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: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Why not travel to Rio and have it all?

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 can't 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 try out your included TEFL certification by teaching the kids English, before hitting the host of cool bars lining the beach and exploring the one of the world's greatest cities.

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

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"I really enjoyed going to Sugar Loaf and I also went on a trip to Ilha Grande, a gorgeous island off the coast of Brazil. It was stunning and I recommend it to everyone! My tutor at the surf school was the coolest guy in the world." (Hannah Cooke)

The Project is based on the famous Ipanema Beach ("Praia de Ipanema"). This is perhaps the most chic of 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: You do not need to be able to surf but you must be a strong swimmer to do this project. A genuine interest in community development and adventure sports would be useful. You must be reasonably fit and have an outgoing personality and positive attitude. You will be encouraged to work with all aspects of the project including admin, maintenance and sales as well as surfing lessons. You will be working in a social and interactive facing environment and will need to have good communication skills.

Cost in US$: US$ 1450.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 200.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994