Our Programs
Join us in our mission to support youth development and environmental conservation in Brazil
Cultural exchange program
If you're looking for an enriching and life-changing opportunity, then we have a place for you!
We offer a unique experience that will have a positive impact on the sustainable development of low-income communities in Itacaré. Participants can get immersed in an exclusive cultural exchange program contributing 20 hours a week, the tasks will depend exclusively on your interests and skills.
Tasks may include:
- Planning, preparing and assisting our projects.
- Assisting in curriculum development, preparing lesson plans, documenting success and progress.
- Establish relationships with community members to better understand their needs and how the organization can help them.
- Participate in community-based conservation efforts, such as beach clean-ups and reforestation programs.
- Contribute to the maintenance of the complex and the overall success of the organization.
These are our requirements:
- 18+
- Own laptop
- Good command of Portuguese (Basic level required, medium to advanced for Girl’s Club)
- A passion for social justice and community development
- An interest in environmental conservation
- Teamwork, leadership, and good organizational skills
- Responsibility, commitment, and social skills
- Ability to work independently
- Motivated, creative, and good at solving problems
- Open-mindedness and adaptability
- Adept communication skills and the ability to build connections with people
- Teaching experience or working within an educational setting are a plus
Apply to your desired program
Fill in the form with all the necessary information.
Interview
We will have a friendly chat to get to know you better.
Placement
We will welcome you into the program after we have selected the right projects for you to contribute to according to your goals and our needs.
Internship program
Enhance your career through a more in-depth experience working as an intern!
Through hands-on experience, interns can achieve individual and professional development by working 30 hours/week in a multicultural environment, helping to create more equality and opportunities for the local community of Itacaré, thereby contributing to a world with more companionship and protection of the ecosystem, thus caring for our planet and the people as a whole.
Internship as an ESL teacher (30h/week)
To offer better opportunities and, consequently, have a greater positive impact on the sustainable development of the Itacaré community, we offer an exclusive internship program within this project. Candidates have the chance to enhance their career through hands-on, in-depth experience working for an international non-profit organization!
Your main tasks include:
- Revise and improve the current English curriculum
- Organize and manage the English Language program
- Support and supervise all English Teaching Volunteers
- Lead weekly meetings with the English Volunteer Staff
- Attend supervisors meetings
- Teach English to advanced classes
- Support other programs when needed
This is what you bring with you:
- Native or Excellent English
- Good command of Portuguese
- Team-work, leadership and good organizational skills
- Responsibility, commitment and social skills
- Be independent, motivated, creative and good in solving problems
- Open mind and Adaptability
- Preferably with teaching experience
Internships take place between March and November of each year. The dates are flexible and will be discussed during the application process.
Our projects
Check out our different initiatives that you can focus on during your stay with us:
Pricing and Packages
Funding your program is crucial for our organization as we are an NGO.
We offer a unique opportunity to engage in a cultural exchange / internship program that directly impacts the lives of many children and adolescents in Itacaré. Participants can choose to contribute 20 hours per week or intern with a deeper involvement at 30 hours per week.
To make your experience viable, we ask for a financial contribution from those joining our Cultural Exchange Program. This funding is crucial for our organization, as we do not receive any public financial support. Every contribution helps sustain our community programs, providing educational, environmental, and empowerment opportunities for Itacaré's youth.
Your participation doesn't just benefit the community—it fosters mutual growth, understanding, and lifelong connections. By joining us, you're actively supporting local development and creating lasting positive change.
Accommodation package - 30 days : $800 (USD)
- Housing bills (Electricity, Water, Gas and Wifi)
- Airport / Bus station pick-up
- Local insurance (SUS)
- Project placement
- Guidance, training and support
- 24h emergency aid
- City tour
- Cultural immersion activities
- Audio-Book Portuguese Language
- T-shirt
Extra Costs:
- Refundable security deposit
- Individual Portuguese lessons
- Airport / Bus station drop - off
- Ecotour
Please note:
- A security deposit of $350 (USD) is required but will be returned in full as long as all stipulations of the Volunteer Contract are met.
- Brazilians living in Brazil have special conditions, please contact us.
- Interested low-income people that can dedicate at least 4 months to the NGO can apply for a grant that will cover 50% of these costs.
- ETIV does not provide health insurance! Medical services can be found for free in the local public hospital (SUS), we highly recommend having international travel insurance to cover you at a better, private clinic in case of a more serious emergency.
- Prices might be changed any time without further notice.
Stay Longer, Make a Bigger Impact – and Save!
We welcome participants for a minimum stay of one month and a maximum of six months. To encourage deeper involvement, we offer discounts for those who stay more than 60 days.
If you're interested in learning more, we’ll be happy to present our discount plan during your interview.
*Please note that we operate from March 1st to November 31st.
How we spend your money
We take your contribution very seriously.
We ensure that your contribution is used responsibly for our projects, supporting our mission and guaranteeing your experience with us. In the following chart, you can see how the money of your package is spent:
Distribution of expenses:
Each participant receives exceptional support from the moment they arrive until the end of their stay with us and beyond!
GAP Year Brazil - Peru
How about spending half the year volunteering in Peru, and the other half in Brazil? Make the most out of your GAP Year with this amazing opportunity to discover and make a positive impact in two completely different, yet both fascinating, cultures in South America!
FAQ
We recommend a minimum stay of 3 months and a maximum stay of 6 months, but during your interview we will discuss your goals and clarify all the details of your stay so that you can achieve your best.
Our programs provide hands-on experience and valuable networking opportunities while making a positive contribution to local communities. You will be able to develop important skills and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture. Detailed information on how we use your financial contribution can be found in the Prices and Packages section of this page.
You must complete all your working hours with us (20 or 30 hours), after which it is up to you how you want to spend your free hours. You can find more information about working in Brazil under your visa type.
While ETIV may not offer financial support, we recommend that applicants seek funding from their universities or special programs in their home countries to help cover living expenses.
Life in Itacaré is generally affordable compared to larger Brazilian cities, with low costs for housing, food, and transportation. In Itacaré, the minimum salary is less than 300 USD per month. Most of the population lives on this budget.
Yes, in Brazil, you can access health care services through the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), which covers basic health check-ups and emergencies. However, the quality and availability may vary, so it's a good idea to have additional health insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
Itacaré is generally considered safe for visitors and residents, with a friendly community and low crime rates compared to larger cities. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and securing personal belongings.
Yes, during your stay with us, you can take vacation time as you earn two days off for each month of stay, in addition to national holidays and weekends off. This allows for opportunities to explore the area or relax.
If you decide to change your program, the flexible design allows for adjustments to meet your goals and align with your university requirements or proposal.
A whole new world expects you during your stay with us: We will guide you with excellence through your program, so you can enjoy the most of the life in a historic and culturally important Brazilian city in a multicultural environment full of sports and adventure! For more details check out here.