Teaching English in Brazilian Amazon

Teach English in Cazumba-Iracema, Amazon, Brazil

The reserve of Cazumba Iracema is located in the western-most part of Brazil, in the Amazonian area, in the state of Acre. It extends over more than 7500 sq km. The reserve is home to about 350 families who employ traditional methods of extraction of natural robber, commonly known as robber tappers (seringueiros).

The robber tree in the amazon does no grow in plantations. So they need the natural forests alive to be able to extract the latex from the rubber tree, which is where natural robber comes from.

They also use other products from the forest such as Brazil Nuts and Acai Berry. What makes this community so special and the focus of our work, is the fact that they obtain their livelihood from well protected forests. Hence they thrive on conserving forest resources, making them a real example of sustainability.

General info

The Reserve of Cazumba Iraceman is located in the North Western state of Acre (please see deatils of the reserve above). Acre has borders with Peru and Bolivia.

The region has two seasons: Dry (“winter”) season July- October with high temperatures during the day (25-30) and cool during night and early mornings. The dry season can have days with low temperature due to polar weather fronts coming from the South.

You arrive to the village by boat, three hours up the river (one of the tributaries of the Amazon) from the nearest town. We coordinate all necessary logistics for your trip after you arrive to the airport, to ensure your safety.

During your free time in the village you can ride bicycle, go trecking, fishing or accompany the local settlers in their daily work and or recreational activities.

Project Work

The community of Cazumba is a model community often visited by researchers, international conservation organisations such as the IUCN, our inters/volunteers, tourists and others.

The first time we visited the community we were approached by Nesinho, the leader of that community. He explained the need for the people in Cazumba to learn English, so they could interact with foreign visitors.

We decided to set up the English teaching project that was piloted in April 2019. Since then there have been many volunteers working on this project. Each teacher leaves a report of where they left off, for the flowing volunteer to use as a guidance.

So your work in this project will be under your own initiative following the guidance that previous teachers have left of the work undertaken. There are two groups learning English: children of school age and young adults 16- 35.

When you apply to join we will explain all details and once your place is confirmed we can put you in touch with the previous teacher.

You may also join other activities in the village, as they will welcome you there and make you feel like one of them

Accommodation

The accommodation is in the village of Cazumba, in the researcher’s lodge, where there is bedrooms, kitchen, living area, showers and all necessary facilities, although basic; as well as internet connection via wifi.

Food

Food is provided and you can cook or a person is contracted when there are bigger groups. The food is traditional food eaten in the region, hence bread is not abundant but vegetales and some protein are supplied, as well as coffee. You may bring tea if you prefer and also bring some crackers as substitute for bread, which you can buy in town before you travel up the river.

What will you gain

Cazumba is an amazing place, you will enjoy the privilege of interacting with the villagers and enjoy the simple rural life of the Amazon.
You will put into practice your teaching skills and will acquire real work experience.
You will be able to explore the different forms of livelihood and help in the processing of the different produce, learn about traditional methods for the sustainable use of natural resources.
You will learn Portuguese
Will add to your CV skills and experience that will help you stand from the crowd in the job market.

Read about Rosie’s experience here

Project Cost

2 weeks 4 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks

£675 £ 1265 £1682 £ 2395

All projects attract a £250 booking fee.

The price includes: Accommodation, food and transportation from the nearest town to the reserve (up the river) and during work if required.

Your programme fee covers the cost of your stay in the village, food and transport up the river and supplements the salary of those involved in looking after you while you are there. The booking fee covers the cost of coordinating your trip and ensure your safety.We run a mobile phone enquiry line over wahtaspp that is manned 24/7 and you can contact us at any time for support when you are traveling.

Testimonials

I had the most amazing time of my life in Cazumba. I came to do my dissertation research on Sustainable Development. This experience helped me get my next job as a researcher on forest issues. People are so welcoming and were always looking out for me. I did not know Portuguese, but that did not stop me. Read about my experience here.

I came to Cazumba to teach English. I actually came to do the first pilot of the programme and set the foundations for the next volunteers coming after me. I study Spanish language and know a little Portuguese, despite that I managed to work with children and adults. They were so keen to learn that everything I taught was well received. I learned so much as well. I want to follow close this work in Cazumba and hope to be able to come back again.