in Porto Alegre

For a long time now, Brazil’s natural beauty and Carnival rendered it international

fame, attracting thousands of tourists all year long. The number of foreigners visiting

the country went from an average of 1.5 million per year in the 1990s to more than 4

million visitors per year from the year 2000, according to Embratur’s (Brazilian Tourism

Institute) Statistical Yearbook of 2003. But there is a very special attraction that you

only discover when you come here: the Brazilian people. Much beyond the breathtaking

scenery, the way these people live surprises everyone with its simplicity, willingness,

hope, hospitality and happiness.

Studies carried out by Embratur indicate that 75% of the tourists who seek Brazil as

their vacation destination do so first of all because of the natural beauty. But once they

arrive here, they find such hospitality that they soon become enchanted with the

mixture of colors, races and cultures of the people as well.

Rio Grande do Sul’s people are called “Gauchos”. In Argentina and Uruguay you may also

find “gauchos”, but brazilian gauchos differ in some aspects. They were called the wanderers of

the Pampas.

The indigenous peoples and the intrepid nomads of the 17th and 18th centuries, who the

Spanish named Gauchos, were the state’s first inhabitants. Gauchos were known to already vacate

the rural zone in the 1600. For many centuries, cow leather was one of most important trade goods

between the old world (Europe) and the colonies. To eat, gauchos cooked the cow’s meat, in an

open fire, before it turned bad. This habit of gauchos served them a low reputation in the past. But

now, it becomes a national passion, “churrasco” (brazilian barbecues).

Gauchos belonged to the rural zone. They were familiarized with the complexities of the land

and its animals. The word “gaucho” was introduced in 1790, to describe a very rough individual,

with heavy manners that would only travel sometimes with a woman, tends as his only luggage, a

knife called “facon”, boleadoras and a “lazo” to hunt. In Hunting trips, they would be armed with

“boleadoras”, a 3 hard-stone of leather tied to a rope that they would use to stop animals from

running away. The Gaucho earned his reputation for defending its territory from Argentineans and

Uruguayans.

With use of salt and the development of “saladeros” was now possible to do economical use of

cattle. The meat turned as valuable as leather. Gauchos were in a good position from all the

country experience they had, and soon developed commercial farms.

Today, the traditional Gaucho can still be seen in small cities in the rural zone. Overcoming

prejudices from other states, our traditions (dances, dealing with the land, gastronomic habits,

accent) are defined as one of the many symbols Brazilian’s history. The cultural preservation of

local traditions is revered at special places called CTGs (Centers of Gaucho Traditions) all over the

state, in other parts of Brazil and even abroad. There, the unique lifestyle of this hospitable and

hardworking people is revived.

The Human Development Index (HDI) of Rio Grande do Sul, calculated at 0.809 by the United

Nations, places the State above the 0.800 figure, which characterizes societies with high human

development. Rio Grande do Sul presents the best combination between per capita income and

distribution of wealth, the highest life expectancy, excellent education indices, as well as the

lowest rate of infant mortality in Brazil.

Rio Grande do Sul

The Land of Quality of Life

Airports in São Paulo:

International: Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo (Guarulhos) Address: Hélio Schmidt, s/nº - Cumbica Guarulhos/SP Telephone: +55 (11) 6445-2945

International: Aeroporto Internacional de Viracopos (Campinas) Address: Rodovia Santos Dumont, Km 66 Campinas - SPTelephone: +55 (19) 3725-5000

National: Aeroporto de Congonhas Address: Address: Av. Washington Luís, s/nº - Campo Belo São Paulo/SP Telephone: +55 (11) 5090-9000

Airport in Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul's Capital city)

International: Aeroporto Internacional Salgado Filho Address: Av. Severo Dulius, nº 90.010 Porto Alegre/RS Telephone: +55 (51) 358-2000

Porto Alegre's Bus Station (Rodoviária)

Working Hours: 24 hours Adress: Largo Vespasiano J. Veppo, nº 70. Information’s Telephone: +55 (51) 3210-0101

Hi: Oi

Good morning: Bom dia!

