WELCOME TO THE BRITISH COLLEGE OF BRAZIL!
We’re delighted to welcome you to BCB and invite you to read this guide as you plan for your relocation and to help you settle into your new city and school.
BEM-VINDO!
We’re delighted to welcome you to our vibrant and diverse community. Now an integral part of our school family, we’re ready to support you as you embark on this exciting journey.
At BCB, we believe that our greatest assets are our people. It’s the dedication, passion, and talent of our staff that truly shapes our students to become global citizens ready to succeed anywhere, and contribute to our success as an educational institution. Here’s what you can expect from your experience with us:
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT: We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and encouraged to thrive.
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT: Your time with us will offer rich opportunities for culture and learning. As an international school, we celebrate diversity and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences that each member of our community brings.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: As part of our school community, you’ll have the chance to build lasting friendships with colleagues, and meaningful connections with students and families. We believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a successful learning environment.
We’re eagerly anticipating your arrival and look forward to supporting you, learning from you, and celebrating your contributions to our school’s mission and vision. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and excellence in education.
Once again, welcome to The British College of Brazil!
Warm regards,
The BCB Community
OUR HISTORY
Since opening over a decade ago in 2011, The British College of Brazil has become the private school of choice in São Paulo for international and local families who want to give their children an outstanding education with a global focus and eye-opening opportunities.
Located in São Paulo, The British College of Brazil offers a warm, collaborative, and family-friendly environment. Spanning Pre-Nursery through Year 6, our Cidade Jardim campus hosts our youngest students within an inspiring environment. At our Chácara Flora campus, our wide-ranging facilities have been thoughtfully designed for the activities of all ages, from Early Years through Year 13.
Following world-renowned British and international curricula, we offer the highest quality of education in Early Years, Primary, and Secondary School on two campuses that feature state-of-the art facilities and technology.
Our school has grown to nearly 600 students, and our caring, diverse student body represents 40+ nationalities, making us a truly international and multicultural community.
STUDENTS NATIONALITIES YEARS IN BRAZIL
CHACARA FLORA AND CIDADE JARDIM
At The British College of Brazil, creativity and curiosity flow through our halls, where every child is building their passions, thinking critically, and solving problems. In both of our campuses, we seamlessly integrate world-class teaching and curricula, alongside cuttingedge technology and facilities. This fusion creates unparalleled learning experiences. Whether inside or outside the classroom, we inspire our students to surpass their own expectations and achieve greatness. Students have ample space to explore, play, and grow their wellbeing and unique abilities are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a personalised learning experience in a safe and caring community so that they succeed, no matter what the future holds.
OUR CHÁCARA FLORA CAMPUS FEATURES:
AGES 2-18
Indoor and outdoor music rooms
Expansive art room and vibrant drama classroom
STEAM Labs, including labs for chemistry and physics
Primary and Secondary libraries
Playgrounds and table tennis courts
IB study lounges
OUR CIDADE JARDIM CAMPUS FEATURES:
AGES 2-10
Indoor music rooms
Outdoor playground with a sandbox
Early Years and Primary Libraries
Safe drop-off and pick-up entrance for vehicles
CIDADE JARDIM CAMPUS
CHÁCARA FLORA CAMPUS
ABOUT NORD ANGLIA
As one of the world’s leading international schools organisations, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.
Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.
87+ Schools
33+ Countries
86,000+
Students Worldwide
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Our mission is to be the most forward-thinking, technologyenabled educators in the world, using our global reach and world-class teachers to create a learning experience like no other.
Our vision is to shape a generation of creative and resilient global citizens that will change our world for the better.
OUR SCHOOLS
With schools across the globe and tens of thousands of students worldwide, we are a truly global community that spans both continents and cultures. By joining us, you become part of our international family.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’ll look to you to promote high expectations for our students, designing learning activities that are aligned to our school’s curriculum and creating a learning culture where there are no limits to what can be achieved. You will foster an environment of respect within the classroom, facilitating learning through questioning and discussion.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WORKLOAD EXPECTATIONS
• In Primary, class teachers have 8 lessons of release time a week.
• In Secondary, class teachers have 5 lessons of release time a week.
