We need to face this reality hard and fast. We are gringos.
If you already understand that this word is used in Brazil much different than other parts of Latin America, you are ready to take the next step.
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brazil. Show all posts
How to Handle Your Brazilian Visa Extension
So, you are liking your life in Brazil and you've decided to stick around.
I support that, but what about all the red tape? What about all the hoop jumping? If you're not in the position of having your school handle this process, lucky for you, I've been there and want it to be as easy as possible for you.
I support that, but what about all the red tape? What about all the hoop jumping? If you're not in the position of having your school handle this process, lucky for you, I've been there and want it to be as easy as possible for you.
How New Year Arrives Late in Brazil (or, How I Disappeared From TCL for Three Months)
You know that feeling you get when you go back to work on Monday after vacation? I think very few would call the feeling "inspiring."
Now imagine that you go to work on Monday, but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are holidays. Now how do you feel? Are you telling yourself that you will wait to get serious until NEXT Monday?
Anniversary Post: The Crummy Life Turns One
I think it all started out of angst. Have you ever done that? Started something because the tension you are feeling compels you to spring forward with action. To just do something.
The confusion about where to begin. The confusion about what it is all for. Then, finally, deciding it's just because that's what you want or need to do.
This is how The Crummy Life started.
The confusion about where to begin. The confusion about what it is all for. Then, finally, deciding it's just because that's what you want or need to do.
This is how The Crummy Life started.
Thailand and Brazil: Side-by-Side Reflections on Adapting Abroad
I've now adapted in a short list of countries, and the two that have given me the greatest amount of time to go through the process and develop deeper observations are Thailand and Brazil, respectively. It's time to reflect on some of the differences, as I try to rummage through my thoughts to see what I might share with Tom.
"Hey," he said to me as I turned to exit the room, "don't fuck it up."
So goes the general and less than eloquent advice of one of my greatest influences. They were applicable to just about anything, but always reserved for those moments when he knew that a person needed an extra prod to strive for greatness, and the comment would land perfectly so you knew what it was about.
"Hey," he said to me as I turned to exit the room, "don't fuck it up."
So goes the general and less than eloquent advice of one of my greatest influences. They were applicable to just about anything, but always reserved for those moments when he knew that a person needed an extra prod to strive for greatness, and the comment would land perfectly so you knew what it was about.
Challenge Update 2 - Atualização de Desafio 2
Nós estamos aqui de novo. Uma outra semana já passou, e mais prática completou.
Oops, here I am on The Crummy Life. Time to switch back to English.
This last week was a fun time trying to apply my Portuguese skills to my life behind me. I say behind me because, to practice speaking in the past and making the necessary conjugations in my head, I spent much of the week talking about days and years passed.
I want to give a big THANK YOU to Murillo, the teacher that made the biggest impression on me during the October Challenge. Thanks for all of your help, especially with pretérito imperfeito, which was incredibly confusing before you broke it down and forced me to use it.
That's all for now, so watch the video and have a laugh!
Challenge Update 1 - Atualização de Desafio 1
As promised, I am here to deliver my language challenge update for my first completed week of the italki October Language Challenge.
It was a busy week, and a fun weekend applying some of what I had practiced all week. I had a great time with some friends in one of the many beautiful places that make up Floripa.
My first week of the challenge went great, so check out the video to see what I accomplished, and what I've got lined up before it finishes on the 31st.
Until next time, tchau! And don't forget to hang on until the end of the video... the bloopers are worth it!
It was a busy week, and a fun weekend applying some of what I had practiced all week. I had a great time with some friends in one of the many beautiful places that make up Floripa.
My first week of the challenge went great, so check out the video to see what I accomplished, and what I've got lined up before it finishes on the 31st.
Until next time, tchau! And don't forget to hang on until the end of the video... the bloopers are worth it!
5 Things to Take Home From Brazil
Do you remember how good you felt the last time you stepped into a new city, experienced a new thrill, or met someone that really captured your attention?
When people move to a new place, or even just visit, they start off in "the honeymoon phase." This magical time is filled with the thought that, like a teeneager in a fresh romance, all of these new things are amazing.
It is only natural that a person is going to like some things during this phase so much that they will think, "Why don't I do it like that?" With that idea in mind, I want to offer you five things that have only furthered my fascination of and appreciation for the Brazilian way.
When people move to a new place, or even just visit, they start off in "the honeymoon phase." This magical time is filled with the thought that, like a teeneager in a fresh romance, all of these new things are amazing.
It is only natural that a person is going to like some things during this phase so much that they will think, "Why don't I do it like that?" With that idea in mind, I want to offer you five things that have only furthered my fascination of and appreciation for the Brazilian way.