Good evening: Boa noite!

I am (name): Eu sou...

How are you: Como tu estás?

What’s up?: E aí?

I am fine: Estou bem.

Thank you: Obrigado.

Welcome: Bem-vindo.

Bye: Tchau.

See you: Nos vemos!

I am hungry: Estou com fome.

I am not hungry: Não estou com fome.

Congratulations: Parabéns!

Let’s eat something: Vamos comer alguma coisa.

Let’s drink something: Vamos beber alguma coisa.

How much is it? Quanto custa isto?

I don’t want: Eu não quero.

I want: Eu quero.

Coffee: Café.

Water: Água.

Money: Dinheiro.

Bread: Pão.

Soda: Refri.

Please: Por favor.

You are so kind: Você é tão gentil.

Would you like some help?: Você precisa de ajuda?

Stand up: Levante.

Sit down: Sente.

Look: Olhe.

Very good: Muito bom.

Excellent!: Excelente!

How old are you?: Quantos anos você tem?

How long have you been here?: Há quanto tempo você está aqui?

What is him/ her problem?: Qual é o problema dele/dela?

How can I go to…?: Como eu posso ir até…?

I love you: Eu te amo.

I really liked you: Eu gostei muito de você.

1: um

2: dois

3: três

4: quatro

5: cinco

6: seis

7: sete

8: oito

9: nove

10: dez

11: onze

12: doze

13: treze

14: catorze

15: quinze

16: dezesseis

17: dezessete

18: dezoito

19: dezenove

20: vinte

30: trinta

40: quarenta

50: cinquenta

60: sessenta

70: setenta

80: oitenta

90: noventa

100: cem

200: duzentos

1000: mil

10000: dez mil

100000: cem mil

1000000: um milhão

Numbers

Survival Guide

Some basic words / sentences

in Portuguese

DAYS SCHEDULE

10:00 AM until 3:00 PMClosed

8:30-12:00 AM / 1:30-5:30 PMClosed

10:00 AM until 10:00 PM

8:00 AM until 6:00 PMAIESEC Office Monday - Friday

BanksMonday - FridaySaturday and Sunday

Stores Monday - SaturdaySunday

Shopping Monday - Sunday

The currency is Real (R$). The salary you will earn will be enough for you to cover basic expenses

here if you be a MT or TT traineeship. However you must know you will be paid only after the first month of

work. We suggest that you bring US$ 500 (US$1,00 was worth approximately R$ 1,85 in dec/11) for your

first month’s expenses and National Foreigner’s Registration (RNE) fee. You can bring U.S. dollars or

travelers checks and exchange them in Porto Alegre’s airport.

Credit cards are accepted in many places, but you should also carry some money with you. VISA is

the most popular credit card, and you can easily use it at Banco do Brasil, our main bank.

Our Bills

Our Coins

What time does it OPEN / CLOSE?

Financial Information

...and the New Bills!

Communication

Local calls can be done from any telephone (public or private).

It’s not necessary to add the country code (55). To call from

telephone booths you need a telephone card that costs

around R$5,00. You can get them at mail agencies,

coffee shops or bookstands. In order to make a local phone call,

you just have to dial the number.

Telephony

To make national long distance calls, you should dial:

0 + telephone company code + area code (DDD) + telephone number.

Example: to call Porto Alegre (51), using Brasil Telecom’s code you’ll dial:

0 + 14 + 51 + telephone number

To make international calls, you should dial:

00 + telephone company code + country code (DDI) + city code + telephone number.

