Internships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

45 Internships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Institute for Global Studies
4.57
7
Institute for Global Studies' conservation biology projects are some of the most essential and interesting options we offer. The exciting part is realizing immediate results and knowing that every hour you spend is increasing biodiversity. IGS works with nonprofits and indigenous groups that are com
See All 44 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
828
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 Conservatio
How to Intern Abroad in Rio de Janeiro
Overview
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.
Fields
Choose a Field
Rio de Janeiro’s booming industries, natural environment, and cultural energy make it a top destination for diverse internships. Whether you're passionate about people, the planet, or public policy, there’s a fit for you.
Ecology
With the Atlantic Forest at its doorstep and urban ecosystems scattered throughout the city, Rio is an ideal setting for ecology internships. Interns may support habitat restoration, conduct biodiversity surveys, or work with NGOs focused on environmental advocacy and ecological education.
Tourism
Rio’s booming tourism industry draws millions each year to landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach. Internships in tourism offer valuable experience in hospitality, cultural management, event planning, or travel services—an ideal option for those looking to thrive in a globally connected industry.
Education & Language
Interning in education in Rio often means teaching English to Brazilian students or families while improving your Portuguese. It’s a rewarding experience that bridges cultures and promotes meaningful language exchange in schools or community programs.
Getting Started
Tips & Advice
Ready to launch your internship journey in Rio? Follow these steps to find your perfect fit and prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
1. Get matched
GoAbroad Online Advisor will pair you with internships that align with your academic and career goals in Rio de Janeiro.
2. Choose a program
Explore opportunities through MyGoAbroad to find structured internships with housing, mentorship, and in-country support.
3. Funding & scholarships
Fill out our scholarship and deals application to get instantly matched with funding opportunities for internship programs!
4. Apply
Submit your documents, including resume, references, and academic proof. Tailor your application to show your experience and enthusiasm for your chosen field.
5. Get your essentials
Start early on processing your visa, gather your passport, medical forms, police clearance, and company letter. Don’t forget travel insurance, housing details, and flight planning resources.
Popular Providers
Latest Program Reviews
I had an amazing time
January 05, 2023by: Lutty Mgombele - TanzaniaI went to Israel for agriculture internship for 2 years from 2019 to 2021. It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about agriculture and how can be horticultural production can integrate with aquatic or fish farming. Apart from that I learned about Jewish culture and pay visit to different places as written in the Bible about Israel
It started with a Google search
February 24, 2021by: Mark Anthony Pineda - CanadaProgram: At-Risk Youth Mentor (Education/Social Services) Internships
It started with a Google search. I tried to look for ways to travel despite the pandemic. I am bored to death at home. I searched available internships on Google, and tadah the Institute for Global Studies came up. I was very hesitant at first, but the video call with Dr. Adams made me trust the organization. He assured me everything will be safe and sound. Fast forward, 1 week after my internship in Hawaii. I so missed the people there, the people I bonded the most, the children whom I taught English, and the IGS mentors I gained along the way. Glad that I did that Google search!
Educating at-risk youth
February 24, 2021by: Vianca F - United Arab EmiratesProgram: At-Risk Youth Mentor (Education/Social Services) Internships
As an Education Major, I know that the childhood phase and early youth phase are crucial stages in one's life. That's the precise reason why I chose this internship. Here, I was given the chance to work with children abandoned by parents and committed some juvenile crimes. We created teaching lessons for them and spearheaded class discussions. What melted my heart is that they are really actively participating and very much enthusiastic as they listen. I wish I could extend my trip, but I had to go home because of personal matters. I'll be back I promise!
Thailand is beautiful
February 24, 2021by: Giovanni Smith - United StatesProgram: At-Risk Youth Mentor (Education/Social Services) Internships
I became a youth mentor in Bangkok and all I can say is Thailand is really beautiful. More than the postcards and the YouTube videos that I watch, it is intensely more beautiful in person. We toured Bangkok during weekend trips - me and my co-interns. They are nice people and fun to be with at the same time. Among all the places we visited, mI can't forget The Grand Palace and the floating market. There are still so many tourists!
So much learning
February 24, 2021by: Pamela S - United KingdomChildren and women are being exposed to so many risks, like emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuses. While society are doing its best to address these issues, there are still a handful of cases left unheard and unresolved. In my internship, I was tasked to answer hotline calls from abused women and children, interact in their therapy sessions, and even organize parties for the children in the shelter. These kids are so adorable and I could not bear the fact that some people are finding it easy to resent them. At the outset, before we started our internships, we are trained by licensed guidance counselors and psychologists and told us what to and not to do. I learned a lot.
An honor to be chosen as an intern
February 24, 2021by: Leanna U - UgandaIndeed, domestic violence poses serious threats to women and their children. I have witnessed it first hand in my own home, and I regret every second of it. When I was presented with the chance to work with women and children in their care shelters, I was ecstatic. Even told it to my mom and she was very supportive. Internships like these are rare, and being chosen as an intern here is an honor for me. Happy to do it with IGS! :)
Fulfilling
February 24, 2021by: Jordyn T - United StatesAs a policy student, I really am very interested with this internship. When my classmate told me her experience with IGS, I did not hesitate and applied. Good thing, IGS's courses are available the whole year, so I was able to find an internship suitable to my needs and preferences. I got to experience 3 weeks of fulfilling and rewarding internship, and actually make a difference on others' lives.
