Brazil

Rio de Janeiro 

About   

Brazil has a long-rooted history with migrants and the welcome gates are currently open.  The fifth largest country in the world with the sixth highest GDP, this controversial host of the 2014 Summer Olympics is currently experiencing a worker shortage in specialized fields like medicine and engineering.  Costs are skyrocketing but the jobs are there, especially if you have the skills they could use.  Brazil's been actively campaigning for foreign migrants lately and there's a thriving ex-pat community across the country.  

Location 

The largest and most populous country in South America.  Brazil features famous beaches on the Atlantic side, the majority of the Amazon jungle, crazy cities, extensive farmland, and mountain ranges, so there's something for every taste.

The Amazon (these massive water lilies can support up to 40 kg)

Language 

Portuguese (a slightly different version than what is spoken in Portugal)  

Best For 

- Portuguese/English speaking couples 

- Skilled workers, including doctors, engineers, accountants, executives, etc.

- Language teachers 

Visa Information 

 Though the government is dramatically improving the number of work visas doled out, the legal papers are still hard to come by.  Most teaching jobs are typically paid under the table.  Companies with a foot in Brazil and another elsewhere can help you out with visas the easiest - especially if they are based in your home country.  Your tourist visa can not go farther than 180 days, and though legal and more permanent positions can be found through networking, don't count on staying past your visa expiration date.

For more technical or skilled jobs, the company will help process the visa but you might still be expected to pay for it (roughly $160 USD).

The Moneys 

Brazil is expensive and costs are still rising.  It's best to keep some money in your bank account from home to help pay for loans and for emergencies.  English teachers make 10 real at the low end and 50 at the highest end ($4 - 22 USD) depending on the school, and factor in time for transportation between classes too.  Most teachers teach at least two schools to stay afloat with hours.

In terms of skilled work, salaries will be high, but keep in mind Rio de Janeiro has roughly the same cost of living as New York City so rent will be high too.

Jobs Available 

Corporate jobs, medical work, teaching positions, anything in the engineering or technical field.  If you can get a job before you go, great, but it's more likely you'll find one on the ground.

In Summary 

Brazil's a crazy place lately, and the general public isn't too happy about the government's spending on the Olympics or the rising cost of living (see:  The Salad Uprising).  Many of the issues on the table are regarding education, healthcare, and infrastructure and the government has listened enough to say it needs help through skilled foreign workers.  All I'm saying is if you do find a job, know you are part of a national dialogue.  The protests are massive and the police brutality traumatic while the world waits to see how or if it will change the course for the country.  It's either an amazing time to be in the country or a complete nightmare - it just depends on how politically charged you like your adventures abroad.

Just be safe (and let me know how it goes).