Example: to call New York (212) in the U.S. (1), using Embratel’s code, you’ll dial:

00 + 21 + 1 + 212 + telephone number

To make local collect calls

9090 + telephone number

To make collect calls for farther cities

90 + Telephone company code + city code + telephone number

More information about phone callsand pre-paid phone cards you can find at

www.embratel.com.br

++++

Useful Telephone Numbers

PHONE ADDRESS

AIESEC Porto Alegre

LCP Cícero Machado

VP ICX Cícero Ferreira

Washington Luís, 855, room 16 - Porto Alegre 051 3308-3684

051 8152-5359

051 9243-9895

Health and Medical Service

If you need a doctor, just notify the Trainee

Service Team. If you need to get to a hospital

in a hurry and there is no one from the LC,

then you can call 192 and ask for help

(ambulance).They will probably ask you

your name and address, so you have to

keep that in mind incase of emergency!

PHONE

Emergency (ambulance)

190

192

51 3223-1122

54 3037-3232

194

Taxi Service Porto Alegre

Taxi Service Caxias do Sul

Federal Police

Police

Emergency andTransportation

Internet Access

There’s a few internet cafe’s (lan house) throughout the city.Most trainees will also have access to the internet

at their workplace and maybe at the host.

Meals RESTAURANTS

AVERAGE PRICE: R$ 8,00 a la minuta

R$ 50,00 all-you-can-eat churrasco

PHONEADDRESS

Tudo Pelo Social

Na Brasa

João Alfredo, 448 51 3226-4405

51 3225-2205Ramiro Barcelos, 389

Meals SNAKSAVERAGE PRICE:

R$ 9,00 X-CalabresaR$ 15,00 Premium Burger

PHONEADDRESS

Cavanhas

Pampa Burger

Lima e Silva, 274 51 3719-6324

51 3221-5775Venâncio Aires, 57

ASIAN FOODAVERAGE PRICE:R$ 5,00 a Temaki (big sushi cone)

PHONEADDRESS

Mr Chao

Japesca

Al-Nur

Cel. Genuino, 171 51 3084-1771

51 3012-7776Siqueira Campos, 1204

Protásio Alves, 616 51 3330-8609

Bread (1kg)

Soft Drink (can)

Mineral water (bottle)

Juice (1L)

Filled Cookies

Snack (un.)

Pasta (500gr)

Cup nuddle (un.)

Ham (150gr)

Cheese (150gr)

Condoms (3un.)

Beer (can)

Milk (1L)

Meat (1kg)

R$ 5,98

R$ 1,10

R$ 0,80

R$ 2,70

R$ 1,58

R$ 1,68

R$ 1,90

R$ 0,70

R$ 3,45

R$ 2,83

R$ 2,70

R$ 1,30

R$ 1,79

R$ 13,00

Happy HoursDVD rental

Movie ticket

Party ticket

R$ 5,00

R$ 10,00

R$ 20,00

Transportation

BUS Ticket

R$ 2,70

Food Items, Bus, Happy Hour (Average Prices)

At the Supermarket

Social and Hygienic Habits in Brazil

- Possibility of not attending social activities without informing.

- Flexible time for social activities. One hour late for a party is normal.

- “Ficar” - Kissing a guy or a girl you just meet in the dancing club is normal and acceptable for Brazilian culture.

- Kisses (A long passionate Kiss in public is acceptable.)

- Romance Relationship (you are not allowed to kiss others

after entering a serious relationship.

Some people start serious relationships a very short time after they meet.

Some people just “ficam” for some time.

·Brush and floss after each meal.

·Usually, shower before going to party or social activities.

·Take at least one shower a day

Brazilian Habits

Brazilian Culture

·Talkative (easy to start a warm

conversation, and easy to have

lots of acquaintances

TIP: shave your beard & cut your hair

(UNLESS IF your culture does not allow it)

Safety Tips

At hotels, take off all your luggage from the vehicle.Don’t leave objects at eyesight.

Hosting Guide

KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL HOSTING PERIOD (tips for hosts and trainees)

* Open mind

You will like some things about each other, and you will dislike others. Don’t judge, experience it!