• Year group and departmental meetings take place over the course of the week and there is an expectation that teachers attend relevant meetings.
• Teachers are expected to help with other duties such as lunch, breaks, arrivals and dismissals, etc.
• Teachers are expected to only speak in English with students while on campus.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Our 2024-2025 School Calendar is available here. New foreign hire teachers are scheduled to arrive in São Paulo during the last week of July so that we can assist with your settling-in process. All new teachers will then join us during the first week of August to go through the induction process together. BCB’s school calendar is governed by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and any nationwide events that might take place. Due to this, some changes could occur throughout the school year, all of which BCB will communicate as soon as possible.
BCB offers international health insurance and a life insurance policy. This policy includes coverage for unfortunate events like accidents, with a payout equivalent to 24 times the employee’s base monthly salary.
IT DEPARTMENT - WELCOME!
You’ll receive an email from us with your personal IT Welcome Letter. This contains your credentials to access your school email, Intranet, iSams, etc.
For further assistance, you can always refer to the Employee Handbook and the New Teacher Brief Guide.
SICK DAY POLICY
When you provide a doctor’s certificate for sickness absences, you’ll receive payment for those days. If you’re unable to provide a valid doctor’s certificate, there may be a deduction from your salary for the period of absence. If you’ve been absent due to sickness for 15 days within a span of 6 months, Social Security will take over the responsibility of providing your salary.
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
Those not living within walking distance from school will have a monthly transportation allowance, used through BCB’s Uber for business account. You may use it for your daily transportation between home/school/home. The value per month is limited to R$580. For months with breaks or holidays, the value is proportional to working days. If you decide to have your own car in the future, you can change your transport allowance from Uber to a prepaid fuel card accepted in most gas stations. The fuel card’s monthly value is also proportional.
BANKING INFORMATION
To receive your pay checks, you must have an active bank account at Banco Itaú.
We recommend that you bring an amount of money with you in small bills so that you can use cash during the first weeks here while we complete the process of opening your bank accounts. You’ll also receive your relocation allowance in your first week.
At the end of each month, you will receive your paycheck through a direct transfer to your bank account. It’s important to know that we use the same card for debit and credit transactions in Brazil.
USEFUL INFORMATION TO CONSIDER BEFORE ARRIVING
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Memorise your passport number and have a colour copy with you (either digital or physical).
• Scan personal documents and save the files for future reference, as many travel locations or businesses require passport verification.
• It’s recommended that you bring 2 extra passport-sized photos. You will need them for your visa process.
• Check that your current phone is activated to travel internationally with your cell phone company/provider.
HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
When traveling to Brazil, it is important to take into account the following recommendations:
• If you have any medical condition that requires a special medicine or treatment, bring enough for 2-3 months to Brazil until you see a local doctor for a prescription. Additionally, bring any relevant medical prescriptions, exams, diagnostics, results, etc.
• You consider getting vaccinations for common diseases in Brazil, especially if you’re heading to the Amazon. Vaccines include:
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Whooping Cough
• Measles
• Rubella
• Mumps
• Hepatitis A
• Yellow Fever
If you’d like to discuss your medical needs before traveling, reach out to us to arrange a virtual meeting with our medical staff or insurance representative.
PETS
If you’re bringing pets with you, contact your airline for information on what documents you’ll need, such as vaccination records. Some breeds are easier to transport, so plan ahead and gather everything your pet needs before your flight.
PACKAGING AND SHIPPING
If you’re sending personal belongings to Brazil, it’s best to work with a shipping company. They’ll handle everything with Brazilian customs. Many of our new hires bring essential belongings in their luggage when they move.
OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS
Street: Rua Álvares de Azevedo, 50 Neighbourhood: Chacara Flora City: São Paulo - SP Zip Code: 04671-040
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
• Clothing & Accessories: School-appropriate attires (find our Dress Code Policy here).
• Everyday clothing: T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweaters, jackets, raincoats, etc.
• Outdoors clothing: Sneakers, bathing suits, etc. AccessoriesHats, sunglasses, backpacks, purses, etc.
• Additional Items: If you require specific skincare - sunscreen, lotions, etc.
