"They have a joy for life in Brazil unlike any country I've ever seen"
WHY TAKE A TESOL/TEFL COURSE IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Once you visit Rio de Janeiro, you will understand why it is called “cidade maravilhosa.”
Rio got its name from Portuguese explorers who landed there on January 1, 1502. They mistook Guanabara Bay for a river. Later, Portuguese settlers founded Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, and the city became wealthy exporting diamonds, gold, and sugar. It was the capital, and home of Brazil’s monarchs until Brasilia was built in the 1960s. Because of its beauty, Rio is one of the top destinations for world travelers.
We invite you to visit Rio and get TEFL certified over here. You will have an unforgettable, beautiful experience in this city and with its always happy people. The worst that can happen to you is that you want to stay here and make the experience of a moment last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you.
Things to Do and See
The list of ideas is long, and we are certain that you will not have the time to do all these great things and spend a lot of time at the gorgeous beaches. At least, you will never run out of things to do in Rio.
OUR iTTi RIO DE JANEIRO TEFL INSTITUTE
TEFL classes run between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, students must reserve study time from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. After one week of continuous study of TEFL methodology and classroom management, the teaching practice starts with Week 2 of the program. It continues daily up to the end of Week 4. iTTi Rio TEFL Center features access to the Internet, a copy machine, and a small library of classroom resources. Our EFL students are tourists and locals from Rio de Janeiro.
WORK IN RIO DE JANEIRO/Brazil AS A TEFL TEACHER
The school year in Brazil starts in February and finishes in December, with a short break in July. While hiring takes place prior to the start of both the February and July semesters, EFL teachers can begin teaching at any time during the year. TEFL jobs are available in public and private schools, language schools, universities, and colleges, and through private tutoring.
Public and Private School System
Public and private schools in Brazil are somewhat similar to North America’s primary and secondary school system and run on a two-semester schedule. The school year begins in February and lasts until December, with vacation in July to break up the two semesters. The summer vacation, from mid-December to February, gives a welcome break during the hot summer season.
Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 14 and is free in the public school system. There are many popular, Catholic-run, private schools in Brazil.
Private Language Schools
Private language schools provide supplementary education for students who require additional tutoring. Classes are offered during after-school hours and at other convenient times. As private language schools do not follow the semester system of conventional schools, TEFL teachers are hired year round.
Teaching Business English is in high demand in Brazil as is in other parts of Latin America.
Universities and Colleges
In recent years the government has focused its attention on improving higher education in Brazil. As a result, public universities and colleges are fully funded by federal and state governments. Public institutions are reputed to offer higher quality education because of the funding; however, private institutions have been narrowing the gap with improved quality. Competition to get into public universities is very stiff. The academic year runs from early March to mid-July and then again early August to mid-December.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring is quite common in Brazil, as the TEFL teacher can be flexible with teaching hours and can earn substantially above the normally low teaching wages. TEFL teachers can receive an average of approximately R$25 – 50/hour for private EFL tutoring.
Many businesses hire in-house private English language instructors to teach their employees. Classes are normally scheduled before and after business hours and during the lunch break, so as to keep from interfering with job-related duties. Networking through relationships in a business setting is a great way to grow one’s private tutoring clientele.How to Find the Jobs in Brazil
There are many resources available to TEFL teachers searching for English-teaching positions in Brazil. Well-educated, certified English teachers are high in demand in Brazil just like in other parts of the world. Our TEFL trainers will gladly help you identify teaching positions throughout Brazil. We have school lists available that will be useful in the application process.
Summer Jobs Teaching English
The North American summer doesn’t coincide with the summer in South America because it’s reverse. If you are looking for a short-term assignment, your best bet would be private tutoring or contact volunteer agencies for short-term positions. Ask us about a listing of volunteer agencies.
Some Tips for Foreign EFL Teachers in Brazil
• Engage in learning Portuguese. The average person in Brazil does not always speak English.
• Always carry your identification around. A photocopy of the passport is sufficient.
• Considering the laid-back, time-flexible way of life in Brazil, one should be prepared for slow line ups in stores, supermarkets, etc. Having a pocket phrase-book handy to study the language while waiting may help to alleviate the anxiety caused by waiting.
• Adopt an adventurous attitude and experience the cuisine, culture, and sites of Brazil.
• Consider getting an international driver’s license in your home country if you plan on staying in Brazil for employment.
• While the “thumbs-up” gesture is quite common to indicate an affirmative response, the gesture made by creating an ‘o’ shape with the thumb and index finger is considered obscene.
• Women should not go to local bars or clubs unaccompanied.
• Be aware of petty thieves who are after your cell phone.
• Use only bottled water from reputable companies for consumption. Boil filtered water if unsure. Milk in rural areas is not usually pasteurized and should be boiled before consumption.
• Ensure meat and vegetables are cooked thoroughly. Peel fruit.
• Take a year’s supply of your skin-care articles. Some may be available; however, they will be much more expensive.
• Tipping is common in Brazil, and much appreciated due to low wages and high unemployment. Rounding up to the nearest Real for taxi drivers and giving R$1 for each normal-sized bag for baggage carriers is standard. Sit-down restaurants generally add an automatic 10% to the bill.
• The voltage in Brazil is not standardized. Some regions use 120V and other areas use 220 or 240V. The purchase of a transformer may be necessary for appliances that are not dual voltage.
• While possession of drugs may only warrant a “slap on the wrist” and community service for local Brazilians, it may mean deportation or incarceration for foreigners. If caught going into or out of Brazil with drugs, it would be an automatic jail sentence.
Minimum Requirements to Apply for Teaching Positions (with work visa) in Brazil:
• 120-Hour TESOL certificate
• Excellent English skills in both speaking and writing (min. B2/C1 Level)
• A bachelor’s degree in any field
TEFL Courses in Rio de Janeiro fill up quickly!
120-HOUR ON-SITE TESOL TRAINING
100% ON-SITE TRAINING
Total tuition: US $2,100
Deposit: $500, due at registration.
Balance payment: $1,600 due five business days before the first course date. Tuition includes course fee, certificate, moderation, and assistance in securing a teaching position. Complimentary add-ons: specialization in Teaching Business, TOEFL Preparation, or Young Learners.120-HOUR COMBINED TESOL TRAINING
75% ON-LINE/25% ON-SITE TRAINING
Total tuition: US $1,800 Deposit: $500, due at registration. Balance payment: $1,300 due five business days before start of the Teaching Practicum. Tuition includes moderation, certificate, and full career-support services (CV/resume setup, school information, interview guidance and departure support). Complimentary add-on: specialization in either Teaching Business, TOEFL Preparation, or Young Learners. You may start the online theory at any time and work at your own pace. Before you come for your Teaching Practicum, please finish the online part. You will need the knowledge to teach proper English classes.Meet Our iTTi Rio de Janeiro Team
ALBERT AIXUT
iTTi-Rio Center Director
Igor speaks American English perfectly. He is an iTTi-certified teacher trainer. Over the years, he has trained many prospective English teachers and has helped them find employment wherever they wanted to work in Brazil.
IGOR SEVERO DE ABREU
iTTi-Rio Director of Studies
How to Apply for a TESOL Course
Step 1
To begin the admission process for iTTi Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, you must first choose your starting date, complete the online application form, and pay a deposit of US $500.
Step 2
An iTTi Enrollment Counselor will then contact you with instructions on how to complete the required English proficiency test. If you are not a native speaker, you must obtain a B2/C1 Level. A certificate will be provided by the iTTi School of English upon request.
Step 3
Once you are notified of your acceptance into iTTi in Brazil, your remaining tuition balance is due 5 days prior to your course starting date.