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Internships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant gem on Brazil’s southeastern coast, is an unforgettable destination for internships abroad. With its lush landscapes, iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, and buzzing city life, Rio offers young professionals an exciting mix of career development and cultural immersion. From business and conservation to education and the arts, Rio is full of rewarding internship possibilities.
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46 Internships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Institute for Global Studies

9.43

7

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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Eco Caminhos

10

1

Organic Kitchen Apprenticeship on a Permaculture Farm

Join Eco Caminhos as we nurture an atmosphere of knowledge exchange, friendships, and unique experiences. We have a position open for an apprentice who can work in our kitchen, preparing and serving organic meals. The role also involves agroforestry activities and animal care (cows and chickens). We welcome candidates with the following qualities: - Female, over 18 years old - Available to live on the farm during the learning period - Disposition and physical fitness to carry out activities related to cooking, agroforestry, and animal care* - Interest and curiosity in learning about permaculture and sustainable practices - Proactivity, responsibility, and commitment *The farm is located in a steep area; our biggest effort is going up and down. This apprentice program in Brazil comes with a range of benefits, including shared accommodation on the farm and cost allowance during the apprentice period. Plus, you get to enjoy healthy and organic farm-to-table meals! Interested in this great opportunity? Send us a message for complete details!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

How to Intern Abroad in Rio de Janeiro

Prepare for an Internship

Set goals

Planning your internship in Rio de Janeiro starts with understanding what you want to achieve academically, professionally, and personally. Define your goals to make the most of this international experience.

  • Identify your academic focus. Choose a field aligned with your degree or interests.
  • Prioritize personal growth. Consider how language learning or cultural immersion fits into your goals.
  • Align with your career path. Seek internships that build skills relevant to your future profession.
  • Research role requirements. Make sure you meet prerequisites like academic enrollment or prior experience.

Understand the benefits

Interning in Rio is a rare chance to combine meaningful work with one of the most exciting cities on the planet. It's a full-circle experience in culture, language, and career-building.

  • Build professional skills. You'll gain hands-on experience that employers value while contributing to impactful projects in one of South America's economic hubs.
  • Improve your Portuguese in a native-speaking environment. Daily immersion in the language accelerates fluency and boosts your communication skills in both professional and personal settings.
  • Expand your global perspective. You’ll collaborate in multicultural teams and learn how to navigate cross-cultural work environments with confidence.
  • Vibrant traditions will enhance your global mindset. Gain cultural fluency in a city known for music, festivals, and rich diversity.

Things to know

Rio de Janeiro offers an enriching experience, but preparation is key to success and safety during your stay.

  • Internships are often unpaid and require academic enrollment. To qualify legally, take at least one course at a recognized institution while interning.
  • Visa processes can take up months. You’ll need documents like a criminal background check, a medical exam, and a letter of invitation from your host organization.
  • Portuguese proficiency is not required but highly recommended. Knowing basic Portuguese will help you navigate daily life and connect more deeply with locals.
  • The weather can be hot and humid year-round. Be prepared for occasional monsoons, flash floods, or tropical storms, especially during summer months.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Once in a lifetime to experience agriculture in a unique way

June 20, 2025by: Dylan Davidson - United StatesProgram: Organic Kitchen Apprenticeship on a Permaculture Farm
10

Growing up in a background of farming in Nebraska, I thought I knew what agriculture generally was. Eco Caminhos totally changed my perspective for the better and sparked an interest in sustainability

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