BRAZIL
Encompassing half of South America, Brazil is a country of mythic proportions and cultural fusion.
THE REGION
Florianópolis
Florianópolis is a stunning island off the southern coastline of Brazil and is the capital of Santa Catarina state. The city is famous for its 42 beaches and ideal surf conditions. Homestays in Florianopolis range from rural to highly urban. Most Fellows will live in brick houses or apartments with electricity and running water.
CLIMATE
Humid, near tropical climate with temperatures averaging 60-80°F, 15-27°C
LOCAL INDUSTRIES
Technology, tourism, traditional fisheries, agriculture
TRANSPORTATION
Public buses, bikes, and walking
Pooja Thekdi, Brazil '14,
Occidental College
YOUR EXPERIENCE
THE HOMESTAY
Family ties are super strong in Brazil. Extended relatives and multiple generations often live close by and frequently come together for celebrations and events, especially delicious churrasco barbecues! Your host family will warmly welcome you into their home, introduce you to new foods, show you the local swimming spots, and help you develop your Portuguese skills.
THE APPRENTICESHIP
Work alongside members of your community on projects that make a responsible impact. Brazil offers the opportunity to learn from real world experience in a variety of different apprenticeship sectors.
THE CULTURE
Cuisine
Brazilian food is influenced by African, European, and Indigenous cuisines. Popular ingredients include cassava, seafood, rice, beans, and many varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to nosh on the brigadeiros (tasty chocolate balls), coxinhas (street food with fried dough and chicken), and the inventive dessert pizzas with toppings like nutella and guava paste!
Experiences
Use your free time to dive into Brazilian culture! Take a surfing class, join in on a pick-up futbol match, learn how to dance samba, or join your local capoeira club to practice this traditional martial art.
Celebrations
Start off the New Year Brazilian style by dressing all in white, jumping over seven waves at the beach, eating 7 grapes, and completing other rituals for good luck. And don’t forget Brazil’s famous Carnaval celebrations with huge block parties and the awesome samba school performances!
EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR FELLOW
Fellow / Ecuador
— Anna del Savio
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Amari Leigh
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Basil Wiering
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Fernanda Tornell
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.…
Fellow / India
— Luciana Ribeiro da Silva
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.…
Fellow / Ecuador
— Noah Hapke
I co-teach English classes at the school in my community.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Sarah Murray
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.…
Fellow / India
— Alana Poole
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.…