“My time in Rio could not have been any better. During my two and a half months there I just stayed in the city because there are so many amazing things to do and see. Felipe the man who runs the project is a very friendly guy and extremely helpful. He gives you a very informative induction day including a tour of Central Rio giving you lots of tips etc. and also shows you how to commute to your programme. My programme was environmental where I worked two days in a vegetable garden in Salgueiro favela, a lovely place run by a super friendly elderly couple. Although they speak no English, it is no problem interacting with them as they humorously use lots of gestures and actions to keep you entertained.
The work is tiring but fun, and its all outdoors so helps with the tan! The other two working days are spent at Tijuca national forest. There we did conservation work trying to stop the jackfruit tree from spreading with a lovely team of people in some beautiful places. Additionally, the work finishes at midday, due to the strong sun and other work needed to be done by the programme leaders, allowing plentiful time to head down to the beach or explore more of the city.
Rio itself is probably my favourite city I have ever visited, the scenery is beautiful, the beaches stunning, the food amazing and the people really friendly, especially those at the hostel where you stay. I wouldn’t change a thing with this programme, and I can’t wait to return!”
