Unemployed young people emigrate to Brazil

Adapted from the article published in O Estado de São Paulo newspaper, in November 2011.  Click here to read the original, in Portuguese.


SÃO PAULO - The Brazilian economy growth has increased the interest  among foreign young people in search of an international professional experience.  Especially in South America, a temporary contract work in Brazil - the region's largest economy - is seen as a complement that can make all the difference in the curriculum.



The number of young foreigners who came to Brazil through the global network  AIESEC  increased by 50% between 2009 and 2010 - from 299 to 447. Among the nations that send young people into the country is Colombia, United States, Peru and Mexico. "I've decided to attend college in Brazil because it is the power of South America," says  Carlos Adrian Nuñez, 24 from Peru, who now lives in the city of Lauro de Freitas (BA).
Nuñez works at the  Master Glasses, eyewear manufacturer that is interested in expanding their business to South America, the company has partnered with AIESEC and selected students  from Colombia, Argentina and Peru to come and work for them. "They come up with innovative ideas," said Carlos Souza, president of the company.
Nuñez's case, however, is special. While other foreigners only work in temporary contracts with Master Glasses - the company makes 50 thousand pair of glasses a month and has sales of    R$ 36 million per year, the Peruvian student  was invited to stay.   Souza applied for a work visa that will guarantee more two years of permanence to the exchange student. "He brought a quality mindset to the company. Now, with exports, I need someone who speaks Spanish and ensure the quality of the product in other countries."
Adding the exchange period plus the new employment contract, Nuñez will have about four years of professional experience in the country "This will be a very strong differential point on my resume," he explains.


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It is very important to add to this article that although the country has become a land of opportunities for those who want to work and have a degree, one must learn to speak Portuguese.   Most companies will NOT hire candidates who cannot speak the country's language.   I have met many excellent professionals (Europeans and North Americans) who could not find a job in Brazil's biggest financial centre - São Paulo, due to their poor language skills.  Language is essential.