Brazil Forum

jonnyb
Joined 2010
Posts: 6

13 years ago

Advice for English Teacher Living in Brasil

13 years ago

Bom Dia,

I am an experienced English teacher from the United States and it has been my dream to one day move to Brasil, learn Portuguese and hopefully find a job as a teacher here.

Recently, I have made some serious progress towards my ultimate goal. I am living in the South of Brasil, my Portuguese has improved significantly, but the only thing missing is work. Unfortunately the experience of looking for a job has not been particularly successful and I am wondering if anyone might have any tips about the visa situation or how difficult the whole process might be? I would greatly appreciate even the smallest bit of advice.

I have spent the last week or so talking with schools, distributing resumes and trying to get my foot in the door. Unfortunately the schools that seem most interested are asking for the proper documents to work here (carteira de trabalho, visto de trabalho, etc.) which, according to my research and what people have told me, is next to impossible to acquire as an English teacher here.

I’m pretty sure I could find work with a school that wont ask me for the proper documentation, but Im wondering if anyone knows how risky that really is and if truly the majority of English (or at least American) teachers are here on expired visas and working illegally. I believe I read once that if one is found working without documentation you risk not being able to return to Brasil for 10 years! Does anyone know if this is true? Either way, Im not particularly fond of the idea of both living and working here illegally. I love Brasil and would do almost anything to stay here but at the same time that seems like an unreasonable amount of loopholes to jump through and mountains of bureaucratic stress.

Again, if anyone has even the slightest idea of how to navigate such a situation, personal experience, or other suggestions I would be incredibly grateful. If it is easier to respond, you can also write in Portuguese and I will do my best to comprehend.

Thank you,

Jonny B.

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