* Flexibility

You will encounter many differences when you compare your cultures and life style. Flexibility

and tolerance will help you to understand and appreciate these differences and accept them as part

of the exchange experience. Again, don’t judge, just experience!

* Communication

The key to any successful hosting period is communication. It is not only an opportunity, but a

responsibility. If you both communicate honestly and sensitively, the time you’re going to spend

together is going to be much better. You must be willing to communicate in all ways as possible, using

facial expressions and gestures if it may help. It’s good to have a Portuguese x English dictionary

around. Making all efforts to communicate as better as possible will not only improve your fluency in

other idiom but also make the living together period much better for everybody.

* Courtesy and appreciation

The most valuable compensation you are all going to have after this period together is the

relationship developed. Small gestures will go a long way toward making people feel that you are

grateful and appreciative of their efforts.

* Involvement

Expect to make a genuine effort to establish a deep relationship. You can all sit down and talk

about some programs that you can make together in order to have some fun, and also talk about

cultural differences, dreams, fears, expectations, etc., intense moments that will turn this period

into a magical experience for everybody.

In case of stolen or loss documents, go to the Police Department, provide the second “way” of thedocuments, in case you find them, warn the Police Department where you registered your loss.

Avoid standing alone in deserted streets, especially at night.

Avoid opening your wallet on public places and

buses and counting your money.

Emergency: call 190

Don’t carry too much money or valuable items.Exchange your money in specialized houses of (cambio).Here you can use a credit card almost anywhere,a safer choice for purchases.

Trainee * Adjust to your hostfamily’s life style

Your host family has invited you into their home because they want to share what they have and they have an interest in learning about a foreign culture. You will be staying with a Brazilian family who may or may not have the same background as you. You will have to accept and adjust to their standard of living. Most families in Brazil do not have maids, cooks or other servants. You are expected to adapt to the family, not vice versa. Keep your expectations at realistic levels and avoid demands on your host family. Don’t forget: host families are volunteers, and their most important reward is going to be the relationship they will develop with you.

* Host family regulations

Each host family has rules and regulations which help the living together period to function effectively. It is imperative that each trainee makes every effort possible to understand what his/her family expects. Each trainee must be respectful of his/her host family and the rules that govern the household. Perhaps you have never been expected to help with some duties at home, but be aware that in your new home if everyone is expected to share household responsibilities willingly and automatically, you will be expected to also. There are some issues that must be discussed so both parts are completely aware of what can be done and what cannot. Here are some important topics for discussion: visits from friends, going out with friends, traveling, smoking inside the house, schedule to internet access and TV, cleaning the house, and whatever the host family thinks it’s necessary to be discussed.

* Courtesy

If you’re going to be late, call to let someone know. If you want to make a long distance call, ask permission and observe any rules the family has made. If you want to invite a guest, check with your family to see if it’s going to be convenient for them. “Please” and “thank you” are the most important words you will use during your stay.

* Culture shock

Culture shock is to be expected in some form during the program. You may experience the following: panic, disinterest, nervousness, impatience and criticism. It’s important for you to know that brazilian people are very kind, so you can expect that your host family will probably make every effort so you can feel at home. So, if you experience any of these feelings, talk things over with the host family, they will certainly help you to feel better.

* Personal expenses

You’re going to be responsible for covering personal expenses such as entertainment, clothing, toiletries, eating out, travel, etc., so, you’re required to have at your disposal an amount of money to cover all that.

* Obeying the laws

While in Brazil, you’re required to obey all the governmental laws covering immigration status requirements, state and local laws, as well as the rules preestablished between you and the company you’re working for, host family and AIESEC.

* Work

You’re here to have an internship experience at your interest area, and there’s a company counting on you, so, it is your obligation to attend work regularly and make all the necessary effort to accomplish what your job description demands. Your host family is aware of that and when necessary will talk to you about it so you can keep your obligations in mind.

