Destination: Sri Lanka

Your career can be an adventure: Discover Sri Lanka

This is your great adventure, and we want it to be perfect. You can make selections from any of the activities described in the following tabs to form your ideal schedule. We recommend a four-week trip that looks something like this:
 

Week 1: Cultural Immersion

Get to know Sri Lanka and its people. At the stunning hill-side town Kandy, you will learn a few useful Singhalese phrases that will help you to communicate with the locals. You will have the chance to taste local cuisine and experience Sri Lankan customs. There will be a briefing on emergency procedures and talks on the various volunteer projects that you might have chosen.

* For more on Cultural Immersion click the Culture tab.

Weeks 2 and 3: Choose your project

What you experience during these two weeks is up to you.

- Teachers might decide to devote their time to teaching children in a local school. Maybe you would prefer to volunteer at an orphanage.
- Biologists might choose the Wildlife Experience and help with the conservation work taking place at the local sea turtle sanctuary or elephant orphanage.
- A Medical internship in a Sri Lankan hospital might help trainee doctors gain valuable experience in their careers.
- You could choose to learn Yoga from experienced masters if it is peaceful relaxation that you are seeking from your trip.

* For more information on any of these options, click the tabs above.

Week 4: Adventure

Choose between two options. Choose the Trekking Week and you will get the chance to explore more of the island that you have been getting to know over the past few weeks; or maybe the Beach Week is what you’ve been waiting for. You can spend the week relaxing, swimming, reading or even doing water sports in the most spectacular setting.

* For more a more detailed itinerary click the Adventure tab above.

Cultural Immersion Week

We want to help you feel welcome, so the first week of your visit is all about getting to know this tropical paradise. It’s a fun-filled week of meeting the locals, tasting food and becoming familiar with Sri Lankan customs. Religion is an important part of Sri Lankan culture, so you’ll be visiting plenty of temples and mandirs in Kandy.

The Cultural Immersion Week takes place in the picturesque hill-town of Kandy, where you will live among the locals and experience their culture firsthand. You’ll learn about local religion, tradition, habits, history and social issues, as well as being given more practical advice regarding the law, cooking, and what to do in an emergency.

Group Games will give you a chance to get to know our co-ordinators and the other travellers on the placement. You will develop your teamwork skills, and meet plenty of new people. Don’t forget to bring items from home like photos, music or food with you so that you can share your own cultural experiences with people during some of these sessions.

There’ll be plenty of free time on your schedule for you to visit markets, and other points of interest in Kandy. You can invite your new friends to explore with you, or travel by yourself. It’s your time to spend however you choose.

Schedule

The schedule below should give you an idea of what to expect on your first week in Sri Lanka.

Day One
The week begins with an introduction to the adventure and a briefing on the week’s activities. We’ll take you for lunch in Kandy and give you a short tour of the hillside town. In the evening you’ll be entertained by traditional Kandyan dancers before returning to the guest house for dinner.

Day Two
After breakfast, there’s a session on local culture, and some guidance on the rules of behaviour in Sri Lankan society. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local temple where you will learn about religious beliefs and practices. You’ll have free time in the evening to explore more of the town.

Day Three
The day begins with some language lessons to introduce some key phrases that will help you communicate during your stay. Then we’ll have a session on the religions and mythologies of Sri Lanka. After lunch, another session will describe your volunteer projects and our expectations of you. You’ll have more free time in the evening.

Day Four
There’ll be another language lesson in the morning, followed by an introduction to Buddhism. In the afternoon, we’ll talk about culture shock and offer advice for female travellers. We visit a local family in the evening, and have dinner with them.

Day Five
After more language lessons, we’ll visit the spectacular Temple of the Tooth - one of the most holy sites in Sri Lanka and home to a Buddhist relic. After lunch in Kandy, we’ll take you to a beautiful Hindu temple. We return to the guest house in the evening for a group session.

Day Six
After your language lesson you have the chance to heal your mind and spirit with an Ayurvedic massage. This ancient Indian practice will help soothe your body after an action-packed week. In the afternoon, we’ll show you an active project, to help prepare you for your own work, which begins in week two.

Day Seven
The end of your first week in Sri Lanka! You’ll have another language lesson, (by now you should be fluent) followed by a cookery class. Once you have mastered some recipes, you will have to cook yourself some lunch. In the evening, we will visit a local family.


*** Note: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with occasional tropical storms, heavy rains and floods. During such events, the above schedule may be subject to change.

Quick Links

• Teaching
• Orphanage
   

Teaching Internships: Helping the Children of Sri Lanka

If teaching is your career of choice, and you are looking for unique opportunities, you should consider an international teaching internship. Education is a crucial tool in helping the children of developing countries to have a brighter future, but an internship program can also benefit an ambitious professional who wants to make their job application stand out from the crowd.

