Curitiba is the main location of World Endeavors volunteer programs in Brazil, and it is also said to be one of the most sustainable cities in Brazil, not to mention one of the greenest cities in the world! There is so much to be said about this lesser-known but equally exciting urban metropolis in the South of Brazil, and volunteers who are looking for an authentic Brazilian experience in a fantastic location will be pleased to find a new home in Curitiba.
With volunteer program offerings in the fields of teaching, childcare, and community development, Curitiba is sure to be a great environment for you to learn and grow as a person as well as experience a slice of Brazilian culture. There are plenty of activities to do when you are not busy volunteering, and here are a few exciting examples!
Go Green
Did we mention how environmentally friendly this city is? With over 52 square meters of urban green space per capita, Curitiba has no shortage of parks and gardens to keep your inner nature enthusiast entertained. Pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens of Curitiba, the Parque Guairacá, the Bosque Alemão, or the Parque Barigui, all of which are easy accessible by public transportation in and around Curitiba. Choose from a wide range of garden exhibitions, public events, or hikes and nature walks around the city’s extensive green spaces, and you won’t even feel like you are in a city of over 3 million people.
Get Cultured
Another trait that Curitiba boasts is its cultural diversity. Ranked as one of the best places to live in Brazil, it is one of the top recipients of both international and domestic migration, which comes as no surprise given the city’s incredible qualities and capacity for efficient urban planning and design. Because of this, you will find food from all over the world, as well as events and exhibits around the city commemorating the many different cultural influences. There is The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Japanese Immigration Memorial, or the Museu da Vida, along with countless other museums and memorials that you are sure to stumble upon during your time abroad.
Appreciate the Arts
In addition to the many historical and cultural museums and exhibits, there are also a number of happening art areas that make Curitiba a vibrant and thriving city for creatives. There are art museums such as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum of Paraná, or the Solar do Rosario Art Gallery. There is also a wide array of colorful and storytelling street art, and a craft fair, the Feira do Largo da Ordem, every Sunday in Curitiba’s Old Town neighborhood. You definitely won’t be lacking in souvenirs to bring home for family and friends!
Become a Fan
It’s no secret that soccer, or futebol as they say in Portuguese, is one of Brazil’s greatest pastimes and favorite claim to fame. They even hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as many a soccer match during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Naturally, Curitiba itself has not one but three different futebol stadiums, all of which you can visit and take part in Brazil’s club futebol fandom culture! Decide who you want to support, be it the Paraná Clube, Coritiba Foot Ball Club, or the Clube Atlético Paranaese, and prepare for a wild afternoon of cheering on your team.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Curitiba, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience in your volunteer placement and learn valuable hands-on skills and life lessons. If you are considering volunteering in Brazil but aren’t sure if Curitiba is right for you, no worries — we also offer volunteer placements in some fields in Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis!
Are you ready to start your journey volunteering abroad in Brazil with World Endeavors? Get in contact with us today!
Posted by World Endeavors on October 29, 2016
World Endeavors believes that international travel has the power to change lives, broaden horizons, and deepen intercultural understanding. The world is undergoing rapid changes, with societies becoming more interconnected and environmentally aware; at the same time a more challenging global economy inspires in many a need to reach out and make a positive difference while seeking personal growth opportunities. There has never been a better time than now to travel abroad.
