Expert: Edison - 5/5/2010

Question
I am considering relocating to Rio for maybe a year. I have a teaching credential in the U.S. for Spanish and ESL and 2 years of experience teaching Spanish and some experience teaching ESL and tutoring. I was wondering what the best way to find a job and cheap place to live in Rio while I am still here in the US. I would prefer to find a job before I go. I was also wondering how hard a work visa is to come by - I speak fluent Portuguese...

Answer
Hello Cristi,

I am not an expert on teaching area and visa issues. Also, before trying to get a work visa, you should have a job offer. Since you are fluent in Portuguese, search the web for English schools in Rio and contact them. Schools could also help you finding a cheap place to stay. Maybe you could share a place with a student in exchange for private lessons.

For working visa information, please contact a Brazilian consulate in US:
http://www.consbrasdc.org/informacoes.asp?id=1

Also, the following sites of expatriates living in Brazil can provide a lot of good tips for you:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/living_abroad/living_in_brazil
http://www.expat-blog.com/en/directory/south-america/brazil/
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/brazil/

Here are some sites for job searching:
http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/jcg_br.html
http://www.the-backpacking-site.com/countries/brazil-working.html
http://www.consbrasmontreal.org/english/estrageiros.aspx
http://www.catho.com.br
http://www.manager.com.br
http://www.peopleconsulting.com.br

Sorry for the delay (was traveling) and good luck!

Edison