Volunteering
AJA
International Volunteer Program
Have
Fun, Do Good
International Volunteers
Volunteer Program and AJA Sustainability
Why Pay Money to Volunteer
Volunteer Programs
Partner Programs
Program Duration
Orientation
Placement Process
Age Policy
Application Process
The Program Fee
Payment Condition
What the Fee Covers
What is not included in the program fee
Certificate of Attendance
Program Dates and Booking
Download
Volunteer Program Brochure
AJA is an independent non-profit organization with no governmental or
religious affiliations. Like all not-for-profit organizations that run
international volunteer programs, AJA's programs are driven entirely by
volunteer contributions.
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Have
Fun, Do Good
Volunteering with AJA is not suffering! You will have a lot of fun, too.
You will work part time on your volunteer job and also have time to relax.
People from all parts of the globe choose Florianópolis,
Ilha Santa Catarina for idyllic beaches, fresh seafood and colorful
fishing villages. Over the last years it has became one of the most popular
destinations in Brazil, for people who are looking for beautiful scenery,
interesting culture and friendly people.
Volunteer
with AJA in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and have fun doing good.
We can arrange special cultural and outdoor programs for you and give
you private Portuguese lessons. AJA Project Coordinator, Adonai
Rocha, will provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout
your stay.We will welcome you at the airport (Florianópolis), transport
to your location and help you settle in. We'll provide you orientation,
help you with Portuguese-English translations. You will stay in a comfortable
room with private bathroom, and may enjoy the wonderful beachs of the
Island of Santa Catarina.
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International
Volunteers
As a volunteer in Brazil, you will have the unique opportunity to experience
the culture of one of the most diverse nations in the world from the inside
out. Have fun, do good!
AJA international
volunteers share the day-to-day realities of communities with whom they
are working, thus helping to break down barriers. Volunteers engage in
real humanitarian work. They help disadvantaged individuals and groups
develop skills to improve their economic situation. Volunteer opportunities
are available to match your particular interests, special skills, and
personal schedule.
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Volunteer
program ensures AJA's sustainability
The international
volunteers program keeps AJA functioning in the context of longer-term
sustainability and its programs focused on working towards solutions and
empowering local communities. This way we do not seek funding from any
government, religious or NGOs in order to keep those special programs
running.
The promotion of volunteerism and the involvement of international volunteers
clearly contributes to the development of AJA and sustains local structures
and services. Our independent programs are entirely driven by each volunteer’s
contribution (prices vary according to length of stay).
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Why Pay Money to Volunteer
Here
are a few things to keep in mind while trying to understand why we charge
international volunteers a fee:
We have limited resources and we are not able to subsidize your trip or
cover the costs of hosting you.
The process of preparing, training, transporting, housing, feeding, and
supervising volunteers
are significant.
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Volunteer
Programs
Be part of AJA English for Global Citizenship Program teaching English
in low-income communities, increasing employment opportunities and ultimately
helping people to become economically independent.
Both inexperienced and experienced volunteers can teach vocabulary, assist
with pronunciation and support students as they practice speaking English.
These students,
of all ages and backgrounds, appreciate the opportunity to interact with
fluent speakers. The program also offers English classes in the field,
for tourism staff, such as: guide, waiter, waitress, barman, receptionist,
porter, drivers, and general service staff. If you are fluent in English
you can provide a real contribution to the community and have great fun
in the process.
If you want to volunteer teaching English, please check the Calendar
and contact us.
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Partner
Programs
We can arrange volunteers
work in the areas of Social Services, Education and Health:
Caring for infants
& children
Teaching children
Assisting teachers
Observing and assisting
local health professionals
Working with people
affected by HIV/AIDS
Caring for the elderly
Caring for people
with disabilities
Assisting teachers
of Special Education
Working toward women's
empowerment
Sharing your professional
skills/experience
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Program
Duration
AJA International Volunteer Program offers flexibility for volunteers
who may choose when to travel and for how long. Program duration is usually
between 1 week (minimum) to 8 weeks. AJA volunteer programs run year-round,
please check the Calendar.
When one group leaves, new volunteers may arrive to continue the work.
This way we can assure the project's continuity and a long-term progress.
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Orientation
Before you leave on our programs, you will receive pre-departure information
by e-mail. On the first day after arrival, you will receive an intensive
orientation. We will provide you a comprehensive survey of Brazil's life
and customs; our staff will cover topics such as culture, language, religion,
volunteerism and more. You will also have time to relax, take in the sights,
and prepare for your volunteer experience.
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Placement
Process
No specific skills or prior volunteer experience is required but fluency
in English.
The placement process is a team effort involving you, AJA's staff, and
the community where the project is based. Before you leave, you will receive
your project assignment and details about the type of work you will do.
We will finalize your responsibilities or explore your ideas on your arrival
and after you meet the project and staff. We will try to ensure that your
volunteer position reflects the community needs and your interests.
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Age
Policy
You must be 18 to participate in our programs. There is no limit or maximum
age.
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Application
Process
All prospective volunteers must complete the Personal Data Form and the
Skills and Interests Survey (we will e-mail you these documents), which
are used to determine the most suitable volunteer assignment. Since each
individual possesses a wealth of skills and life experience, nearly every
candidate is accepted into the program.
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The
Program Fee
AJA International Volunteer Program costs $699 per week.
A non-refundable deposit
of $99 is required for booking.
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Payment
Condition
All fees are payable in US Dollars or Brazilian Reais.
Fees can be paid in
full by wire or by credit card through PayPal online payment system.
Payment in cash is
not recommended unless unavoidable.
In order to ensure
enrollment in the volunteer program, payment is required at the time of
registration. (Full payment required before arrival).
 
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What
the Fee Covers
Volunteer placement with one of our own programs or partner programs including
all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with
each local organization.
Local cultural and
learning Activities including excursions to nearby points of interest,
free cultural and comunity events.
A comfortable, safe
place to live, the basic amenities (confortable room with private bathroom)
and transportation to and from all AJA's placements and programs.
An experienced AJA
Project Coordinator who will serve as your coordinator, guide, and liaison
with local communities.
Transportation to
and from the airport, to and from cultural and learning activities, and
to and from your daily volunteer work placement.
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What
is not included in the program fee
The program fee does
not include:
International and
domestic airfare and corresponding airport departure taxes.
Costs associated with
obtaining a visa or immunizations (when needed)
International airfare,
connection flight fo/from Florianópolis and airport taxes
Personal spending
money, vacation expenses
Public transportation
fares, taxis.
Shows,
movies, theatres tickets
Travel, medical, and
emergency insurance.
Portuguese language
classes (average cost: $15 per hour).
Meals (average cost:
$ 5 per meal)
Phone calls. Personal
Internet time (average cost: $ 2 per hour)
Laundry service (average
cost: $ 0.50 cents per piece)
We suggest you make
all your travel arrangements through your travel agent and inquire about
any special student fares and reduced prices in regular scheduled flights.
We strongly recommend an accident, health and trip cancellation insurance
coverage for the duration of the program for all participants.
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Certificate
of Attendance
We will provide a
Certificate of Attendance specifying and attesting your volunteering attendance.
You may also be able to receive academic credit for your volunteer experience.
Check with your school.
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Program
Dates and Booking
Programs run year-round and range from 1 to 8 weeks ( longer programs
may be arranged).
Please check the Calendar
for available dates. For booking, please contact
us.
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Download
Volunteer Program Brochure
AJA to Go! Click here to download
pdf file 
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