Expert: Sandra - 8/31/2010

Question
Dear Sandra,
I have a Batchelor's degree in translation and interpretation , my major is english with excellent command of both german and portuguese, while I am a native italian speaker. I am planning to move to Brazil and wonder what job opportunities exist for someone with such qualifications. I would also appreciate if you could tell me what is the average cost of living in Brazil , more specifically small apartment rentals as well as eating expenses( not including restaurants).
I thank you in advance for your kindness.

Best Regards
David

Answer
First of all, David, the thing to understand is that Brazil is nowhere close to Thailand in terms of cheap cost of living. There are vast differences in cost of living among different cities, so an average has little meaning. Sao Paulo, the business center and huge sprawling collection of highrises, probably has the most work opportunities, but the highest cost of living.

Many things, like jobs, in Brazil depend on contacts, who you or your family knows. So job opportunities might coma along very slowly to start, especially if you intend to freelance. Your best bet might be to get a job with a company in your home country and get posted to Brazil. You don't say much about what impels you to come to Brazil (gf? marriage does get you a legal work permit), but you are not allowed to work on a tourist visa. Work visas are quite difficult to get.

If you are going to rent a furnished apartment meant for tourists/visitors the price would be higher than a local unfurnished apartment, but you might also need a guarantor for the usual 30 month contract on an unfurnished apartment, and of course, you would have to furnish it. House/apartment shares are not as common in a country where most young poeple live in their parents' house until marriage.

Best of luck.