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Oyster offers some tough yet highly rewarding placements in Rio and Sao Paulo that would suit determined volunteers on a Gap year or a Career break in South America.

You will experience both the glory of Brazil (its vibrancy, stunning beaches and jungle) and the squalor of its shanty towns, where inspirational projects are trying to improve the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable children.

The full programme, which includes a language course and a three-day expedition, is a great opportunity for those who are keen to learn Portuguese and to understand the difficult lives of those living in poverty.

"Brazil was the best experience of my life and not a day goes by when I don't think and miss the children. To be honest, I often wish I was old enough to adopt a couple of them!" Emily Parr 2007

In Rio there is a unique opportunity to work in a football academy located in a poor area of Rio and set up by one of Brazil's best known footballers who grew up there. It is an inspirational place for the young people who go there as well as for the staff and volunteers where a love of football is desirable though not essential.

The concept is to give young people the opportunity to grow in confidence through playing football and to give them an escape from difficult living conditions. The Academy welcome volunteers who can bring a variety of skills and interpersonal skills. The children are well disciplined and there is evidence that they do better at school once they join the Academy.

Also in Rio is a unique opportunity to volunteer at a Surf School. You don't need to be a surfer although an enthusiasm for surfing is a must. Your role would be as an additional adult helping to get the budding surfers to the beach, warming up, games, agility and can include swimming classes at the local swimming pool. There is an option to assist with physically disabled children on Saturdays. Accommodation is either hostel based at Ipanema beach with a daily bus commute to the surf school or, dependent on availablity, there is the opportunity to stay at the school. We are lucky to be able to offer this and seek inspirational volunteers.

Two hours from Sao Paulo is the Sao Francisco children's Home is located in lush green subtropical countryside near the rural town of Extrema. The children here come from a background of great hardship in the favelas of Sao Paulo to rebuild their lives and to experience. The Home, which operates as a large family, offers them love, care and access to schooling. Relative stability is key and they therefore prefer a six-month commitment.

By contrast, the Children at Risk Centre is situated in one of the rapidly growing favelas on the edge of Sao Paulo. The centre acts as a refuge and source of inspiration for local children living in great poverty. It offers a wide range of activities such as dance, film, music and IT and it's an exciting place to work.