Volunteer / Brazil / Health Care and Health Education in Brazil

health care and health education in brazil


Health Care and Health Education in Brazil

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Local community health clinics and hospitals in Brazil serve a critical role on the front lines of health care. Here, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals focus not only on medicine, but on relationships. By building personal relationships with the families in the community served, these clinics can often identify health problems at an earlier stage.

Volunteers assist in various self-contained community health clinics or hospitals, which are dedicated to the delivery of general healthcare and prevention. Duties may include, but are not limited to: helping with bathing and feeding of the patients, making beds and reorganizing hospital rooms, taking patients to the laboratory for tests or for their chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments, shadowing nurses and other professionals.  Help is also needed in a children's cancer hospital, where volunteers can spend time playing with the children.

If you are a medical student or a healthcare professional, you can contribute directly to your area. Help is needed in general medicine, pharmacy, nursing, nutrition and social work.  But if you have a desire to work in the community healthcare sector, but have no experience, this is also a wonderful opportunity to work on a worthwhile project.

Back_topOrientation:

Upon arrival in Brazil, participants are met at the airport and taken to the home of their host family. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the local area, the Brazilian culture, and their program. For placements of one month or longer, participants will receive a week of Portuguese language training.

Once the placement begins, participants should receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities. For participants doing two to three week programs Portuguese instruction may be added on to your program, prior to leaving or on-site, for an additional cost (about $10 per hour).  It is not necessary that you know any Portuguese prior to participation in this program.

Back_topHousing:

Home stays with Brazilian host families. In more remote placements, alternative accommodations may be provided.

Food: Traditional Brazilian food is included (breakfast and dinner).

Back_topParticipant Life:

Working Hours
You will work 5 hours per day, between the hours of 7.00am and 5.00pm, from Monday to Friday.

Resources
All that you need to make a successful contribution to this project will be provided. Resources are scarce but well utilized. Commitment and enthusiasm are important resources.

Activities: Medical students may participate in health awareness campaigns and prevention, and generally assist nursing and other staff. Volunteers without experience but who have an interest or desire to work in the Health Sector can also fully participate in this program.

Back_topConsiderations:

Portuguese language skills are very useful in communicating with patients and community members, but no Portuguese is required for participation in the program.

Back_topCost and Dates :

Programs generally start on Monday of each week. Participants can choose when they would like to start and the duration of their volunteer program. A typical program ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Check with World Endeavors for alternate dates or durations.

Duration in Weeks

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

12

Cost (USD)

$1308

$1422

$1723

$1837

$1950

$2065

$2180

$2645

We encourage volunteers to apply as far in advance as possible. Generally it is best to submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to your intended start date, but exceptions can be made if the volunteer is willing to work with World Endeavors to expedite the enrollment process. To submit an application, download the application found on the sidebar of this page.

Back_topCost Included:

  • Pre-departure packet to prepare you for your placement
  • World Endeavors support for any of your pre-trip questions
  • Accommodations (breakfast and dinner with a local family)
  • Support from local World Endeavors representatives
  • Orientation
  • 1 week of Portuguese language training (for programs 4 weeks and longer)
  • Language course materials
  • Volunteer placement
  • Emergency phone support
  • Free cell phone rental

    • Not Included:

  • Round-trip airfare to Brazil
  • Visa expenses and airport taxes 
  • Personal expenses including daily transportation costs

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