What to Expect From an Environmental Conservation Internship in Brazil
"I have learned that it is never too late to do what you love. I have also learned, or at least been reminded, just how much of a difference can…
English Teaching Internship in Brazil
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Kickstart your career in education where classroom experience meets real community impact
As an English Teaching intern, you’ll help develop and deliver the English as a Second Language program by planning lessons, creating engaging learning materials, and teaching children, teenagers, and adults at different proficiency levels. With mentor support, you’ll refine the curriculum, organize classes, and grow your confidence as an educator while naturally improving your Portuguese in an immersive, supportive environment.
Outside the classroom, you’ll take part in inspiring community projects like beach clean-ups and reforestation initiatives, contributing to environmental conservation and local development in Itacaré, Bahia. Life outside this Community Education Internship is just as unforgettable: except golden beaches, a welcoming international community, and the vibrant rhythm of Brazilian culture shaping your everyday experience.
Learning Objectives
- Develop and deliver engaging ESL lesson plans for learners of different ages and proficiency levels
- Strengthen classroom management skills in a multicultural and community-based education setting
- Collaborate with local educators to improve and adapt the English language curriculum
- Engage in community development initiatives that support environmental awareness and sustainability
ORGANIZATION
A nonprofit operating in the Itacaré region of Bahia, Brazil, this organization works to advance social justice, ecological conservation, and sustainable development through education, cultural exchange, and community-based initiatives. With a strong emphasis on youth development, they run a diverse range of projects that foster empathy, inclusion, and access to opportunity for local communities.
Through volunteering and international collaboration, they create meaningful pathways for both community members and interns to grow, making their projects a dynamic environment to gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This English Teaching Internship is primarily focused on ESL teaching and education; however, it extends far beyond the classroom experience. Interns are expected to actively participate in the wider activities and initiatives of the NGO, including community events, cultural exchanges, and daily organizational life.
A key part of the experience is cultural immersion, which includes making a genuine effort to learn and practice Portuguese while engaging with local staff and community members.
Responsibilities
- Revise and improve the existing English curriculum for different age groups and proficiency levels
- Plan and prepare engaging ESL lessons and classroom activities
- Teach English classes for children, teenagers, and adults
- Create and adapt educational materials to support interactive learning
- Support classroom management and student engagement during lessons
- Assist other NGO programs and educational initiatives when needed
- Participate in community projects such as beach clean-ups and reforestation activities
Requirements
- Basic Portuguese (free Portuguese online courses are available beforehand and lessons can be taken during your internship for a small extra fee)
- Demonstrate interest in teaching English and working with learners of different ages and levels
- Show patience, adaptability, and a positive attitude in educational settings
- Communicate effectively in English in both written and spoken form
- Be willing to engage in cultural immersion
- Enthusiasm for working in community-based and nonprofit environments
- Be open to supporting additional NGO activities beyond the classroom
- REQUIRED: interns must make an effort to learn basic Portuguese before arrival and be willing to continue expanding local language skills to help build trust and connection with learners and the community
- Free Portuguese online courses are available beforehand and 10 in-person Portuguese classes are included – additional classes can be purchased.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Interns stay in private apartment within the community that the organization serves. Each has a well-equipped kitchen, electricity, Wifi, filtered drinking water, and sheets, towels, & a mosquito net are provided. A dedicated office space is available to interns on the project site. The neighbors have cats and dogs that freely roam around the neighborhood, so you’re likely to make some furry friends. Located in the Passagem neighborhood of Itacaré, the intern accommodation is a short walk from the historic downtown area and the closest beach, Praia Concha. The organization has bicycles that interns can use to get around and explore.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.
Mosquito-borne viruses including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika do pose a threat in Bahia, so be sure to bring quality mosquito repellent and long/loose fitting clothing for night time. You will be provided with a mosquito net for your bed at the accommodation.
