Short Term and Customized: Brazil

Plan a program with Amizade in Brazil

Volunteers do not need any special skills to participate in Brazil, just a willingness to serve. Service projects are coordinated in accordance with a schedule set by the community. While immersed in the Brazilian culture, Amizade participants get to experience the unique cuisine, meet locals, and explore incredible landscape shaped by the Amazonian geography.

OVERVIEW

Santarém is located in the state of Pará, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, and served as the stage for the foundation of Amizade 25 years ago. It is known for being the largest city in the West of the state, and also known for one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Alter-do-Chão. Amizade participants will connect with local nonprofit organizations for volunteering, explore the particularities of the Brazilian culture, and study the healthcare system through visits to health facilities in town.

QUICK FACTS

Location: Santarém, Brazil
Support: Community Initiatives in Brazil
Service Opportunities: Medical placements, clean water initiatives, building community centers, teaching English as a second language, teaching art, and nonprofit management

QUICK FACTS

Lodging: Dormitories, homestays possible
Food: Lots of fresh fish, rice, beans, fruit
Flights: Through Manaus, Belém, Brasília, Recife, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo
Visa: In June 2019, Brazil started waving visas for U.S. Citizens.
Communication: Cell networks; wifi
Closest Airport: Santarém, Brazil

HOW TO PLAN A PROGRAM

We pride ourselves in creating mutually empowering and safe global service-learning programs. This means that when you develop an experience with Amizade, you’re building a responsible, intentional, and community driven service-learning program. Programs typically have three phases: (1) pre-immersion, (2) immersion, and (3) re-entry. Amizade works with you in all three phases to develop your program, including to build curriculum, itineraries, budgets, evaluation, follow-up, and sustainability.

CONTACT US

The first step in building your program is to have a chat with us. We’re a people-powered organization, which means a little less tech and a little more human conversation. Send us an email, give us a ring or fill out this form to initiate the start of your journey.

PROPOSAL

Once we’re all feeling good about a potential collaboration and have a clear, co-created vision, Amizade and its partners submit a proposal to you. The proposal will include an overview of what you might be engaging in, a draft itinerary, health and safety information, and a transparent line-item budget.

CONTRACT

After the proposal is agreed on, we send over a digital contract. This includes important legal and financial considerations. After a signed contract and a non-refundable $1,000 deposit are submitted, we can officially lock in your dates and begin the process of preparing for your program.

PRE-IMMERSION

This phase includes pre-departure orientations (we mandate at least one with our staff), learning about the process of travel, culture, service, and the community you are visiting. This is also when family and community sensitization takes place, as well as any relevant coursework. Often this is when we see group bonding start, comfort zones being extended, and new challenges (as well as some nerves and excitement).

IMMERSION

This is the travel phase. Community engagement, reflective practice, academic inquiry, and exploration all should be taking place at this time. All of our programs are a mixture of service, workshops, and cultural and recreational activities. Participants will step out of their comfort zones, try new things, engage complex issues, be introduced to new networks and ideas, and bond. Often this can be a very disrupting, inspiring, and transformational experience.

RE-ENTRY

After a transformative experience, we sometimes can fall right back into the grind of life when we return home. It can be tough, isolating, and confusing. Re-entry is perhaps the most important phase for determining what kind of neighbor – the very person – you become. It’s also the easiest to ignore. In this phase, there should be serious reflection, advocacy, support systems, and/or a plan for community engagement, or social action. Depending on the design and funding of your program, Amizade can help create a plan and opportunities for participants.

Since 1994 we have been thought leaders and pioneers in developing best practices in responsible global service-learning, study abroad, and solidarity-building volunteering experiences. We work with:

Universities (faculty-led, alternative break, and semester abroad)
High School
Community and Religious Groups
Corporations
Government Agencies

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Our community partners helped Amizade built the foundation of our service-learning programs in Brazil. Meet them.

BRAZIL TEAM

SAMPLE ITINERARY & FEES

Find a sample itinerary of activities and estimated fees for groups interested in traveling to Brazil with Amizade.

PLAN A PROGRAM

Amizade is looking forward to having you in one of our programs.

plan a program

LEARN ABOUT THIS SITE

Get to know the history of our partnership in Brazil.

VISIT THE SITE