So you looked through our site and still have a few questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find what you are looking for, drop us a message at contact.beyondthemap@gmail.com.
What is Beyond the Map?
Beyond the Map is a training program for native English speakers who want to learn how to teach private English classes to Brazilians here in Rio de Janeiro. We charge US$250 (R$500) for the program. This includes a two-hour training session to bring you up to date on important teaching techniques for specifically working with Brazilians, connection to your first 3 students, teaching resources, a community of expats and travelers like you, as well as advice on setting yourself up in Rio and expanding your student network. We guarantee that our teachers will earn their payment back in their first month of teaching or we will give them their money back. We even offer you the opportunity to pay us back only after you have received your first payment from your student. Beyond the Map also assists interested teachers in the process before coming down to Brazil as well as mentors them the entire time they decide to stay and teach. Our program focuses on providing a community that connects expats within Rio de Janeiro so new teachers can have support and connection with other travelers they can relate to.
Why would I choose Beyond the Map over teaching at a language institute?
Working for an institute is another option for teaching English here in Brazil. Institutes were the first places we looked to find work. Unfortunately, in our experience, we realized that the average hourly rate falls between R$13-R$25. With our program, you start with an hourly rate of at least R$50. The money you earn from your students goes directly in your pocket, cutting out the middleman. We also provide training so you feel confident in your classes, yet another service not usually offered through an institute. Here at Beyond the Map, you are your own boss and you will have the ability to expand your student network as much as you’d like, making the earning possibilities endless. BTM is especially rewarding because it connects you to a community of other expats and teachers in the city, something we found was especially lacking in our time living here.
Can I get a work visa through BTM?
Nope. Unfortunately, we do not have the power to get you a work visa. These are pretty tough to get actually. But if you decide to work for another company and teach on the side, they would walk you through the process. Usually you must work for a company willing to go through the work visa process with you, which can at times, be lengthy and expensive.
How do I earn money with this program?
Once you have paid your one time fee of US$250, the rest of your income goes straight into your pocket directly from your students, cutting out the middleman. The three students we connect you to have already chosen one of three payment options, guaranteeing that you will make your payment back within the first month. You are not limited to these three students or this income. Once you have gone through our training program, you will have the knowledge to continue expanding your student network, having the freedom to set your own prices once you gain new students. We will go into depth about this at your training session.
Can I get health insurance through Beyond the Map?
No. We do not have the ability to get you health insurance. Please look in to travel insurance options as you may only be here for a short time and could find a good deal.
FAQs
About the Program
Money Questions
How much do the Brazilian students pay for classes with BTM teachers?
We give three payment options to students interested in classes with our teachers. These payments go straight to your pocket.
Option 1- R$200/month=4 classes of 1 hour
Option 2-R$280/month=4 classes of 1.5 hours
Option 3- R$360/month=4 classes of 2 hours
Since you will receive 3 students who have chosen one of these options, you are guaranteed to earn your training payment back within the first month.
How much does the program cost?
The payment is US$250 (R$500) which includes a 2-hour training session on how to teach English to Brazilians along with cultural tips, connecting you to your first 3 students, teaching resources, mentoring you while you get better at teaching and plugging you in to a lively community of teachers like you.
Do we have to pay for our own flight?
Yes.
How do I make my payment?
You can mail a check, make a deposit or turn in your payment at the first training session. Please get in contact for more details.
How much money should I bring with me to Brazil?
We can only guarantee that in your first month you will make at least R$500 but this will not cover all of your rent, transportation, food and entertainment. We recommend bringing about US$700-US$1000 to cover you for the first 2 months. A lot will depend on how expensive your rent will be.
How do I know I will earn back the money I spend on training within my first month?
The three students we connect you with have already chosen one of 3 payment options.
Option 1- R$200/month=4 classes of 1 hour
Option 2- R$280/month=4 classes of 1.5 hours
Option 3-$360/month=4 classes of 2 hours.
Since you will have 3 students who have chosen from these options, the amount adds up to more than R$500 which you paid for your training.
Will I receive a completion certificate?
Yes. After your 2-hour training session, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Can you find me housing in Rio?
No. We cannot guarantee you your housing arrangement in Rio. We may have some contacts for housing but ultimately, it is your responsibility to arrange your own housing. If you would rather wait until you get here to find a place, we recommend CouchSurfing, a free “housing” option, for the first week or two. If you are looking for an apartment, take a look at Easy Quarto.
Do I have to be a native English speaker to participate?
