Details of Language and Culture Program

Volunteers in Uganda can experience this breathtaking destination through our Language and Culture immersion program. IFRE Volunteers offers an interesting week of introduction to Ugandan languages and exposure to their cultures. Our program includes a week of learning the Luganda (also called “Ganda”) and Swahili languages. This program also exposes volunteers to bits and pieces of daily life in this unique East African country.

A Kampala city tour is included in this program, as are other short excursions. See the city through the eyes of the experienced guides. Gain useful insight which will improve your volunteer experience. Rural sites are also featured in this program. The following is a sample schedule for the program:

Arrival: Pick up from Entebbe International Airport , near the coastal city of Entebbe . Volunteers are then transferred to Kampala to their accommodations.

Day 1: Orientation takes place at Kampala . Orientation includes topics such as Ugandan languages, history, culture, customs, politics, geography and religion. Also, participants will be briefed on necessary health and travel precautions. Volunteers are welcome to discuss any issues that interest them and ask any questions. Volunteers will have time to visit nearby market. The remainder of the day is free time.

Day 2: Swahili and Luganda (aka Ganda) language class. Visit the market and interact with the local community in free time.

Day 3: Language and cultural immersion training continues. (2-3 hours) A tour of Kampala City takes volunteers through the main streets of Kampala . The first stop of the day is the Uganda National Museum where artifacts of pre-historic and relics of chieftaincy are displayed. Volunteers will continue to the Kasubi Tombs; a World Heritage Site where four Kabakas (kings of Buganda kingdom) are buried.

Day 4: Language class continues (2-3 hours). Explore local bazaar in the afternoon, interact with local people and practice your new language skills.

Day 5: Language training continues, then the afternoon, volunteers will visit a local village, and explore local lifestyles, including practicing language with local people. Volunteers will also go to a local food market and buy goods (asking about price using the language they have learned).

Day 6: Travel day! Volunteers journey to Garden Entebbe, a gorgeous botanical garden on the shores of Lake Victoria . These amazing grounds were established in 1901. You can explore the small patch of remaining rainforest or lounge in the great green expanses. It is a wonderful place to relax and explore.

Day 7:  Closing of language program, evaluation, and departure for project and a free day for volunteers to explore Ugandan life. Volunteers can explore the city on foot or try their hand at matatus. Local staff will advise volunteers about sightseeing options. Departure and travel in afternoon/evening to respective placements.

This is just sample itinerary and subject to change.