The Project

Our volunteers are invited to teach English and Special Education to the children of local primary schools in Sri Lanka. You’ll be free to choose how you want to teach, and will have access to facilities both in a school and in our centre premises.

We hope that by volunteering you will be able to help local children to improve both spoken and written English, as well as other more general skills, like computing. All volunteers must have good conversational English abilities and enjoy working with children. Previous teaching experience is highly valued but not essential for this placement.

You can choose between working with children in pre-schools, (aged 4 to 8 years) or volunteering at upper schools with older students (aged 8 to 17 years). Our upper school internship program is looking for volunteers who can teach either: sports; English; German French; or computer science.

Our internship program in Sri Lanka is currently looking for volunteers and is unpaid, but the experiences that you’ll have will be unique and invaluable to your own career progression. New projects are cropping up all the time, so bookmark us and keep an eye on our future projects.

Cost

€175 per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

You will be asked to teach two or three 45-minute lessons each day from Monday to Friday. You will be given time in your schedule to observe other lessons and to plan your own sessions. On Friday afternoons we’ll meet to evaluate your lessons and reflect on the week.

Accommodation

During your time as a teaching volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll stay with a host family and all meals will be provided for you.

Best months for this project

January to April, and May to November

 

Childcare Internships: Volunteer at an Orphanage

People interested in following a career in social work or childcare might want to consider doing an internship in a Sri Lankan orphanage. Working with children can be a challenging, but hugely rewarding job. Volunteering at an orphanage offers you the chance to make a difference to the lives of children who have lost their parents, and who desperately need support and guidance. It’s a fantastic way to offer valuable to help to people who need it, while still moving forward in your chosen profession.

The Project

In Sri Lanka, all children are required to attend school. This means that during weekdays, our able-bodied children leave the orphanage to attend their classes. We are looking for volunteers who can help our staff clean and maintain the orphanage, and prepare meals each day.

Disabled children stay at the orphanage during the day and will need the support of our staff and volunteers all day. You’ll be helping our staff prepare meals, play games, and wash the children in the orphanage. It’ll also be important to clean and prepare the rooms, ready for the other children to return from school.

School finishes at 2:00 p.m., and the children return to the orphanage. Our volunteers and staff will work together to play games and teach some basic English. Some previous teaching experience will be highly valued in our volunteers, but it’s not essential for this internship.

Cost

€175 per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

You will be working with our disabled children throughout the day from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. From 2:00 p.m., the rest of the children will return from school and you will be offering support and care to everyone in the orphanage. Your day will end around 5:00 pm and your free time will begin.

In April and December, schools close for the holidays. In these months the orphanage will be fully operational and the children will need your support throughout the day.

Accommodation

During your time with us at the orphanage, you’ll stay with a host family and all meals will be provided for you.

Medical Internships: Learn Modern & Traditional Medicine in Sri Lanka

A medical internship is a fantastic way to travel the world while still developing your skills in your chosen profession. It can provide unique experiences that will help you to become a more rounded professional, and provide opportunities that could take your career anywhere in the world. A tropical climate will present you with challenges and experiences that you have never faced before. You will learn valuable techniques and skills that you couldn’t learn anywhere else.

The Project

You’ll be placed in a hospital in the tropical hillside town of Kandy, Sri Lanka, a place of spectacular natural beauty. Following a duty roster, you could work day or night shifts alongside local staff and patients. You’ll have the chance to observe and learn about a range of medical procedures and operations while helping the hospital staff to provide care to their patients.

You’ll have a unique opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan medicine and traditional Indian practices of Ayurveda.

Previous medical experience and knowledge will be highly valued, but is not essential for this internship. Volunteers must have good conversational English skills, and enjoy caring for sick and injured people.

Cost

€175 Euros per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

You’ll be placed on a duty roster, and might be asked to work day or night shifts. You may be asked to remain “on-call” during your days off, and could be required to work in an emergency.

The internship last for one week, but it can be extended if you wish to stay for longer. Just contact us and we can plan your adventure together.

Accommodation

You’ll stay at our centre in Kandy during your placement. All food is included and will be provided at the centre. We will make sure you are safe and comfortable at all times.

Quick Links

• Sea Turtle Conservation
• Elephant Orphanage
   

Sea Turtle Conservation: a Gap Year to Remember Forever

Marine Biologists have been running a conservation project in Sri Lanka for over 20 years. Their aim is to protect an endangered species of sea turtle that lay their eggs on tropical beaches in southern Sri Lanka. If you are fascinated by marine life, and biology, or simply looking for a unique gap year experience, the spectacular beaches of this tropical paradise will provide a stunning location for your conservation work.

