Why do an Internship in Brazil?

With regards to the opportunity for professional development, Brazil is an active country with a broad range of developments going on. Below are some examples of Brazil’s strengths and initiatives within particular fields and highlight the type of opportunities that can be available for internship trainees.

For people studying Business related subjects:

In recent years, Brazil has become one of the most promising international markets, a fact underlined by the performance of the economy, the interest in the country shown by foreign investors, and the prospect of a period of sustained growth in conditions of politics and economic stability. It is estimated by Goldman Sachs that if Brazil’s economy grows by 3.5% until 2050, its economy will be bigger than that of Japan.

For people studying Environment related subjects:

Brazil occupies a privileged position with regard to renewable sources of energy; blessed with more fresh water resources than any other country, has an enormous expanse of arable land and good climate conditions. A significant proportion of Brazil’s energy needs have always been met by using renewables and in line with global trends, renewable sources ill be used to an increasing extent. There are a number of initiatives in Brazil to expand the use of clean, alternative sources of energy. For example, investment and use of ethanol-driven cars, development in agroenergy.

For students studying Tourism related subjects:

Brazil created its Ministry of Tourism in 2003 and the development of the tourism sector in Brazil is high on the agenda. Tourism constitutes one of the country’s most important export items and also seen as a way in which to promote peace and social inclusion whilst developing employment opportunities within the country. Nationally, there’s an aim to increase the number of tourists to Brazil to 9 million per year. Internships in this field are plentiful and varied from working within a hotel to assist with their operations, through to tour operators looking to develop a marketing presence abroad to resorts planning for increased capacity.

For students studying Education related subjects:

The education system within Brazil is in many ways developed. For example, at the University level, some state Universities and private Business schools are ranked as world class and pioneers within some areas of research. At the secondary and primary level, however, there is an emphasised being placed on social inclusion in education. New initiatives are in place to add benefit to thousands of students and teachers from primary to post graduate level. There are plenty of opportunities to gain teaching practice within Brazil.

For students studying Culture related subjects:

Within the fields of music, arts, film, media, film, Brazil has always been very active and a key player. The creative economy is very important within Brazil, not just for the economy but also for the general cultural and continuation of expression amongst Brazilians. For example, within Brazil, there are over 450 Hotspots for cultural activities which form a part of the Living Culture programme. These hotspots are part of an organic cultural network aimed to encourage growth and further development within the cultural field.

For students studying politics related subjects:

Brazil has been becoming more vocal on the international political stage. MERCOSUL has been held together during difficult times. Their relationship with the Andean Community has been formalised to given Brazil a legitimate claim to represent South America outside the hemisphere. Under President Lula, Brazil has been campaigning for a permanent seat at the UNSC and playing a role within UN peace-keeping operations (such as leading the mission in Haiti since 2004 until recently).

For students studying engineering related subjects:

A number of large infrastructure projects have been announced to start or continue in Brazil such as the development of a railway system, highway projects, port projects and irrigation projects. Within the manufacturing sector, productivity has increased and a number of opportunities have developed within the oil sector, packaging industry leading to a diverse range of opportunities within engineering becoming available. Many companies offering internships in this field, are doing so with the view for the recruitment of potential future permanent employees.

For students studying health related subjects:

Since 1996 Brazil has seen AIDS-related mortality slashed by 50%, hospital admissions dropped by 75% and opportunistic illnesses have been drastically reduced. In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Health received the UNESCO “Human Rights, Culture and Peace” award for its approach to HIV-AIDS as a human rights issue and recently Brazil has been cited as the country with the best model for fighting the illness in developing countries. In 2003, attention has also been placed on a Zero Hunger programme, to introduce initiatives aimed at tackling the issues of poverty and eliminating hunger in Brazil.

Gaining training in Brazil, whatever your discipline, can help you understand this growing country, contribute to its development whilst obtaining new skills, professional contacts and a greater cultural understanding of a great, diverse nation.