Last Friday I told you about the volunteer Brazil testimonials which we had received from past volunteers.

Well it's fair to say that after almost 6 years and more than 2000 volunteers (directly and indirectly) we have had some hairy experiences. We do make checks on all volunteers who apply, and follow up references etc.

It's a case of having to, as many of our projects are working with children, women at risk and other vulnerable people - Nevertheless, we sometimes don't know quite enough about volunteers before they arrive in Brazil - and mistakes are made - but fortunately we have been able to protect the vulnerable children and communities from missfit applicants ( for the most part anyway).

Here follows some incidents involving volunteers who came to Brazil on a program, who really shouldn't have come (due to one thing or another).

We recently had a volunteer from Calgary who came to work on a health project in Brazil - when he arrived everything seemed fine - it would wouldn't it. His resume stated that he was seeking admission to Medical School at the University of Calgary. And also stated he was currently under the wing of Dr **** (to protect the Doctor's reputation, I won't name him) on an open studies program.

Anyway, to cut the chase, this self employed-subcontracter for an Architectural Finishing System Company in Calgary turned out to be a very unstable man who behaved rather odd, so odd in fact that the the staff of the health project were concerned about admitting him to the program.

Initially, we thought this his behaviour was due to culture shock, but after a week got really concerned when he threatened to cut the throat of one of our domestic employees (a gesture made to her in an elevator)...

She was terrified and traumatized by the incident - and is still shaken over the incident.

To be frank I was going to call the police, but refrained from doing so, by the way , his account of this incident was that he meant it as a joke - some joke, eh!

Needless to say, we had no alternative but to terminate his placement... And he now has the audacity to send us abusive and disgusting emails (using his name and an alias)...

I'm running out of time on this blog, but just very quickly... We also had a volunteer who had used all her fundraising monies having a honeymoon with her boyfriend - 3 others who were mentally unstable (they hid this from us on their application and references)...

So, if you are intending to apply for a volunteer program abroad, please don't come to get away from your problems (it never works), don't come if your medical advisor advises against it or because you think it will look good on your resume - Oh, and don't lie on your application , you will be found out - and don't give false references...

Happy Days.....catch you soon...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to Volunteer in Brazil with Volunteer Brazil?

Rather than me tell you, I thought it may be a good idea for volunteers to tell you about their experiences volunteering in Brazil...

This first testimonial about volunteering in Brazil is from 2 sisters, Ujali and Deepali - (they are from the United Kingdom)...

I only received their testimonial a few weeks ago (Jan 5th 2008), so am pleased to be able to post it here:

My experience through volunteer Brazil has been life changing. Working with thechildren we worked with and seeing what brazilian culture was really like was extremely endearing. The children and teachers welcomed us with open arms andto see how grateful the children were for our time made every moment worthwhle. Our home stay was just the same. We had the pleasure of staying with alovely lady who made us feel extremely welcome. The experience was a fantastic way to combine travelling with giving something back to the country. I'd recommend this experience to anyone and encourage everyone to welcome it with open arms as it will truely give you the greatest self satisfaction possible.

Ujali & Deepali.

The second Testimonial from Brazil, was written by Chris, Chris is from England and in November 2007 volunteered with Street Children.

Hey Alan things are amazing! its amazing here and i would recommend it anyone. the kids are amazing and each of them is so happy and playful. everyday we play and have fun. im starting to get the launguage aswell being constantly surrounded by it. its okay if someones talking directly to me but if their talking around me it goes over my head.

But its okay tho because i know whats going on most of the time. but like i said everything is amazing, the scenery, the kids and the staff are also really good. they really help me and help explain things if needs be.

Had a massive futsol tournament last night and im paying for it now. my feet are in pain but it was worth it. am really enjoying my experience here just cant believe how quick the days are going. hope everything is well with you. and thank you for this, i cant describe how happy i am here.

Chris.

Testimonial number 3 is from Emily. Emily is from The United States and volunteered with her daughter in October and November 2007.

Volunteer Brazil provided me and Afton with very appropriate accommodation for my situation. The location in Recife was excellent, with good access to everything.

The beaches around the Recife coast are beautiful, and we went there quite a lot with the orphanage girls.

I will be coming back, for sure - thank you Alan ,Mirian and staff of Volunteer Brazil , so much for your hospitality.

Emily

The following Testimonial is from Sara Pironti. Sara is from Los Angeles...