The Project

Volunteers from all backgrounds are invited to join the conservation efforts taking place at the Bentota conservation centre in Sri Lanka. As a volunteer at the sea turtle sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to collect, incubate, and hatch turtle eggs; feed and treat injured turtles; and release captive sea turtles back into the wild.

After a period of getting to know the staff and understand the project, you’ll be offered the chance to work alone, and assigned a specific area of focus within the conservation effort. This is a unique chance to spend a memorable gap year doing something to help the environment and protecting one of the earth’s oldest creatures.

You’ll learn about a range of local marine life and help the staff to keep the beaches clean and safe for this endangered species. Volunteers who stay for more than one month will get the opportunity to find out about the Tsunami Tree Plantation that is also operating in the area.

Cost

€350 per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

Volunteers will be working at the project centre in Bentota from Monday to Friday. You day begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Your exact schedule and activities are arranged once you are familiar with our team and the project objectives.

The conservation centre will be closed during weekends, and you will be free to spend your time however you wish.

Volunteers can stay with this project for as little as one week, or as long as six months.

Accommodation

You’ll stay with the team at the conservation centre during the week, where breakfast and dinner will be provided every day. Your project co-ordinator will be available 24 hours a day, and telephone and internet services will be available for you to use.

The nearest city is Ambalangoda, which is 10 kilometres away.

During weekends, the centre is closed, which means that accommodation and food will not be available to you at these times.
 

Elephant Conservation: an Orphanage in Central Sri Lanka

The elephant orphanage is situated in the hilly, central region of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. This 24 acre elephant orphanage is also breeding place for elephants, and has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. This will be the setting for your great adventure.

The Project

The conservation centre was originally built as an orphanage for baby elephants whose parents had either died, or been killed in the wild. The centre is still an orphanage, but it now co-ordinates a larger breeding program to help with the conservation of these mysterious and powerful creatures. There are very few elephant orphanages in the world, and this is one of the largest.

Volunteers will work closely with the team to provide care for the captive elephants, and assisting with their “behaviour enrichment programs.” Work might include landscaping, and cleaning the garden; cleaning the enclosures; and designing new spaces for the elephants.

No previous conservation experience is needed to join this project, but we are looking for pro-active individuals who are prepared to immerse themselves in the local environment. We believe the more you put into your experience, the more you will get out of it.

Cost

€350 per week - all-inclusive

Schedule

Volunteers will be asked to work for five days during the week, starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m. You’ll have two free days a week, and can spend you time however you choose.

Accommodation

You can stay with local families, or in a guest house depending on your own needs. Staying with a local family is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, and experience what life’s really like in Sri Lanka. If you feel that this might distract you from the work you’re doing, you can choose to stay at a guest house.

Facilities will be limited, so you should expect to wash your clothes by hand. You’ll be expected to show respect for your surroundings, and keep your accommodation clean. You should also try to use resources like paper; electricity; and water with restraint.

All food will be provided for you during your stay with us. The meals will be typically Sri Lankan cuisine, which includes plenty of rice dishes.


* All schedules are subject to changes in weather and may be altered at any time. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, and occasionally has violent tropical storms.

Yoga: Experience the power of Yoga and Ayurveda

There is more to yoga than physical exercises. The word “Yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “union.” It translates into English to mean “union of mind and body,” and incorporates physical exercises with meditation techniques to improve the health of the whole person.

The Experience

You’ll learn about the different paths of yoga, and come to recognise good technique from bad. You’ll learn how different postures, and breathing techniques combine with meditation to help free you from stress, anxiety and physical ailments.

Meditation is the practice of focusing your mind, restraining your thoughts and looking deep into yourself. It can give you a better understanding of your purpose in life and of the divine, as well as provide you with certain physical and mental health benefits.

Depending on your own level of skill, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a range of classes from a basic beginners class, to advanced studies of Pranayama: yogic breathing.

You’ll be offered a range of Ayurvedic treatments including herbal massage, and body scrubs. You may choose to experience a Dhara treatment, in which warm oils are used to soothe your forehead; and help clear your sinuses, and other mental obstructions.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

Each day begins at sunrise with guided meditation, and a Yoga lesson. The afternoons are mostly dedicated to learning about Ayurveda techniques, and experiencing detox treatments. In the evenings, you’ll have more guided meditation sessions.

You’ll also have plenty of free time to walk in the gardens, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Your meals will be provided, according to a vegetarian diet of fresh fruit and vegetables. The menu is designed to help you feel refreshed and energised. You’ll also be encouraged to refrain from smoking; and drinking alcohol, and soft drinks.

