little girl did), Then go anywhere you want. Sam these blogs are full of stories of people coming to Brasil for love and failing. I KNOW this is not what you want to hear--but you NEED TO LISTEN. You have your whole life ahead of you but time is precious. If he loves you, he will not force this. My cousin married a young man who WAITED for her to get her degree and they have been married 30 years. Please Sam, Brasil is hard on Brasilians. It will eat you alive.

ronlthomas
  2/17/2015 07:54 EST

SAM, I am an American living 2 hours South of Recife. I have a Camping Area near the Ocean. Rent should be around $200.00. You should get some help speaking Portuguese. You will find few in the NE of Brazil speaking English. More people are better educated down South in Sao Paulo and are bi-ligual. Sorry can't be of more help. This is not the end of the world but one can see it from here! Ha.
Ron.

ErickViana
  2/24/2015 09:27 EST

Do not worry. Well received worldwide. If you want to come here to enjoy and meet before, it is advisable !

PRokjer
  2/24/2015 15:45 EST

This is the best advice I've seen anywhere in a long time. I hope they listen.

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aaronbennis
  2/26/2015 08:37 EST

Without a teaching degree, you'll need a minimum TEFL (In-Class) cert. For everything else you inquired about, your "boyfriend" should be able to show the ways and means of survival in Brazil.. If he cannot, then I suggest that you get a different, more astute Brazilian boyfriend. Capiche?

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