Daily Life

If you open it, close it.

If you turn it on, turn it off.

If you unlock it, lock it up.

If you break it, admit it and have it fixed or replaced.

If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone and ask someone.

If it is broken, don’t try to fix it; ask someone who can.

If you want to borrow it, ask permission.

If you borrow it, return it.

If you value it, take care of it.

If you make a mess, clean it up.

If you move it, put it back.

If it will brighten someone’s day, say it.

If you hurt someone’s feelings be the first to say:

If someone hurts your feelings, say: “Let’s talk things out.”

“I’m sorry, let’s talk things out.”

Legalization Procedures

HOW TO GET YOUR RNE (NATIONAL FOREIGNER REGISTER)

Enter the Federal Police website (www.dpf.gov.br)

and search for GRU – FUNAPOL forms;

At the screen, a form will be opened, and then you must enter personal information

and select which fees will be paid;

At the item “código da receita STN”, choose the following codes:

140082, which costs R$35,88;

140120, which costs R$69,02;

Go to a bank and pay both fees; since you’re already at the bank, request a CPF,

and pay the R$4,50 fee that they will charge for that; don’t forget to keep the

receipt, because you’ll need it when you ask for your CPF;

Now you must go to the Federal Police to get your RNE!

They work from 8h – 11:30 and from 14:00 – 17:30.

Telephone number is 3235-9004 and the address is Av. Ipiranga, 1365.

* when you fill in the form for RNE at the Federal Police, you must write everything

in portuguese;

* and where the commercial address is requested, you must write AIESEC address.

What do you need when you are at the Federal Police?

* request of VISA made on Brazil’s Consulate in your country and also an authentic

copy of it;

* two color pictures 3x4, white background – no earrings, hair on the face, etc.;

* receipts proving that you paid for the two fees mentioned above;

* original passport and authentic copy of it (just the filled sheets);

* yours and AIESEC address in Porto Alegre.

- When you get the RNE you are legal in Brazil! You must always carry this

document with you, because it guarantees that you’re legal in the country. It will

probably take 3 months until you receive the RNE card at the address that you

wrote on the forms.

How to get your CPF (Needed to open a bank account)

You must have a piece of paper that they gave you when you went to the

Federal Police to get your RNE; original passport and R$ 4,50 fee receipt,

that you already paid at Banco do Brasil;

To get your CPF, you must go to Receita Federal, from 08:00 – 11:30.

Telephone number is 3228-8902 and the address is Loureiro da Silva, 445.

You have to get your CPF, and if you want someone else to pick it up for you,

must write an authorization.

How to open a bank account

You’re going to ask for an account with the characteristics below:

* Saving account (poupança);

* VISA ELECTRON card (it is an automatic debit card); no checking;

* You must be at the agency with all documents requested and sign the papers.

How to proceed:

- You need your passport (copies can be made at the agency);

- Prove that your CPF is legal ( the original takes about 90 days to be ready, so, o must take a

receipt that can be printed at the internet).

Obs.: How to print this receipt: with your CPF number in hands go to

www.receita.fazenda.gov.br, click at “Cadastro de CPF”, and then “CPF”, and then enter

“Consulta a situação cadastral de pessoa física”. Now, you just have to put the number and

print it (must say “SITUAÇÃO REGULAR”);

- You also need a document that proves permanent residency of your host

(water/telephone/energy/credit card bills);

- The host (which name is written on the bills listed above) must write down a statement

saying that you live with him/her at that address. This document needs a date, signature, ID

number, place that issued the ID, and CPF number. The signature must be recognized at a

registry office.

- Take at least R$50,00, because the amount of Money required varies from place to place,

and they may ask you for a initial deposit;

- To open a saving account you must have done your CPF 48 hours ago;

- When you open your saving account, someone from AIESEC MST be with you. Don’t forget to

write down your account’s number and variation at AIESEC files.