Language & Culture - Tanzania

Day 0: Arrival and transfer to IFRE's hostel - located in the heart of city.

Day 1: Meet and greet IFRE in-country staff members; general question/answer sessions (volunteers are GREATLY encouraged to ask questions about their respective programs as well as any inquiries they may have pertaining to room/food, health, safety). ALSO: begin Swahili language program (2-3 hours), and later explore the nearby beaches.

Day 2: Language lesson continues (2-3 hours), review of first day's lesson, practice of basic greeting words/phrases, video presentation covering wildlife, local culture, people, ways of life, as well as a cooking class.

Day 3: Full Day of Exploring the Wonders of Dar Es Salaam

Tour of the city of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania's largest, city starting at the location of the symbolic and patriotic Uhuru Torch (Mnazi Mmoja), passing through the clock tower along the Askari monument, followed by a visit to the national museum the explore the beauty of botanical gardens, finally arriving at the famous Ocean Road Hospital. The tour will then take participants to the city's historical state house, the city's fish market and the secretarial building, then to the Luther House, White Father's House, Dar Es Harbor (the business gateway for east and central African countries), then to the RC Cathedral, finally arriving in the bustling, business-filled markets of Kariakoo.

Day 4: Language lesson continues (2-3 hours): review and practice basic words, language practice, lecture by Mrs. Janet (IFRE's Tanzania Director) about program, history, culture, religion etc.; short cultural program as well as travel to nearby beaches.

Day 5: Language lesson continues (2-3 hours): listening to traditional Tanzanian music (audio), cooking lesson, site-seeing along with lunch at the village museum with opportunities to also observe the surrounding culture and its artists and craft people.

Day 6: Full Day of Travel - Exploring Bagamoyo

Bagamoyo, approximately 45 miles north of Dar Es Salaam , is an important cultural heritage site for Tanzania . Famous for its slave and ivory trade, Bagamoyo was also the first capital of Tanzania under German Colonial rule, until it shifted in 1892 to Dar Es Salaam .

In Bagamoyo, participants can visit the headquarters of German East Africa; the fort where slaves were kept prior to being shipped to Zanzibar ; the oldest mission in Central and East Africa ; the museum in the center of town detailing the slave story as well as that of Dr. Livingstone. Outside the museum is one of the oldest and largest Baobab trees in East Africa . Under the shade of this tree, participants can enjoy an outdoor lunch consisting of traditional, African cuisine.

Day 7: Closing of language/cultural immersion program; evaluation of language program; departure for respective projects; introduction to respective projects' staff members, host families, and beginning of respective programs.

Program fee covers:

.  Room/Food
.  Expenses associated with tour's 7-day duration (i.e. transportation, food, 1 st night of hostel stay)

However, program fee does not cover $35 entry fee in Bagamoyo museum. Participants are expected to finance their own tickets/admission.