October italki Language Challenge Public Pledge
It's time again for a challenge!
Today is the fourth day of the challenge, and I have already finished three hours! Only three more to go, and ten days to do it. No problem!
italki has brought back the language challenge for October, this time challenging participants to finish six hours of classes in fourteen days. Between October 18th - 31st, anyone who is signed up for the challenge can get a $20 rebate on money spent taking classes once they complete the six hours, plus an extra $5 if you post a public pledge video.
Today is the fourth day of the challenge, and I have already finished three hours! Only three more to go, and ten days to do it. No problem!
italki has brought back the language challenge for October, this time challenging participants to finish six hours of classes in fourteen days. Between October 18th - 31st, anyone who is signed up for the challenge can get a $20 rebate on money spent taking classes once they complete the six hours, plus an extra $5 if you post a public pledge video.
A Hassle-free Guide to Obtaining a Brazilian Visa
This beautiful country hosts a rich, vibrant culture that captivates anyone who gets near because it's energetic, passionate and contagious. The following breakdown will ensure that you can get your visa sem problemas (without problems).
13 Similarities of Brazil and Thailand
One might think that after living in Thailand for three years, living in Brazil must be massively different. Well, not exactly.
While there are plenty of differences, I have spent the first month here documenting things that I feel are similar between the Land of Smiles and the Land of Samba. Since arriving, I have really felt like Brazil is a great balance of my home culture and my first adopted one.
While there are plenty of differences, I have spent the first month here documenting things that I feel are similar between the Land of Smiles and the Land of Samba. Since arriving, I have really felt like Brazil is a great balance of my home culture and my first adopted one.
CELTA Revealed: Program Design Insight to Bring You Success
Updated: some information about the success rates, Input Sessions, Teaching Practice, and Assignments have been updated to reflect feedback I received from a current CELTA trainer. Her insight is a benefit to all readers and prospective CELTA trainees.
If you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), you've probably already begun looking into the options for your certification. Now you are thinking about all of the which of them to choose. Two questions are likely floating around in your head.
"What is the difference between a TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA (among others)?" and "Which one of them should I choose?"
If you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), you've probably already begun looking into the options for your certification. Now you are thinking about all of the which of them to choose. Two questions are likely floating around in your head.
"What is the difference between a TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA (among others)?" and "Which one of them should I choose?"
Long Distance Relationship Tips to Bring You Success
No matter who you are, being in a long distance relationship (LDR) is another level of commitment. If you have doubts about the relationship you are in, an LDR probably isn't for you.
I don't mean small, general insecurities about the future. Specifically, I am referring to the possibility that you have ideas about the person not being "the one" for you. This is very important, because who wants to commit time and energy to an LDR that isn't founded on mutual long-term intentions? Really, that's a bit masochistic.
I don't mean small, general insecurities about the future. Specifically, I am referring to the possibility that you have ideas about the person not being "the one" for you. This is very important, because who wants to commit time and energy to an LDR that isn't founded on mutual long-term intentions? Really, that's a bit masochistic.
A Name of Sorts: The Crummy Life Exposed
Sometimes people, usually non-native English speakers, ask me, "Jairet, why did you name your blog 'The Crummy Life'?"
I think it's a good, and valid question. For example, consider the following:
Why would someone want to market themselves under a name that implies inferior quality?
Are you trying to give the impression that the standard of the writing, information, products, services, etc. are of low caliber?
I think it's a good, and valid question. For example, consider the following:
Why would someone want to market themselves under a name that implies inferior quality?
Are you trying to give the impression that the standard of the writing, information, products, services, etc. are of low caliber?
International Driving Permit and Inter-American Driving Permit
It's pretty normal for people to want to prepare for the unexpected events that inevitably come up in our future, especially for us westerners. In the case of moving abroad, that means it is important to have a plan for health insurance, bank accounts and money management, emergency contacts at home, and legality of driving.
What follows is a simple explanation of how to cover your butt so you don't have any troubles while driving abroad. For many people, a standard driver's license is likely accepted overseas, but don't expect it.
What follows is a simple explanation of how to cover your butt so you don't have any troubles while driving abroad. For many people, a standard driver's license is likely accepted overseas, but don't expect it.
June italki Language Challenge Update: Brazilian Portuguese
Olá! Tudo bem?
This month I am participating in the June italki Language Challenge. Maybe you saw my first post with my public pledge video, where I said what I aim to accomplish and used a bit of português brasileiro. What did you think?
Well it is time for an update, because week three has just begun. With my birthday in week one, and being in a wedding in week two, life has been packed to the gills with action and excitement.
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