Details of Language and Culture Program

Day 1: Orientation program begins covering general information on the fascinating history, cultures, and customs of Sri Lanka . Volunteers will embark on brief visit to Tsunami Reconstruction Project to observe the much-needed humanitarian work done by partner .

Day 2: For approximately four (3-4) hours, volunteers will participate in local, Singhalese lesson course.  After 2:00PM, volunteers will set off for the beaches Galle beaches to further explore and experience the enduring beauty that is Sri Lanka .

Day 3: Singhalese language lessons continue (2-3 hours). In the afternoon, volunteers will venture on a hike through local villages, all-the-while exploring the beautiful landscapes, local farming system, local ways of life, and, most importantly, the people of Sri Lanka .

Day 4: Full day of travel; Exploration Yala Wild Life Sanctuary.

Ruhuna's National Park at Yala is Sri Lanka 's most popular wildlife safari destination. Situated approximately 300km from Colombo, this expansive, 1250km 2 park is home to a kaleidoscope of wildlife, including: leopards, crocodiles, elephants, deer, sambar, bears, wild bores, wild buffalo as well as peacocks and various other species of migratory birds such as flamingos. The uniqueness of the park is the varying multitudes of habitat diversities ranging from dense jungles and lagoons to open park areas and a beautiful sea - all spotted with a cornucopia of jutting, rocky outcroppings.

Day 5: Singhalese language program continues (2-3 hours). In the afternoon, participants are given the opportunity to view a movie in local theater - further immerging themselves in their surrounding culture.

Day 6: Singhalese language lessons continue (2-3 hours). In the afternoon, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit the local fisherman village, in effect further grasping and comprehending the Sri Lankan culture by observing and understand the daily life of the fishermen's families of Sri Lanka .

Day 7:  Volunteers will embark on a tour of the city of Galle , the one-time chief port of Ceylon . Galle is famous for its handmade lace, tortoise shell curios and ebony-carved elephants. Also, volunteers may visit the 90-acre Galle Fort, which was originally founded and constructed by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. The Galle Fort houses many important Dutch-originated buildings, as well as a Dutch-period museum. Conclusion of language and cultural immersion program.