Internships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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.