South America
Job vacancies may arise in the following South American counties: Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela.
Before making any travel arrangements to visit any South American country it is highly advisable to check out your government’s risk assessment of that country. For UK citizens the web site is www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/south-america/
It is recommended you learn something about a country’s customs and traditions before travelling. It will most likely enhance the experience.
GJN will guide you through visa and work permit requirements as well as healthcare and educational issues.
Brazil
Covers approx 8.4 million sq. km. That’s about half of all South America. Its neighbours are French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. In fact, the only 2 south American countries it does not share a border with are Chile and Ecuador. Powdery white sandy beaches line the coast which stretches for some 7000 km. and faces either the North or South Atlantic Ocean.
Population is approx. 185 million. The capital is Brasilia. However, Sao Paulo is the largest city and economic centre with a population of more than 11 million living in approx 1500 sq. km. and Rio de Janeiro, with a population of more than 6 million, is the second largest.
There are five climatic regions. During the summer (December to February) temperature in Rio and the Northeast will be in the high 30s, mid to low 20s for the rest of the year. The southern region has wider temperature variations from 15C in the winter to 35C in summer.
Language is Portuguese and the currency is the Brazilian Real, often written as R$.
There’s so much more to Brazil than football and carnival – from spectacular waterfalls, old colonial towns and red rock canyons to jungle trips along the Amazon.
For more information visit www.braziltour.com
Chile
A slender country stretching down almost half of the continent. It covers an area of approx 756,000 sq. km. and is bordered by Peru, to its north, Bolivia and Argentina to its east, and the Pacific Ocean to its west. A land of the diverse landscape, from dry desert to glacier fields.
Population is approx 16 million. Santiago is the capital and is set against a backdrop of the Andes. It has a population of around 5.3 million people.
The weather can vary significantly from region to region. The centre enjoys the most temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Chile offers some of the world’s most spectacular scenery from lush forests, fjords, spectacular mountains including volcanoes and geysers to lakes, rivers and sandy beaches.
The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Chilean Peso (Ch$)
For more information on Chile check out www.visitchile.com
Peru
Bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to its north, Brazil and Bolivia to its east, Chile to its south and the Pacific Ocean to its west. Covers an area of 1.28 million sq. km.
Population is approx. 28.million. Lima is the country’s capital and largest city with a population of around 8 million.
Climate varies according to region and elevation. From tropical in the east to dry desert in the west and, of course, cold in the Andes. Temperatures in Lima are generally between 20C in winter and 28C in summer and rain is rare as the city sits at the edge of a desert.
Spanish is the main language although you may hear tribal languages spoken in the countryside particularly in the Andes region. The currency is the Nuevo Sol which is written as S/
Peru offers many diverse experiences from picture-perfect shaped volcanoes and snow capped mountains, large sand dunes, ancient ruins such as Machu Picchu to colonial towns and Amazon adventures.
For more information on Peru visit www.justperu.org
Colombia
Borders Venezuela to its east, Brazil to its east and south, Peru to its south, Ecuador to its south west, the Pacific Ocean to its west and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Covers approx. 1.1 million sq. km.
The population approx. 42 million. Bogota is the capital and largest city with a population of more than 7 million. It’s located in the country’s central mountain region at an altitude of more than 2500m.
Being close to the equator temperature is fairly steady throughout the year although, of course, it does vary with altitude. There are two seasons dry and wet. Some regions have 2 wet and 2 dry seasons per year.
Language is Spanish and the currency is the Colombian Peso (COP).
Colombia is a diverse country. There’s beautiful Caribbean beaches, archeological ruins, jungle adventures, high mountains, bustling towns and cities. And, of course, lots of coffee plantations.
Learn more about the country at www.colombia.travel/en/
Venezuela
Covers an area of approx. 912,000 sq. km. Colombia is to its west, Brazil to its south and Guyana to its east. The north faces the Caribbean Sea.
Population is approx. 25 million. The most populated city and capital, is Caracas which is situated in the north of the country.
Most of the country has a tropical climate with temperature around 30C during the day and 20C at night. Of course, temperatures drop when you go to the mountainous regions.
Spanish is the official language and the currency is the Bolivar Fuerte (BSF).
Venezuela is a country of much variety. There’s the beautiful Caribbean coastline, including many small island surrounded by turquoise waters, grassy wetlands offering great wildlife spotting, rolling savanna, old colonial towns and, of course, the world’s highest waterfall at Angel Falls.
For more detailed information on Venezuela visit the website http://venezuela.embassyhomepage.com/index.htm