Hopefully a licensed teacher in two years' time
February 18, 2021by: Daniella Camua - United Arab EmiratesProgram: Teaching Assistant (Education/Social Services) Internships
Being a teaching assistant in the Netherlands is a dream come true for me. In my work, I was assigned to gather and distribute school supplies, helping students with their lessons, and keeping the classroom organized. Having a practical experience inside the classroom - seeing how children behave, knowing what motivates kids - is good exposure for me, as I wanted to be a licensed teacher in two years' time. :)
Got a letter of recommendation
February 18, 2021by: Kristna L - United StatesProgram: Teaching Assistant (Education/Social Services) Internships
In my internship, we are deployed in a small community school in Thailand. The kids are really adorable and the teaching staff are so kind! Aa a teaching assistant, I help the classroom teacher in preparing her materials, and having one-on-one sessions with kids that are having troubles with lessons. Dr. Rahim, the school principal, even gave me a letter of recommendation, that I can present to my future employers.
Internship despite COVID
February 18, 2021by: Rabiya W - IndiaProgram: Teaching Assistant (Education/Social Services) Internships
There are dozens of different occupations that involve dealing with kids, but teaching them in an educational setting is my favorite. I'm happy that my mom suggested me this internship and messaged Dr. Adams about the possibility of taking an internship despite COVID. Luckily, they are still open for internships. Everything is wonderful. And IGS never failed to remind us of safety precautions. Thanks, IGS!
Sepanx is real
February 16, 2021by: Alixia L - MyanmarSepanx is real! (separation anxiety) I gained so many charming friends in my internship in USA! My workmates are adorable people. As to the job duties, we did leisure travel arrangements, cruises, tours, independent packages, corporate travel-related sales. We also arranged their service - air, car, hotel reservations. I got to try a lot of hotels (for free!) because we "develop incoming leads and turn them into bookings". They also told me that I have potential to become a full-time consultant after the internship period. I am thrilled!
Got new set of mothers and sisters
February 16, 2021by: Tyra F - United StatesI really love traveling. They say that when you do something you love, you won't have to work a day in your life. So this is my first step to being a travel consultant. The firm I was assigned to is very hospitable - was welcomed by an all-female staff, which made me really comfortable. They are like sisters and mothers to me. I got particularly close to Jessica, my partner in our Japan project, and to Ms. Lilia, who is my boss in one of our arrangement/ deal with a rude customer! They are so nice even if some customers are so rude, that's why I really admire them. It was grace under pressure, in the most literal sense!
Knowing the ins and outs of travel consultancy
February 16, 2021by: Pedro Gonzales - MexicoWorking for a travel consultancy firm made me realize how interesting this field is for me. I talked to clients, created itineraries, did research on fares, and communicated with a lot of people. When I said phone calls are main part of my job duties, I ain't lying. But the fact that I learned about the operations (ins and outs) of travel consultancy is very significant to me. Very valuable, since I plan to open a travel consultancy firm in the near future!
Working for an art gallery is my dream!
February 16, 2021by: Jeraldine Ong - ChinaWorking for an art gallery is my dream! And to do it in Paris is way beyond my expectations. Everyday, there are prepared different units of the gallery. And everyday there are some seemingly daunting tasks. But I am glad that my supervisors are mentoring me all throughout the process. I also did some research, printed some captions, worked with the marketing and creatives team. This internship gave me my dream and I would always cherish it. <3 I would like to give my sincerest thanks to the IGS group for this amazing adventure. Your programme opened doors for me to meet a lot of people and travelled different places.
Different gallery set ups everyday
February 16, 2021by: Dana Farhad - IranIGS gave me a position in a medium-sized museum and I loved everything about it. I super like that it's not too big to be filled with so much people, as it trigers my social anxiety. I love also that it isn't too small to not do anything. i was trained in how to communicate with visitors, and was oriented on the history of the majestic pieces of art. Thankj you very much, IGS!
Good times
February 16, 2021by: Jomar Obien - IndonesiaHappy to have good times with my co-interns. happy to bond with them and visit tourist destinations on Saturdays and Sundays and on days when there are not much work in office. happy because this internship is really organized
Wide range of housing options, amenities, good cost of living
January 07, 2021by: Jameson Peters - United StatesI thought that living in Australia for this aquaculture internship would cost me so much. Glad to be proved wrong. I liked that there is a wide range of housing options, provided to me by Dr. Adams. The hotel has so many amenities too. I enjoy that it also has a pool for tenants and that they have nice showers. As to cost of living, it's fantastic. My college savings aren't totally used up. Good internship, over all.
Truly an amazing internship
January 07, 2021by: An Dung - VietnamEver since I was a kid, I really have this burning passion for the environment and marine ecosystem, so when my mom knew about this internship she really took the time to message the IGS staff to accommodate me. luckily I passed the standards and screening of IGS and they assisted me in every way possible. i am grateful because I got to see hawaii in person and got to visit Haleakala National Park and the Waikiki beach. truly an amazing internship for me!
Good time
January 07, 2021by: Robin G - United Statesmy internship in aquaculture is a good way to spare time. i am interested in this field and I took different internships abt it already. good thing that IGS also gives imtermship positions even to those who already graduated, not students anymore, like me. good people and good experience
A memorable summer, I admit
January 04, 2021by: Jasmine W - United StatesI initially wanted a finance internship in Singapore but my sister insisted on Brazil. I'm glad we took this internship together. What I really liked is that the mentors at work are engaging and kindhearted people. They genuinely wanted us to learn and see the accounting process step by step. We did rotations on the works there, pretty fun and challenging. Happy to be under your tutelage, Ms. Talia. By the way, I am a Finance major so this is totally helpful for me. Good work, IGS.
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