Details of Language and Culture Program

IFRE's one-week Language and Cultural Immersion program in Galle consists of cultural orientation, Sri Lankan language lessons (Sinhalese and Tamil), along with various sightseeing opportunities to visit some of the most spectacular sites in and surrounding Galle. The first few days will find participants focused on learning the basic elements of the languages (mostly theoretical). Following days are filled with daytrips to villages – considered opportunities to practice their newly acquired language skills and more sightseeing. Innovative methods of orientation about Sri Lankan culture and tradition are shared while sightseeing surrounding areas. Galle and its surrounding areas boast an endless list of interesting sights, attractions and incredible natural beauty that warrants exploration.

Day 1: Orientation program begins covering general information on the fascinating history, cultures and customs of Sri Lanka. Volunteers will briefly visit the Tsunami Reconstruction Project to observe the ongoing progress.

Day 2: The morning offers hours of interactive Singhalese lessons. Following lunch, 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 in the morning In the afternoon, volunteers will venture on a hike through local villages, immersing in the culture while exploring the beautiful landscapes, reviewing local farming systems, participating in local ways of life and meeting the people of Sri Lanka.

Day 4: Travel day! Excursion to the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ruhuna's National Park at Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife safari destination. Situated approximately 300km from Colombo, this expansive 1250 sq km 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. This unique park demonstrates multitudes of habitat diversity ranging from dense jungles and lagoons to open areas and beautiful sea beaches lined by jutting and rocky outcroppings.

Day 5: Morning Singhalese language program continues. In the afternoon, participants will venture out to see a movie at a local theater. This outing provides a chance to further immerse into the surrounding culture.

Day 6: Language lessons continue in the morning. In the afternoon, volunteers will visit the local fishermen village. This village is an important aspect of this island country’s culture.

Day 7: Explore 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. In addition, volunteers may choose to visit the 90-acre Galle Fort, which was originally founded and constructed by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. The Galle Fort houses many important Dutch-origin buildings and a museum documenting Danish history in Sri Lanka.

This is a sample itinerary and likely to change depending up on field situations