Tarrafal, Cape Verde - Authentic Cultural Immersion Program

This program is now open to international volunteers!

Join a week-long cultural experience in stunning Cape Verde! Join an action-packed excursion in Cape Verde! Enjoy breathtaking scenery and sites while immersing yourself in the unique culture and learning about local traditions and customs.

Program Highlights:

One hour of Portuguese-based Creole language lessons provided each day
Visit local museums, markets, beaches, and more
Live a ten minute’s walk from beautiful beaches and the cobalt blue sea
Enjoy a pottery-making lesson
Visit a local project site and gain insight on other volunteer programs in the area
Combine this Culture Week with the Cape Verde English Teaching program and receive a 50% discount in this Culture Week! Contact us for details.

Your Schedule at a Glance (One-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Praia International Airport (RAI). You will be picked up by the local team and taken to the accommodations to meet fellow volunteers and settle in.

Day 1, Monday: On Monday, participants will have breakfast and then get acquainted with the Cape Verde traditions and culture. Participants will attend a Portuguese-based Creole language class to learn about the local language. This is critical because the majority of people speak Kriolu, Portuguese or French here. After lunch, it’s time to visit the Mar De President Beach for some fun in the sun before dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday: After breakfast, participants will attend a one-hour language class, followed by a visit to a museum, the historical Santiago Island prison camp and the local market. Following lunch, participants will tour the Ribeira Prata area.

Day 3, Wednesday: Following the usual morning schedule of breakfast and a language class is a fun pottery class in Traz di Munti. Use this time to learn and explore your creative skills. Following lunch in a local village, participants will head to a light house landmark.

Day 3, Thursday: This afternoon,participants will visit a potential volunteer project site that you will opportunity to partake in after the week is finished.

Day 4, Friday: Participants will head out on a fishing trip with the local fishermen. Enjoy a barbecue-style lunch at the center, followed by free time to relax or explore.

Day 6, Saturday: Departure day or transfer to your next program.

Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.

Location of the Project: Tarrafal, Cape Verde

Project length: 1 week

Arrival Airport: Praia International Airport (RAI)

Age: 18-60. (This project may accept volunteers who are younger than 18 years old with a letter of consent from a parent or guardian, and those above 60 with doctor approval.)

Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international participants

Important Note: Combine this Culture Week with select volunteer programs and receive a 50% discount in this Culture Week! Contact us for details.

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared, dorm-style rooms

Food: Three meals during the week, two meals on weekends

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, personal expenses.

Location

The picturesque islands of Cape Verde were initially uninhabited until it was discovered by the Portuguese during the 15th century. Portuguese is still the official language of the tropical, African country. The city is named after the indigenous plant of the area Tarrafe. It is a small town located northwest of Cape Verde. This municipality is situated on the northern part of the island of Santiago.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available in public areas.

Laundry icon Laundry: There are nearby laundry facilities that are available for use for a small fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in shared, single-gender, dorm-style rooms. Bathrooms are shared and Western-style toilets are available. There will be 4 to 8 volunteers per room, with clean bed linens and fans. There is no air conditioning within the facility and volunteers must bring their own towels with them for showering. Couples must upgrade to a private room for an additional fee.

Food icon Food: During the week, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Expect the meals to contain a mix of local cuisine and Western food. On weekends, two meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided. There is plenty of clean drinking water and other beverages available.

Travel Highlights

Tarrafal is full of beautiful beaches, sites and culture. During your free time, take the time to explore the Portuguese influence on the local culture. The unique Portuguese practices are displayed in the social and cultural patterns of the country. Each day is packed with fun and adventure. You will travel to several nearby tourist attractions with the hope of gaining insight into the local culture through each of them.

Take a day to relax on the beautiful Tarrafal Beach and the cobalt blue sea. Plan a trip to Praia do Tarrafel with soft sand and beautiful mountain views or relax on a bay with white sand beaches and snacks. Take a tour of the vibrant Island of Santiago. If you are looking for a little more adventure then consider exploring the various outdoor activities, nature hikes and parks.