São Paulo – The Brazilian travel agency CI Intercâmbio e Viagem has added new destination for locals looking to work and study in another country. Since last Friday (19), Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, became an option for those wishing to improve their English-speaking skills and experience a different culture.
According to CI product manager Eduardo Frigo, the agency had been looking to add the Arab destination to its portfolio for two years. After seeking and negotiating, the agency – which specializes in student exchange – entered into an agreement with ES Dubai, the emirate’s first English school. “It’s a school with lots of time slot options, and it has welcomed Brazilian students in the past, so it has experience with the country,” says the executive.
The school and the agency work together to meet all student needs, from accommodation – which can be in the school’s own facilities – to finding a job.
“We cannot guarantee any jobs, but ES Dubai will help students find placements during their stay. Some people have found jobs even before their courses began,” he explains, adding that a student and labor visa to the UAE is granted for courses lasting more than 12 weeks. “But it’s all very simple. The school itself issues the visa and there’s no need to get in touch with any consulates.”
This ease makes Dubai one of the best choices for Brazilians looking to learn English abroad, according to Frigo. “There’s no need to apply for a preliminar visa with the consulate, and no financial documentation or attestation is needed, as is the case with more sought-after destinations such as the United States and Canada. Dubai is the easiest pick right now,” he says.
The agency offers a wide range of packages, and the minimum course duration is two weeks. The basic 12-week program, with four weeks’ worth of student accommodation, a visa, a work permit and a desert safari goes for USD 3,052 – air travel not included. “We advise people to stay in the school accommodations for four weeks at most, in a single or double room, because afterwards it’s easier to find a place to rent or share with a classmate,” he explains.
Frigo explains that since the destination was included and social media promotion was done, CI agencies got lots of inquiries. Next Saturday (27) some units will offer lectures to potential customers. “We hope to demystify this destination, which offers excellent infrastructure for foreigners,” says the executive, who guarantees that Portuguese language support is available to Brazilians joining the program: “The ES Dubai representative herself is Brazilian.”
The package is available to anyone 18 or older at all CI agencies. For additional information please go to https://www.ci.com.br/intercambio/trabalhar-e-estudar/emirados-arabes
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