Yes. At the time we are only accepting native English speakers because this is the way we are marketing our classes to our students. They are looking mostly to improve and perfect their American and English accents. This does not mean you shouldn’t apply. For those students on the waiting list, we ask if they would mind studying with a non-native English speaker. The only issue is that it may take a while to get 3 students to agree so we cannot guarantee how long this would take.
What if I’ve never traveled before?
No problem! There is a first time for everything! We feel like Brazil could be a great place for you to start your travels. If you are willing to travel with an open mind and consider yourself flexible and able to adapt to new environments, your lack of travel experience shouldn’t be a problem.
What if I’ve never taught English before?
No problem! While we prefer that our trainees have had a bit of English teaching experience, it is not a requirement. If you are eager to learn and willing to take the challenge, we will help you along the way and especially during your first month.
Is there a time requirement that I have to commit to?
We ask that our teachers commit to at least 3 months of teaching. We feel this is only fair to our Brazilian students who will need a certain consistency in order to feel progress in their learning.
Is this formal work?
No. Technically tourists are not permitted to work in Brazil. This job is considered informal.
Is it safe to come to Rio?
Just like traveling to any new place, your safety has much more to do with your own behavior than that of those around you. Maybe you have heard things about Rio that leave you uncertain about security, but if you are mindful about what you do, and where you go at certain times, you will not have any issues; similar to traveling in any other country. During our years of living here, we have never had problems with safety. If you are concerned about specific safety issues, don't hesitate to get in contact with us.
Will you pick me up at the airport?
We do not provide an airport pick up service but you can check out the “Arrival” section on our “Nuts and Bolts” page to see about more options to get to where you are staying.
What if I still don’t have enough confidence in my teaching after my training?
All first time teachers are a little wobbly on their teaching legs for the first few classes. We will do our best to get you trained to the point where you feel confident before you start but if you still feel unsure, you will be assigned to a “mentor” who will be there to talk you through any of your difficulties.
Visa Questions
Logistics
Training
But the prices you charge your students are less than I would charge. Can I charge more?
You cannot charge the students we connect you to more than the payment option they have chosen. We advertise these payment options to our students, which is why they are attracted to the idea of studying through Beyond the Map. But this is only the beginning for you. After your first three students, you will have the freedom to charge whatever you decide is best to any students you gain afterwards. We will discuss in detail how to charge and gain more students in your training session.
Who should I contact if I have questions before coming to Brazil?
Before coming to Brazil, your contact will be Ali Medina, our Chief Executive Adventure Planner. She will help you with any pre-trip questions you might have. You can reach her at ali.beyondthemap@gmail.com.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the training sessions?
Sam Kramer is our Chief Executive Training Guru so any questions you have that are specific to the training session should be directed to her. You can reach her at sam.beyondthemap@gmail.com.
What does the name Beyond the Map mean?
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. Too many times we get caught up in our fear to take risks that we stay staring at the map our whole lives without actually going anywhere. If your dream is to travel, you should do everything possible to make that happen. If Rio de Janeiro is your new destination, let us help you get there!
Where will my training session be?
Your training session will be at PUC (Pontificia Universidade Católica) in Gávea. Don’t worry, we will tell you how to get there.
How many hours a week will I be working?
This is entirely up to you. Depending on which payment options your 3 students have chosen, you will be required to work from 3-6 hours a week making between R$600-R$1080. Outside of these three students, you may gain other students, which will up your work load as well as your weekly income.
How will I receive my payments for teaching?
You receive your payments directly from your students. The frequency (aka once a month, once a week, etc.) will depend on what you decide with each student. We do not receive any of this money.
Do I have to speak Portuguese to participate?
Nope. This is not a requirement but we highly recommend you study as much Portuguese as possible before coming down because it makes a great difference in your ability to get your point across sometimes.
Where will the classes take place?
As of right now, all of your classes will be within Rio city. You will decide with your student where the best place will be for the two of you. Usually it is in their home or workplace. In the future we may expand to other parts of Rio state depending on interest and demand.
What if I can't afford the $250 payment up front?
We have flexible payment options that allow you to pay Beyond the Map only after you have been paid by your student if necessary.
*How long do I have to commit to teaching at Beyond the Map?
We require our teachers to commit to at least three months of teaching to assure progress for our Brazilian students. We understand that many people are coming to Rio for tourism at this time but we are looking for dedicated teachers who really want to concentrate on their classes. Of course you can travel, but please do your best to plan these trips around your classes. Remember, if you lose focus, your student will as well.
Copyright 2012 BeyondtheMap. No Gringos were harmed in the making.