I just recently got back to Los Angeles....all is well here and i am writing to thank you for helping me havesuch a wonderful experience. I keep thinking of the boys at the orphanage...i really miss them!!I would love to recommend the experience to anyone whois interested in volunteering in Brazil through your programs.

I thank you again for all your help and for giving me the opportunity to have such a wonderful experience. Please keep in touch....

Sara.

Here is what Danielle from California, said...

I just wanted to say thanks for your help and that I had a wonderful volunteering experience while in Brazil. The children at the center were amazing, as were Brazilians in general.

Danielle.

The following is a testimonial from a volunteer's mother - she wrote thanking us for providing her daughter; Annabel with good accommodation in Brazil.

I would like to say how fantastic the family you chose for her (Annabel, my daughter) have been and also what a superb experience working in the orphanage has been for Annabel. Many thanks.

Hilary.

I could go on all day here, but think I had better stop for now - the final testimony is from Geraldine of Dublin...

What fantastic kids, appearing to have nothing at first glance but laughed, smiled, sang and danced all the time and in my opinion had a richness in their life that we simply seem to have lost in the western world with our hectic lifestyles.

Adios meu amigos.

Geraldine.

And to quote, Geraldine...

Adios meu amigos.

Alan Thomas...

BOOK NOW for CARNIVAL - Due to cancellation we have 4 nights bed and breakfast for only 200.00 USD (100 Pound) per person...
















4 Nights - From Friday 2nd February through Wednesday Morning 6th February (Carnival period is Saturday 2nd February through Tuesday 5th February)


Olinda stands proudly as an UNESCO World Heritage City...

Authentic, Uncomercialised and Unspoilt! The world famous Carnival of Olinda, in Brazil, is considered to be the most authentic, the most beautiful, and the most spontaneous of its kind.
And considering that over 1 million people take to the streets each day in this UNESCO World Heritage Town, it remains an amazing fact that the WORLDS GREATEST STREET CARNAVAL is not yet comercialised.

Olinda and Recife have many, many delights for the visitor, but the Olinda and Recife Carnavals deserve a very special mention. Of course Brazil is world renowned for its annual Carnaval events, but when Brazilians want to party, when they want to experience an authentic carnaval , they come to Olinda, and Recife.In actual fact, Olinda is considered to be the most authentic, democratic, Carnaval in the whole of Brazil.

Whilst Recife holds pride of place in the Guiness Book Of Records as having the largest street Carnaval group (bloco). It takes a whole year for Brazilians to prepare for Carnaval, and the Olinda and Recife versions are certainly worth waiting for....

Reserve Your Place FOR 2008 - Click Here!

PS: Accommodation is in Recife...

Porto Alegre (The Joyous City) is in south Brazil, and is the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

Porto Alegre is an important economic and cultural city in Brazil which developed mainly through the work of immigrants, especially from; Germany, Italy and Portugal, and this strong European connection is evident today - although there are also strong indigenous and afro-brazilian communities present too.

We have many projects in Porto Alegre, and besides volunteering work the following places and buildings are well worth a visit...

Palácio dos Açorianos” (The Palace of the Azoreans)
Museum of Art of Rio Grande do Sul
Piratini Palace
Ilha da Pintada (Pintada Island)
Chico Mendes Park
Lami Biological Reserve
Guaíba Lake and the archipelago; comprised by 28 islands

Porto Alegre has a very efficient transport system and also boasts a very busy international airport.

Would you like to Volunteer in Porto Alegre? - We have projects in the following areas:

Conservation...
NGO Functions in Porto Alegre...
Teaching English...
Community Work Projects in Porto Alegre...
Teaching Skills to the Youth and Adults of Porto Alegre...

Apply - Volunteer in Porto Alegre...

Brazil Serie A

Hello and Happy New Year...

Just a very quick note to let you know of a very important development...at Volunteer Brazil

We understand that some of you are more independent than others - regarding your lifestyle and travel objectives, particularly volunteer and cultural travel.

With this in mind, we are launching a special volunteering program option for the more independent volunteer traveller.

YOU PAY JUST: (US $325) (170 Great Britain Pounds)(225 Euro)- - - - For your volunteer program with us.

What you get:

Your volunteer program/project work (Brazil only)...
Pre-departure help and advice...
Post placement recognition/reference (if required)...

Please note, does not include; flights, travel insurance, food or accommodation.

We haven't yet put this on our website (but will do so in the coming weeks), so to take advantage of this, please contact us through email , or via our online application; here:

http://volunteerbrazil.com/booknow.html

Please mention independent volunteering when you apply.

Have a great year, kind regards, Alan Thomas.

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