• Contact lenses and/or glasses (if needed).
• Personal devices: Laptops, tablets, phones, headphones, etc.
• Any specific medications that aren’t sold in Brazil under the same commercial name (e.g. Tums, Motrin, Advil, Benadryl).
WHAT NOT TO BRING
• Be cautious when considering large amounts of sentimental items that could get damaged or lost during your move.
• Antiques with complex mechanisms or delicate woodwork, as they might be hard and costly to import.
• Large amounts of perishable food.
• Many books, CDs, and DVDs that could fill up a lot of space in your luggage.
UPON ARRIVAL
Foreign Hires are expected to arrive to São Paulo during the last week of July.
São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport –Governador André Franco Montoro.
The school will provide a van and a driver who will pick you up from the airport and take you to your apartment. When you arrive, our representative will greet you at your apartment to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
HEALTH ACCOMMODATION
If you feel unwell, try over-the-counter medications. If symptoms last a week, see a doctor.
Because Brazil gets strong sun, use sunscreen every day. It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water to avoid bacteria from tap water.
SÃO PAULO
São Paulo, is the most populous city in Brazil and the largest urban economy in Latin America. The city mixes old and new architecture and history. Walk around the old town with its cobblestone streets and pretty churches, or stroll through the commercial district, the high rises and shopping complexes. If you need help settling in, ask any of your colleagues or other people who moved here before you — they’ve got plenty of tips to share about living in this exciting city!
CULTURAL SHOCK
Culture shock occurs when these differences, both subtle and overt, begin to overwhelm or challenge a person. For example, you may feel isolated and alienated.
People experience difficulties living in other cultures when they judge differences by their own cultural norms, stereotypes, or expectations. Some tips that can help you in the cross-cultural adjustment process includes:
• Try to keep an open mind and encourage those around you to do the same.
• Expect to make mistakes and having misunderstandings… it’s okay! Ask questions and seek clarification.
• Be patient, this is a process that takes lots of interactions, observations, and time.
• Try not to make quick assumptions or classify differences as “good” or “bad”.
TRANSPORTATION
We recommend that you don’t walk in the streets when it’s dark outside but use cabs or Ubers to get around. Apps: You can also order a secure ride from apps like Uber, and 99Taxi. You’ll receive notifications with the name and picture of the driver, as well as a vehicle description.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As in any developing country that has a big city, make sure to keep your belongings safe. We recommend that you keep your phones, bags, purses, and wallets secure at all times.
Please take into consideration the following recommendations:
• Keep track of your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Carry a colour copy of your passport with you and leave the original at home if you do not need it
• Maintain frequent communication with family and friends at Banks & ATMs
• Be discrete when withdrawing money from a bank or an ATM
• If you need to exchange money, do it exclusively in banks and/or accredited exchange houses
When possible, carry out transactions in a bank branch that is located inside a Shopping Center or in a well-lit, public area. Do not accept the help or company of strangers.
MONEY AND TRANSACTIONS
Credit cards are widely accepted in Brazil, including at restaurants, hotels, and malls, as well as some local grocery stores. It’s common for cards to work as both debit and credit, so specify which you’re using before paying.
Debit transactions are deducted from your account immediately, while credit transactions are billed monthly. If you’re carrying R$10,000.00 or more in cash when entering or leaving the country, you must declare it to authorities.
