Probably Brazil’s biggest claim to fame, Carnaval is one of the world’s biggest street parties.  The most famous locations are Rio de Janeiro, with local samba schools and a samba parade that puts Mardigras to shame, and Salvador where musicians take their shows to the streets on huge mobile stages. 

Almost every Brazilian city celebrates Carnaval, however the closer you get to the beach, the larger the crowd and the better the parties.  In 2008 I experienced Carnaval in Porto Seguro, Bahia.  I arrived several days before Carnaval technically began, but as with most beach towns, there is a pre-Carnaval and post-Carnaval period.  With all the hype, hotels are very, very expensive.  I didn’t make a reservation in advance and spent over 1000RS for a room for a week.  It’s not possible to move around either, as hotels usually book rooms as package deals for the entire week. 

If you plan to go to Brazil for the Carnaval period, think about a beach homestay.  Beach homestays would be an excellent way to enjoy Carnaval on a budget.  You would cut down on the exorbitant hotel costs and be able to attend more street parties and festivals. 

Another note about Carnaval – it basically marks the beginning of the Brazilian work year.  While most people do work some before Carnaval, no one seems to be productive.  If you plan to move to Brazil, I would advise arriving a week or two before Carnaval.  This will give you some free time to relax, make plans for the holiday and then prepare to get to work after the glorious week of Carnaval passes.

In 2009 Carnaval starts February 24th, but it will be different in 2010 so research and plan early!

Now is not the best time to be graduating from college.  Unemployment is high - it's hard to keep a job, don't even mention finding a new one!  In slow economic times we need to be creative and look for job opportunities outside of our national borders.  Instead of exploring my options in the United States, I decided to turn devastation into opportunity and realize one of my dreams of living abroad in Brazil. 

Moving abroad can seem like a scary prospect if you do not have a home or job waiting for you.  Fortunately, the job scene is promising for native English speakers abroad.  Also, by using Host&Care you can take away the stress of finding yourself homeless in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, or some other international city.  Host&Care can help you find a homestay abroad that will provide you instant support and shelter in a new country.

I have been living for the past year with a family in Itatiba, Brazil.  Living with a family in a foreign country provides immense benefits.  Instead of shelling out hundreds to thousands of dollars for an intense language school, you learn in your own home at a pace far more intense and rewarding than any school program.  You have daily personal interactions with local people allowing you to incorporate yourself into the local culture.  My favorite aspects to my homestay are learning to cook Brazilian food with my homestay mother and socializing with a large extended family that is incorporated into my life through the homestay experience.

Additionally, you will save hundreds of dollars every month in rent, utilities, food, ect.  You can work out an exchange of services with your homestay family, such as exchanging English lessons for free rent, pitching in with cooking and cleaning for free board.  It's all up to you and your homestay family.

This time of year is especially good for beach homestays in South America.  Our winter is their summer and the beaches are hot, hot, hot!  Brazil celebrates the infamous week of Carnaval every year in February or March.  During this time, Brazilian families flock to beach homes to celebrate Carnaval in style.  If you play your cards right - you could land a beach homestay during the time of Carnaval and experience the street or beach party of a lifetime!


I hope I have given you some reasons to consider a homestay or beach homestay in Brazil (or any other country for that matter).  Through this blog I will continually provide advice on living abroad, finding a homestay and give you insider tips on boosting your income abroad.  Now is the time to be creative and cultivate experiences.  Welcome aboard!