Samantha Kramer (Los Angeles, CA)
Chief Executive Training Guru
I came to Brazil to study abroad at PUC (a private university) in Rio de Janeiro in 2010. Since then I have fallen in love, moved back and forth between Brazil and the U.S. every 6 months for about a year, and then finally settled in as a private English teacher, which has now become my current career. The growth that I have experienced in these past few years would have taken me decades if I had never gone abroad. As a recent graduate, I get to make good money, have free-time, and a flexible schedule. I also meet amazing professionals and have the opportunity to see what other types of careers I might want to get into “when I grow up.” I always tell people that if they have any small inkling to come to Brazil they should do it! We have created this program to help you beat the curve by not having to figure it out all by yourself.
Ali Medina (Littleton, CO)
Chief Executive Adventure Planner
The Crew
Our Mission
The first step in going Beyond the Map is to stop looking at the map on your wall and jump into it by actually going to that destination to soak up the local culture. We understand there are a hundred things going through your mind before you make this big step, which is why we want to share the secrets of the business so you can land here and stay on your feet. Beyond the Map makes the teaching experience feel more like a community and less like a competition to get students.
Our main goal is to help you see that taking the plunge and
going abroad will change the way you see yourself and the world around you.
After college at CU Boulder, I knew I wasn't about to stick it out in the U.S.'s disappointing 2010 job market. I stuck my diploma in a cardboard box, sold my car, packed up two bags, and decided Brazil would be a good travel challenge. The beautiful beaches and fascinating culture didn't make coming here too difficult a choice. I landed "de pára-quedas" in Rocinha, the largest favela in South America. For five months I taught English, Spanish and Recycled Art while catching moto-taxis zipping around the morro. Even though my undergrad degrees are in International Affairs and Spanish Lit., I've survived in the Rio jungle by learning Portuguese on the fly and teaching English in student's homes or businesses. Even with the difficulties of setting myself up in Rio these past two years, I wouldn't change a darn thing. If you are unsure about coming down, remind yourself how much you will learn if you just step off the map and float.
"As a recent graduate, I get to make good money, have free-time, and a flexible schedule."
"I stuck my diploma in a cardboard box, sold my car, packed up two bags, and decided Brazil would be a good travel challenge."
Copyright 2012 BeyondtheMap. No Gringos were harmed in the making.