As a foreigner, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in unfamiliar areas. Avoid displaying valuables such as cameras, jewellery, or your phone unnecessarily in public.
Learning basic Portuguese before you arrive will go a long way; locals greatly appreciate the effort and it will help you navigate day-to-day situations with confidence. Take time to observe and respect local customs & traditions, approach the community with humility and an open mind, and follow the guidance of your supervisor & host organization when it comes to which areas to explore and how to get around safely.
Communication
Communication
Free Wifi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. It’s recommend to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival – ensure your phone is unlocked for international carriers. Consider setting up a global e-SIM prior to your arrival for consitent connection throughout your travels until you can arrange a local SIM.
Meals
Meals
There is a well-equipped kitchen at your accommodation for preparing your own meals. Or venture out and dive into Bahia’s incredible food scene – widely regarded as some of the best in Brazil, with a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and indigenous flavours that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. With incredible local restaurants, street food stalls, and fresh tropical produce all on your doorstep, you’ll never be short of something delicious to explore.
Location details
Location details
Itacaré is a stunning surf town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mata Atlântica Rainforest on Brazil’s legendary Cocoa Coast, named for the vast cocoa plantations that have shaped the region for centuries. With pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls, lush jungle trails, and swaying coconut trees all within reach, there’s no shortage of adventure when you’re not in the office.
Paddle out to catch waves, hike through the rainforest, discover secluded beaches only accessible by foot, or simply watch the sun go down over the ocean. Itacaré is one of those rare places that feels like a well-kept secret — and for the duration of your internship, it’s all yours to explore.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship with this organization are available from March to November. Start and end dates of the internship are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
6 weeks USD 2,230
8 weeks USD 2,642
12 weeks USD 3,528
16 weeks USD 4,414
20 weeks USD 5,299
26 weeks USD 6,628
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a private, self-catering apartment
- Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Itacaré (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Wifi access
- Ecological and city tours
- Cultural immersion activities (Brazilian food, movies, samba, capoeira)
- 10 in-person Portuguese language classes
- Portuguese language audiobook (available pre-internship)
- T-shirt
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Ilheus Jorge Amado Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transfer to the airport upon departure
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Brazil.
What can I expect from an internship in Brazil?
What you can expect from an internship in Brazil is immense personal growth, as well as professional development. You’ll dive into a vibrant culture and expand your horizons through cross-cultural interactions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in your chosen internship while building a big network of contacts and mentors along the way!
How long can I do an internship for?
The minimum length of an internship in Brazil is one month, but the ideal length is closer to four months, or longer. This ensures you have the time to truly make a tangible impact during your time. However, our programs are customizable in length so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!
Do internships in Brazil qualify for university credit?
Yes, but you must confirm with your university supervisor to approve this. It’s also possible to purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.
Will I receive payment of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, there is no form of stipend for internships in Brazil. Your internship will be unpaid while working with the nonprofit organization, but there are multiple ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of new knowledge and the opportunities for professional and personal growth are invaluable!
REVIEWS
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of meaningful connections. These relationships bring purpose and motivation to life, while also providing essential support during challenging times. This internship will allow me to contribute productively in plant nursery settings, drawing on my understanding of the value of a positive and functional work environment. It will also strengthen my resume and support my future scientific endeavors, including research, publications, and experimental work.
Zachary, American – Brigham Young University
Environmental Research & Conservation Internship, Brazil
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Bahia, Brazil
PROGRAM FOCUS: Community Development NGO
TASK FOCUS: Education, Community Engagement, Lesson Planning
LENGTH: Min. 6 weeks
COST: From USD 2,230
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain hands-on experience teaching English to children, teenagers, and adults in a real classroom setting
- Develop skills in lesson planning, curriculum design, and creating educational materials
- Work in a supportive, community-based NGO environment
- Build Portuguese skills through daily practice and cultural immersion with the local community
- Experience life and work in Brazil, with vibrant culture, coastal living, and an international community
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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