Location:

Maceio, Brazil; Manaus, Brazil; Salvador, Brazil; Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Recife, Brazil

Program Type:

Teach Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Duration:

1-3 months

Teach Abroad:

Placement

Placement Audience:

12-15 years old

Program Overview

Program Description:

Organizational Summary: US-Brazil Connect’s mission is to strengthen education and build economic opportunities by connecting communities, engaging leaders, and creating transformative learning experiences linking the United States and Brazil. The Conexao Mundo/World Connection Program is a Fellowship linking U.S. college students and young professionals (Fellows) with Brazilian technology high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. Learn more about us on our website.

It’s not study abroad, a tour, or typical travel to Brazil. It’s a challenging and rewarding fellowship, providing a deep experience in the real world of global leadership. You do not need to speak Portuguese and you do not need to have teaching experience. You must be prepared to work hard, solve problems in unfamiliar surroundings, overcome cross-cultural and language barriers, and contribute to building a supportive community. You will gain: • Knowledge and in-depth experience of Brazil: You learn about Brazil, the world’s 7th largest economy, through study prior to departure, intense interaction, a weekend workshop, and a 4-week immersion in Brazil. • Immersion, global leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving: True global leadership begins with direct experience of living, working and learning outside the United States. You will work and live in Brazil for a 4-week period of intense interaction and learning with Brazilian students. Previous individuals who have served as US-Brazil Connect Fellows report the experience does more than build skills and knowledge about Brazil—it inspires leadership, character development, self-discovery and service. • Connections, networks and community: You will build new networks, create relationships and see first-hand how global trends in innovation and technology are reshaping the world. • Learn and practice global leadership skills in action: You participate in a paid fellowship, serving as a coach, mentor, and facilitator to a group of 12-15 Brazilian high school students who want practice and exposure to native speakers to improve their English. You receive support and training for your role as a tutor and coach. The application process is designed to identify participants with high potential as authentic leaders, effective agents of change, problem-solvers, and dedicated team builders. Candidates from all disciplines and career fields are encouraged to apply. Outstanding Fellows in past years have come from a wide range of disciplines and career paths, including computer science, communication, education, social work and international development.

On the ground in Brazil, Fellows receive lodging, meals, local transportation, and a stipend in exchange for their program leadership. In total, the value of the Fellowship has an estimated value of $6,000-$8,000.

Setting Description:

US-Brazil Connect Fellows will be placed in one of the program's designated cities/towns in Brazil - locations vary from urban centers to beach towns. Please note: Fellows will be placed in sites by program leadership (cities listed below are some locations in 2013, but are not guaranteed). Fellows will stay in a hotel and share a room with another Fellow of the same gender. For more information about settings, see photos on the US-Brazil Connect Facebook page!

Cost:

Costs: US-Brazil Connect charges no program fees. Fellows are responsible for: 1) International Airfare to Brazil: With the World Cup in 2014 and high demand for travel to Brazil, tickets must be purchased by February 15th. 2) Brazilian Visa: A Brazilian visa typically costs about $250, which includes the visa fee and the service charge to use a third-party service, which is required in most states. Those able to obtain a visa directly from a Brazilian Embassy in the U.S. will pay just $160. 3