South America's largest country is an ideal destination for ESL/EFL teachers looking for an adventurous year-or-two in one of the world's most colourful cultures.

English is big business out here. Brazil's geographical location and bi-lateral trade agreement with North America have meant that there is a very real need for English in general, and American-English in particular. But that should not deter ESL/EFL teachers who are not from North America: there are so many English teaching possibilities out here that almost anyone with the right approach can find work.

The last few years have seen a number of large language school chains such as Cel-Lep, Alumini and Yazigi appear. Cultura Inglesa has over 50 schools across the country, and there are 22 US Bi-National Centers (Instituto Cultural Brazil-Estados Unidos) all of which employ ESL/EFL teachers. The British Council also has offices in five major cities.

Internationally recognized TESOL Certificates such as the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity Cert.TESOL are not a prerequisite in Brazil. In fact, many language schools request that teachers undergo an in-house training course before they commence work, regardless of their qualification. And even the most prestigious schools do not necessarily consider it a priority to hire native-speaking English teachers.

Despite the financial and political turmoil of the past 20 years, things in Brazil seem to be settling down. The rampant inflation of the '80s and early '90s is now under control and, with the recent political and economic turmoil in Argentina, Brazil is suddenly looking more attractive than ever. The demand for English - and native-speaking English teachers - is here to stay.