Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Brazil

I absolutely loved my experience volunteering in the sports program in Rio. I have to admit, I was completely out of my element at first however I toughened up to stay and happy I did! The people are amazing and the work you do is really enriching. You make lifelong friends and get to learn so much about yourself. The program coordinators are always available and super helpful. I still think about it everyday and miss being there so much! You are absolutely sure to have an unforgettable amazing time.

Going to Brazil with IVHQ has been a dream come true. I've always wanted to go to Brazil and going there on the community development program made the experience a thousand times better. IVHQ was extremely helpful from the beginning until my departure from Rio. The local team was always there to assist me in anything that I needed. Meeting the other volunteers was amazing because I got to make friends from all over the world and hence, not only did I get to know the Brazilian culture but also cultures from other countries. I was placed teaching English to low resource children with cancer and having the satisfaction of knowing that they were learning another language was the best part by far. I felt that I was actually doing something significant that can change a child's life regardless of their health. I would recommend IVHQ 100% and I would volunteer abroad with them again.

Brazil is the biggest country in South America, it has various amounts of people from all races, and it has many cultures. During my trip to Brazil, I was expecting it to be a good experience, and I was far from right. From the gorgeous landscapes to the affordable food Brazil definitely had a place in my heart. The local people of Rio de Janeiro, "Carioca's," are some of the nicest people on the planet. They're also some of the busiest, the metro is busy, and people are always trying to get to point A to B. IVHQ made my trip extremely affordable for me, and helped me gain a new perspective on the world. I volunteered in the childcare program, and I'll remember the people from the Cantegalo favela for the rest of my life. The impact that I made for the short two weeks is enough for my heart to last a lifetime.

I went to Rio de Janeiro for two weeks and it was the best two weeks of my life so far. It was easy for me to adjust to the culture because I had spent two years studying Brazil, learning Portuguese and I also have some friends that live in Niterói and Florianópolis.

I felt right at home from the minute I got there. The other volunteers were amazing and they matched my excitement and enthusiasm.

Brazil is not perfect at all and I saw this when I went to Gamboa, a favela, to teach group fitness classes. It was sad at times, but helping those people work out or simply smile and forget about their problems was an indescribable feeling.

IVHQ was the only study abroad program I could afford and I would definitely travel with them again. If you are wondering about whether or not you should travel. Just go for it. It's worth it.

I really loved my time as a volunteer in Brazil. I got to help out in a summer camp with wonderful kids, ages ranging from 5-13. I got to experience what it was like to live as a local and try their cultural food. My free time in the weekend was well spent exploring the area as well as learning more about the culture and their language. I will never forget my days in Brazil, it’s definitely an experience I will remember forever. They have many programs to choose from and many countries to go to. If I could I would go to all of them because it’s that amazing. The prices are affordable and the programs offered are amazing. You won’t regret your time as a volunteer. I definitely look forward to volunteering again because it’s that amazing. I didn’t want to leave my volunteer program in Brazil, I wanted to stay there forever. I never thought I would make it to Brazil, but thanks to the IVHQ program I was able to make my dream come true.

Truly a remarkable experience! This was my first volunteer experience and I have to say IVHQ made it easy for me throughout the planning stages to actually stepping foot in Rio. The team in Rio was really sweet and made you feel at home. Pick-up, accommodation, support, placement and most of all the other volunteers were beyond my expectation! In a way I felt like I got lucky with the group I was with but after conversations with the team and others who have volunteered before you will see this is an IVHQ thing, being surrounded by like minded folks who genuinely want to give back.

I did the sports development project which was in a beautiful setting, the community was nice and welcoming to us. If was pretty safe because the school and soccer field were close to each other and to top it off everyday there was at least 2 or 3 police officers posted in front. The commute is simple, you'll get a hang of things within days and there are several inexpensive places to eat at. The coach and the kids were the highlight of my trip, they are full of energy and will school in soccer so be prepared! I got to do a bit of both in my placement, first half you spend in the classroom and then you go play soccer. We did this twice, once with the morning class and then again with the afternoon class (9am - 3pm, Mon. - Thurs.).

Overall the place we stayed at was great and safe as long as you follow all the protocol I think Brazil is what you make it out to be. That is what the orientation is for so ask away if you have questions and stick with your group. Very cost effective place so no need to carry a ton of cash with you, just know your budget. Ton of options to buy food (they have uber eats!) or cook your own food. Plenty of time to go out, do activities and make the most of your time in Rio. I was there for 2 weeks and am satisfied with everything I did because I was always ready to do something did not matter what it was. Just be open minded and go with flow, I think that is the best way to approach any volunteer or study abroad experience and glad it turned out to be an amazing experience.

Highly recommend IVHQ and looking forward to doing my next one with them! I will miss you Rio!!

Brazil is the first country I have visited in South America and I was very surprised by the lack of English speakers in Rio. Regardless of the language barrier, I had an amazing time in Rio with other volunteers and the locals at my placement. All the locals were very friendly and were willing to help. Safety is a huge concern but I didn't feel in danger at any time during my visit. Just try to dress casually and keep a low profile, only take what you need for the day. Overall, it was an amazing experience that I would absolutely repeat if I had the chance!

My time in Rio was my first time leaving my own country in Australia. So you would think that it would no doubt be a little overwhelming. However the team and other volunteers in Rio made me feel so welcome and at home the instance i arrived. The house atmosphere was such a good/positive vibe filled with happy people.
Before leaving for Rio, the media were hyping up the dangers etc particularly with the Olympics upcoming. However, once being exposed to the city, i did not encompass one bad experience and there is nothing to worry about if you use a little common sense.
The team members went above and beyond to make my time in Rio memorable and an experience that i would never forget. Being surrounded by such helpful people really allowed me to explore Rio in a way that you never could if you were just a typical tourist. I got to see the favelas from a local who has lived there his whole life. This never would have been possible if you were just touring Brazil.
Therefore, i think Rio is a perfect location to volunteer if you want to experience a city that is full of amazing views and activities with outstanding team members to help you along the way.