Work Experience at a Surf School in Rio

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: 2 - 12 week placements throughout the year

Description: Brazil is a country that demands your attention and trying to decide how to fit everything in is a difficult task. This is the perfect project for those who cant make up their mind; just do it all, by combining work experience, volunteering, teaching and sport. Based on the white sands of Ipanema Beach (so good they wrote a song about it) you'll learn to surf and get involved in the community by passing on your new skills to local youngsters. There's also plenty of opportunity to test out your Portuguese on the local kids before hitting the host of cool bars lining the beach and exploring the one of the worlds greatest cities.

*Project details:
The main goal of the Project is to assist youth from low income communities by making surfing accessible to all and awakening their interest for this healthy and enjoyable sport.

The Project also looks to integrate the different social classes, since it charges a fee for the lessons to those students that can afford to pay, generating an income for the Project and aiding in the expenses. They believe that sport, alongside art and culture, is part of the solution to combat marginalization and therefore anti-social behaviour of youths that have not been given opportunities in life. They hope that in the future those youths who benefit from the surf school can continue their work and pass on what they have learnt to benefit the next generations. They also teach them about the importance of the preservation and protection of the environment, passing to the students the importance of the ecosystem in our lives.

The project also donates some basics to the families of the students in order to form an incentive for them. Attendance and discipline are fundamental requirements for the boys and girls to stay at the surf school.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
This surfing program is perfect for volunteers who fancy gaining valuable experience working at a Surf School in Rio de Janeiro. Here you could learn to surf and fix surfboards, or even progress to teaching others the basics of this amazing sport. No previous experience is required for sports coaching in Rio de Janeiro. Volunteers can also teach children and youth from low income communities how to warm up (stretch) before getting in the water and, last but not least, they can teach English, increasing the opportunities in their lives.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* 'Hanging ten' on Rio's beautiful beaches
* Helping make a difference to the lives of local youngsters
* Living life to the full in the world's party city

The Project is based on the famous Ipanema Beach ("Praia de Ipanema"). This is perhaps the chicest in Rio and although there isn't quite the frenzy of Copacabana, Ipanema is very safe and clean. Many of Rio's better class (or perhaps more expensive) bars, discos and nightclubs are located around here, along with it's trendy boutiques.

Rio is a culturally diverse city with lots to see and do in your spare time. It is in a geographically stunning location and deserves the title of cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city). It is surrounded by lush peaks and amazing beaches. It is a city of contrasts where the rich live alongside the poor. The Cariocas - inhabitants of Rio - are free-spirited, welcoming and with a love of Samba and celebration are always ready to party.

Brazil encompasses all aspect of the Latin spirit. It is a seductive place and is also a country of staggering beauty - its scenery is guaranteed to take your breath away. There is also an intoxicating rhythm of life - that is famous the world over. From the bronzed bodies of its beaches to the unexplored wonders of its rainforests, Brazil is a destination that has to be seen to be believed and experienced to understand.

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Basic Brazilian Portuguese and/or Intermediate Spanish is strongly recommended, otherwise volunteers may find communication difficult. Enthusiastic, hardworking and committed volunteers are needed.

Your role as a volunteer:
There are a mixture of roles and responsibilities involved in this project. These include helping with the surf classes, language classes and helping with board maintenance. Volunteers must bring with them motivation, an open mind, generosity and sincerity.

Cost in US$: USD 1,755.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994