Expert: Edison - 6/14/2004

Question
Edison,

I'm a Canadian citizen working as a software developer (9 years: windows, c++, c#, .net, asp.net).

My girlfriend (a lawyer) and I are contemplating spending a year or two in Brazil.

Would you be able to suggest some resources, links, organizations... where we could learn more about living and working in your old country? Do you think I would be able to find a job as a sw developer? In what cities? How important (and on what level) is it to speak Portuguese in my field?

Thanks,

Andrej

Answer
Hello Andrej,

Brazil, as Canada, is a country of lots of immigrants and opportunities. However, to find a job in Brazil requires a work permission, good knowledge of Portuguese (unless you work for a multinational company) and excellent technical skills.

Also, the unemployment rate is around 20% in Brazil now, meaning that getting a good would not be easy and the salary will be low (US$300-$600 a month).

Teaching English is always a good way to start a life in Brazil. Major cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have the best opportunities for jobs.

Here are few web resources:

1. Visa:
http://www.consbrastoronto.org/conseng.htm http://www.brasilemb.org/consulado/consular1.shtml

2. Job search:
http://br.empregos.yahoo.com
http://www.latpro.com

3. Moving & living in Brazil:
http://www.graded.br/navega.asp?stt=126&cat=4
http://www.geographia.com/brazil/saopaulo/
http://www.geographia.com/brazil/rio/index.htm
http://www.outpostexpat.nl/brazil.html

Good luck and have fun!

Edison