What to bring


You should wear loose, cotton trousers and shirts; and bring a cotton mattress, or yoga mat to spread on the floor. We can help you get one from a nearby shop.

Quick Links

• Trekking Tour
• Beach Week
   

Trekking Tour: explore Sri Lanka on foot

If you choose the Trekking Tour, you will be paired with an experience guide, and you will spend one week trekking in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya. Your adventure will take you through the nature reserves and forests in Central Sri Lanka, where you will get to observe the many different species of wildlife that are native to this beautiful country.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

Day One

You’ll start early with a short briefing on the week’s activities. After a quick breakfast, Your guide will take you to Sigiriya Rock, where you’ll visit the ruin of an ancient palace, and rock fortress. Described by UNESCO as the “8th Wonder of the World,” it’s famous for its exquisite fresco paintings, and stunning water gardens. After lunch, you’ll go on safari in the nearby Minneriya National Park, then return to a guest house in Sigiriya, where you will stay overnight.

Day Two
After a good breakfast, you can explore the beautiful gardens that surround this ancient palace, and go for a short trek to the Rose Stone Garden. You’ll trek back to Kandy in the afternoon, and spend the evening resting, and preparing for your trek tomorrow.

Day Three
After a restful night, and breakfast in Kandy, you’ll trek to the Hanthana Mountains, and spend the day exploring the serene, and beautiful landscape. It’s a short walk back to Kandy, where you will spend the night.

Day Four
Today, you’ll trek through the hillside forests of the region to reach Bible Rock. In the evening, you will return to Kandy.

Day Five
The last day of the Trekking Tour is a more relaxing trek to the Royal Botanical Gardens. You’ll spend the day exploring the stunning gardens, and relaxing in this peaceful setting.

Day Six
In the morning, you’ll meet with your guides and trip co-ordinators to evaluate your trekking week. After some groups discussions, you will enjoy some free time before starting the next part of your trip.
 

Beach Week: Rest and Recover

You might choose to end your trip resting and recovering on the sand. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the spectacular beaches of Sri Lanka while reading; swimming; doing water sports; or anything else you wish. You’ll get to see another side of the country you have been getting to know during the past month. You can also spend time evaluating your trip and sharing your experiences with other participants, and travellers.

The Tour

You’ll spend each night at a guest house in Ambalangoda, where your meals will be provided. During the week you’ll visit the southern city of Galle, where you can explore its famous fort. You’ll go on river safari, where you will visit some of the many river islands. You’ll get a chance to visit the local mask factory, where you’ll find some beautiful souvenirs to remind you of your trip forever.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

You’ll have plenty of free time to relax on the beaches, or do whatever you wish. There will be an organised trip each day, and you’ll get to see more of this beautiful country. On the final day, you’ll depart after breakfast and return to Kandy.

*** Note: Sri Lanka is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.

Fee:

Volunteer / Culture - €175 per week
Adventure / Medical / Wildlife / Yoga - €350 per week

* Places are secured with a 20% deposit. Balance is due 4 weeks prior to your departure.
 

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, 24 hour support and project activities throughout your placement.
 

What's not included: 

Necessary flights, insurance, visas  and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.

* 50% discount available for 5-14 year olds. Under 5's are free. Under 18 year olds can attend with letter of permission from your guardian.

"It was a great experience for me to work with the children and the young adults. The organization was perfect and I enjoyed the time very much. Many thanks to Jeremy and Dhammike, Sungi and Asika. 

Den September 2011 verbrachte ich im klimatisch angenehmen Bergland der Insel. Wohn-und Projektort war ein Vorort von Kandy; etwa 4km von der pulsierenden Stadtmitte entfernt, gelegen zwischen Reisfeldern und Regenwald. In der privaten Unterkunft (Einzelzimmer mit Bad) fühlte ich mich sehr wohl, insbesondere möchte ich die hervorragende Verpflegung mit landestypischen Gerichten hervorheben. 

Während der Nachmittagsstunden unterrichtete ich in einer kleinen privaten Schule Englisch. Die Arbeit mit den Schülern (buddhistische Sinhalesen und moslemische Tamilen) hat viel Spaß gemacht und ich glaube, dass beide Seiten viel gelernt haben; angenehm überrascht war ich vom friedlichen Zusammenleben verschiedenartiger Kulturen. Die Besichtigung einer Zimtplantage, der Besuch eines buddhistischen Festes, ein beeindruckender nächtlicher Umzug mit Feuerwerfern und Elefanten sowie Ausflüge ans Meer rundeten das Ganze ab. Insgesamt gewährte mir der Aufenthalt vielfältige Einblicke in das alltägliche Leben auf der Insel, die mir unvergessen bleiben werden. "

- Dietmar Seitz, Hannover