@JMcL
American expat in Brazil
Forum
38 posts
Contacts
10
About me
American
Lives in Sao Paulo
Registration: 19 June 2014
Activity
Being convincing to an employer in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Finding a job in Brazil is no easy feat. From applying for a job all the way to job interviews, the etiquette can be different abroad. Specially job interviews, that can already be pretty daunting, can feel even worse when set in ...
I completely agree with everything usajohnmcc, SkipStepOne, and Mr Pinto say. I've been here in Brazil for 10 years and, for many different reasons, foreigners will find it hard to survive in a US, UK, or EU middle class way unless (1) they are ... Read More
Language barriers in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Brazil. What is the official language in Brazil, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to live ...
I understand the perspective that neither "trust" nor "foreignness" are the primary problems with developing a good career in Brazil, they are important contributing factors; as is the ability to speak Portuguese. I think one of ... Read More
Language barriers in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Brazil. What is the official language in Brazil, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to live ...
It's possible to survive in the large cities (e.g., Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) without speaking Portuguese; and it's even possible to work in large international companies located in those cities without knowing much Portuguese. The ... Read More
Successes in your career in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, Becoming an expat means starting over in a new country, and a lot of times that also means starting over in your career as well. How have your skills and experiences evolved since moving to Brazil? What does being successful in ...
This is excellent advice; all of it. I would only add that, if a foreigner wants to earn a living teaching English here in Brazil, it's best to (1) be in large cities where companies need employees who speak English and parents want their kids ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Brazil by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Brazil (cultural adaptation, ...
I agree with this idea about finding reasons not to do ... something: Much of my consulting work involves helping companies comply with financial / tax reporting laws and regulations faster and cheaper. I think it's fascinating that many ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Brazil by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Brazil (cultural adaptation, ...
To answer the question, it might be helpful for me to give my backstory: I moved to Brazil in January 2010 with two teenage boys after having about 6 job interviews, for which about 1/2 of the interviewers assured me that "we need and want ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Brazil. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
Robal, I've had very similar experiences and--strangely enough--I still love it here (I live in Sao Paulo) and would never willing return to the US to live. Ah well, live and let live seems a very good axiom in the circumstances. :- ) ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Brazil. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
The average perspective of Brazilians on trust among society, friends, and ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Brazil. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
Hi Mike, I've been told by my wife, a psychologist from "Class B" whose father was an attorney, with siblings who are attorneys and a doctor, that it's very difficult for her and her friends to believe that--as an American--I'm ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Brazil. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships and ...
What are some of the best things about being in an intercultural relationship/marriage? It's much more difficult for people in an intercultural relationship to become bored with each other: They both have much to learn from each other. What ... Read More
The jobs that are the most in-demand for expats in Brazil by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some information regarding the job market for expats in Brazil. This information will be incredibly helpful to anyone considering moving there, so we're very grateful for your contribution. What are the types of ...
Basically, the primary method of finding employees in Brazil (except perhaps at the large international companies) is summarized in the question, "Quem indicou?", which means "Who indicated?". Americans would generally call this ... Read More
Brazil's most expensive cities by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the most expensive cities to live in Brazil? What are the costs of things such as rent, utilities, weekly groceries, dining out, etc.? What is the lifestyle like in these cities, for expats and locals? What are the ...
The cost of living throughout Brazil--including city and neighborhood--mainly depends on cost of shelter (e.g., apartment rent or price to purchase). Other living costs in an area are highly correlated with the shelter cost; e.g., restaurants, ... Read More
A foreigner working in SP? I thought it wasn't possible by MrMarques72
Good morning everyone!! As you know, the job situation is one that is difficult for expats living in Brazil. According to the information and opinions I've read on this forum, the only options available for foreigners in Brazil are: 1) Open ...
It was definitely right-place, right-time, right-contact. I've been in business for myself here in Sao Paulo for about 8 years and in my experience no one gets a job here--Brazilian or foreigner--without these three things. And, actually, ... Read More
Why does everyone say it's so expensive here? by Mike in São Paulo
Since my first post here on ½ûÂþÌìÌà I've seen many people saying (complaining) that it's terribly expensive here in Brazil. Other than a very few things, mostly imported food products, I don't see that. Sure, my Coke Zero costs at ...
Hi Mike, I know what you mean and, yes, if one compares prices here directly to what they would pay in the US it really doesn't seem so bad. The only exceptions are things like "WaterPiks"; the things that blast water between teeth: ... Read More
Living & Working in São Paulo by NormForsyth
Hello! My name is Norm, I'm Scottish and currently living in Scotland, UK. I'm planning moving to São Paulo soon with my wife (Brazilian) and my son (Brazilian with dual nationality - 8 months). I have my Brazilian passport and ...
Hi Norm, Yes, there is actually demand for native English speakers as teachers but it's actually a bit tricky finding the "serious" demand. I would guess the best approach in the respect is, at least at first, find a private school ... Read More