Become part of our community village and share your English skills at Iracema, Brazil

Details

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  Description

  Hello everyone,
  
  [NOTE: We are Portuguese speakers and our community does not speak English]
  
  Four years ago, we initiated a volunteer program with the goal of teaching English, Spanish, and other languages to people living in our community, as well as exchanging skills and knowledge. We started from scratch, with no infrastructure, and some people from around the world believed in us and came to help. Even when we didn't have our own home, people would come and stay with local resident families. Homes filled with love and simplicity.
  
  Today, we have our own land and are in the process of building our own space. Located in the Zona Rural neighborhood, in Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil, our community is situated in the Amazon rainforest, with around 200 families living on the banks of the Amazon River. The Amazon River is just a minute away from our doorstep, and it's incredible to spend time watching the sunrise, sunset, and boats passing by.
  
  We invite international volunteers to join us, so our students can gain a realistic understanding of what it's like to speak English, experience different accents, and get a glimpse of life beyond Brazil – a cultural exchange. In Brazil, extracurricular English classes can be quite expensive. Our goal is to offer affordable classes, hoping to create future opportunities for our students. We believe in the power of language education to build connections, create opportunities, and enrich lives.
  
  Our long-term goal (10 years) is to transform the village into the 1st Trilingual Eco-Village in the Brazilian Amazon, thanks to the seed of good action from each volunteer, near and far, who joins this cause. After all, "riverine lives matter"!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You can take advantage of the entire environment and gain knowledge of the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Iracema.
  
  Options:
  
  - Enjoy the view of the Amazon River while teaching some skill.
  - Eat fish from the Amazon River
  - Fish with a riverine family in a small, safe boat
  - Interact with community members
  - Have a campfire storytelling night
  - Teach and learn many things at the same time
  - Adopt a family to paint their house (Colorful Houses)
  - Promote environmental awareness
  - Experience Amazonian riverine cuisine
  - Help with donations that you deem necessary.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  "Please note that there are only 2 hours of activities from Monday to Friday, and the rest of your time is free for you to use as you wish. Therefore, it's essential that you, as a prospective volunteer, are aware that this is a unique volunteer experience, without classrooms, air conditioning, banquets, or luxury. Our classrooms are sometimes under the trees!
  
  I know some of you may think I'm crazy, and I may disappoint many volunteers who expect to find everything ready and organized. But the reality is that I've seen this community, and I need help. I need mentors, and this goes beyond a service exchange. My heart is with the children, who are the hope of this place, heavily influenced by trafficking and child abuse. So, this project is also a cry for help in a way.
  
  I take this opportunity to apologize to the volunteers who came and felt offended. I'm deeply sorry that you didn't find this place like a palace. I'm working on it, and we'll make it right. Thank you."
  
  
  We expect you to stay with us for at least 2 weeks (Minimum). One of the most important distinctions between hot and cold-climate cultures in the work setting is that hot-climate culture is relationship-based. All hot-climate communication has one goal: to promote a friendly environment and a positive relationship. From what we’ve experienced so far, 2 weeks is a great way to start building these connections.
  
  We expect you to conduct conversational English lessons for students of all ages, from beginner to intermediate level, in an interactive way! No prior knowledge of Portuguese is required. You don't have to be a native English speaker, but you must have an advanced level.
  
  You can teach anything you feel like, there is no restrictions or guideline. We want our people to learn, understand and communicate as much as possible and also a experience with international travelers. So, you'll be expected to give a workshop that can range from talking about your home country/culture to sharing your unique skills with students.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Portuguese: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  We can teach you Portuguese and would like to learn English
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  Accommodation

  We have 1 house for accommodation
  
  Our house is in the final stages of construction/completion:
  
  In this house, we have:
  
  - Internet
  - A large bedroom
  - Space for a hammock inside the bedroom and in the external patio
  - Bathroom
  - Living room
  - Kitchen
  - A beautiful porch overlooking the Amazon River
  
  HONESTY:
  
  Currently, we are not able to offer meals, however, we have kitchens available for preparation. Volunteers are responsible for cooking their own food. You can bring food with you or buy supplies at the local supermarket.
  
  There is a fishing activity with some local residents during the week, and if you want to participate, everything you catch is yours!

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  What else ...

  Transportation is only available by boat, departing from the Manaus Port Center (Green Pier) to Iracema (Iracema Port), taking approximately 9-10 hours along the Amazon River.
  
  (We will provide all necessary information before your trip, so you can plan your journey.)
  
  There are two boats that operate on this route, but one of them is a partner of the Iracema project, and volunteers do not pay anything to reach their destination. The boat drops the volunteer off at our community, and the house is located right in front of the Iracema Port.
  
  We usually have a large number of mosquitoes and "Pernilongos/Carapanã" (Culex Amazonicus) during the day and night. So, be sure to bring insect repellent and light clothing for the heat.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have Wifi at our house. But the signal might fluctuate.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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