Live and teach ESL in Vidigal, a safe favela in Rio de Janeiro!

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About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Finland

5

Voluntering experience in the hostel is one of those experiences that you will remember your whole life with good memories. The host Larry is very chill and nice guy and the volunteer team is very social and nice. the hostel's community is full of nice people and it's easy to make new friends all over the world while your visit. I recomend this voluntering position if you want to get authentic Rio experience.

7 days ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United States

5

The hostel is a wonderful place to experience Brazilian culture and connect authentically with the community. (I am even extending my stay!) The program offers a wide schedule of classes, both with kids and adults for you to support the learning of the locals in Vidigal. Larry is a gem of a human who often invites the group on mini excursions to nature spots around Rio - go with him and be prepared for a great time and a lovely sprinkle of philosophical wonderings. Staying at the hostel is really a great chance to balance freedom to explore with grounded work in the community. I recommend!

about 1 month ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Italy

5

Amazing experience!
Safe, funny and unforgettable, I already miss you!

about 2 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United Kingdom

5

Everything about the hostel was incredible. I booked it very spontaneously without realising it was in a favela or that I'd be teaching English. I was very disorganised, and changed my room twice, my date of arrival 3 times and my date of departure 4 times but the team there took my bs in stride and helped me through everything. Larry, Samuel and Gabby (the owner, housekeeper and teacher) were collectively and uniquely helpful lovely and are all people I'm privileged to have met. I have much more to say but pls pls pls book!!!!!!!! No more words, happy to discuss with anyone who wants to kno

2 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United States

5

My time at the hostel was amazing. I stayed for 10 days and Larry was able to accommodate. I met so many amazing people both volunteers and students. I taught the adult classes and everyone got along super well, I enjoyed having the students join the fun at the weekly Churrascos. Felt very safe , and got to see a side of Rio de Janeiro I wouldn't have been able to see if I hadn't chosen this opportunity.

3 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United Kingdom

5

My first WorldPackers experience which I can't recommend enough. Larry and Meg made me feel so welcome and were really accommodating when I had an issue or an emergency. They made sure I was safe and cared for even when I did an excursion to Sao Paolo on one of my off days.

The lesson plans were also really accommodating despite my own Portuguese level. I truly felt like I made a difference and gave back to the community, the students were so warm as well ! I was invited to different events with them and it's such a perfect environment to make friends. Im really grateful for my time here.

4 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United States

5

It was a great experience! Everyone we met working with the program was super helpful and meeting the students made it that much better. This program offers an amazing opportunity to not only connect with locals and practice some Portuguese through the classes (across different levels of English learning experience) but also with people from all over the world who are volunteering as well. Couldn't recommend this opportunity more.

7 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bulgaria

5

Being part of the hostel was an incredible experience. It was my first time traveling alone, yet it truly felt like becoming part of a new family. There were always opportunities to meet new people, join great activities, and take on different challenges. A huge thank‑you to Kat, who made the whole stay genuinely exceptional. Experiencing Vidigal was also amazing - safe, authentic, and full of life. I cherished every single moment of this project, and I genuinely encourage anyone considering it to give it a try. It's an experience that stays with you.

9 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Canada

5

Had the best time at the hostel! Everyone was so kind. I was there while the students were on their Christmas holidays so only got to participate in the summer camp a few days before I left but that was also amazing! Thanks everyone :)

9 months ago

About the experience in: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

United States

4

Volunteering at the hostel was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. I came to Rio thinking I would be teaching English, but I ended up learning just as much from the community as I shared with it. The students were incredibly welcoming, curious, and eager to connect. Some of my favorite moments weren't even in the classroom they were painting murals with the kids, sharing meals, practicing Portuguese, and simply spending time together. It reminded me that giving attention is one of the purest forms of generosity, an experience I'll never forget.

4 months ago

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