& HOSPITALS NEAR US
Hospital Sao Luiz Morumbi
Address: Rua Engenheiro Oscar Americano, 840 - Jardim Guedala, São Paulo - SP, 05605-050 Telephone: +55 11 3093-1100
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
Address: Av. Albert Einstein, 627 - Morumbi, São Paulo - SP, 05652-900 Telephone: +55 11 2151-1233
Hospital Beneficiência Portuguesa
Address: R. Maestro Cardim, 769 - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01323-000 Telephone: +55 11 3505-1000
Hospital Samaritano
Address: R. Conselheiro Brotero, 1486 - Higienópolis, São Paulo - SP, 01232-010 Telephone: +55 11 3821-5300
SHOPPING IN SÃO PAULO
Shopping Morumbi
Address: Av. Roque Petroni Júnior, 1089 - Jardim das Acacias, São Paulo - SP, 04707-900 Telephone: +55 11 4003-4132
Shopping Vila Olimpia
Address: R. Olimpíadas, 360 - Vila Olímpia, São Paulo - SP, 04551-000 Telephone: +55 11 4003-4173
Shopping JK Iguatemi
Address: Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041Itaim Bibi, São Paulo - SP, 04543-011 Telephone: +55 11 3152-6800
Shopping Ibirapuera
Address: Av. Ibirapuera, 3103Indianópolis, São Paulo - SP, 04029-902 Telephone: +55 (11) 5095-2300
MAIN GROCERY STORES
MAIN PHARMACIES AND DRUG STORES
MAIN TRAVEL AGENCIES
DISCOVER SÃO PAULO
RECOMMENDED WEEKEND LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
IBIRAPUERA PARK
A sprawling urban oasis renowned for its lush green spaces, serene lakes, and cultural attractions.
VILLA LOBOS PARK
A beloved urban retreat cherished for its vast greenery, scenic walking trails, and family-friendly amenities.
AFRO BRAZILIAN MUSEUM
A variety of pieces that showcase the contributions and struggles of AfroBrazilians throughout the country’s history.
SÃO PAULO AQUARIUM
A captivating aquatic destination offering an immersive journey into the world’s marine ecosystems.
Presents a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Brazil.
SAO PAULO’S ZOO
Offers a fascinating array of animal species from around the world.
PINACOTECA
RIO DE JANEIRO
It is the second-most-populous city in Brazil (after São Paulo). Is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival, samba, bossa nova, and balneario beaches. Landmarks include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
LIFE IN BRAZIL
Brazil is rich in nature and culture. From the Amazon rainforest to stunning beaches, vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and waterfalls like Iguaçu, there’s much to see and do. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Brazil has it all. Come experience its beauty and diversity for yourself—it’s a paradise waiting to be explored!
LANGUAGE
Main language: Portuguese
Other spoken languages: English (especially in tourist areas and cosmopolitan urban centres).
In some specific regions, like indigenous communities, you may find local languages, such as Guarani, Tupi, and others.
WEATHER
Temperatures in São Paulo typically range from 10ºC to 30ºC (50ºF - 86ºF) throughout the year.
Rainy Season: December-March
Dry Season: April-November
DISCOVER BRAZIL
RECOMMENDED WEEKEND GATEWAYS
PARATY
A coastal gem in Brazil, enchants visitors with its colonial charm, nestled amid lush mountains and pristine beaches.
UBATUBA
Known for its stunning beaches like Praia Grande and Itamambuca Beach.
SALVADOR
Salvador offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Colonial architecture, shops, restaurants, and music-filled bars.
SÃO ROQUE
Invites visitors to discover its charm through wine, history, and nature.
CAMPOS DO JORDAO
A charming mountain town nestled in the Mantiqueira Mountains of Brazil.
GUARUJA
A beautiful coastal city in São Paulo, Brazil. With pristine beaches, such as Enseada Beach or Pitangueir Beach.
MONTE VERDE
A charming mountain village nestled in the Serra da Mantiqueira range.
FLORIANOPOLIS
The “Island of Magic,” blends natural beauty with cultural charm.
FOR EMERGENCIES
Helpful information in case of emergencies:
Military Police: 190
Fire Department: 193
Ambulance: 192
HELPFUL LINKS
Police Report
Brazilian Criminal Background Check
UK EMBASSY IN SÃO PAULO
R. Ferreira de Araújo, 741Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05428000
Telephone: +55 (11) 3094-2700
U.S. CONSULATE SÃO PAULO
USA EMBASSY IN SÃO PAULO
R. Henri Dunant, 500 - Santo Amaro, São Paulo - SP, 04709-110 Telephone: +55 (11) 3250-5000
nick.west@britishcollegebrazil.org
maurice.hartnett@britishcollegebrazil.org
paul.mcdaniel@britishcollegebrazil.org
renata.capelucci@britishcollegebrazil.org
thalita.sancho@britishcollegebrazil.org
isabelle.silva@britishcollegebrazil.org
housing@britishcollegebrazil.org