If you arrive without a job, it’s time to hit the streets. March and August are the peak hiring seasons for the majority of schools, but hiring takes place year-round. Typically, you will find that salaries range from $800 to $1500 per month, which may seem unacceptable to some, but many people with a TEFL job in Brazil will take on private students to supplement their income.

Should you be lucky enough to find a job in the business world, you can expect your salary to be much higher. Those teachers working in language academies can expect to earn enough to live comfortably if they are careful with how they spend their money, but should not expect to be able to save much.

As to the issue of visas, many foreign teachers searching for a TEFL job in Brazil arrive on a tourist visa, find a job and then apply for a work visa with the guidance of their employers. That said, there are teachers who choose not to bother with a work visa as the process tends to be lengthy, usually requiring an extended contract, which may or may not be offered by their school. Just take note – working on a tourist visa is not legal.

The formal requirement for landing a TEFL job in Brazil specifies that teachers must have at least two years experience and a BA or BSc with a specialisation in a relevant subject, although many teachers get by with fewer years’ teaching experience. A certificate in TEFL, ESL or EFL is not a requirement for a working visa.

Living in Brazil can be expensive or cheap, the choice is yours. There are luxurious apartments available in some of the more desirable and upscale neighbourhoods in the larger cities, but avoiding these areas you should be able to find a place to live that will fit nicely with the income of a TEFL teacher in Brazil. As you are no doubt aware, Brazil is the party capital of South America and it is easy to spend money, but be prudent and have the time of your life.