Sri Lanka Volunteering Guide

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

Sri LankaA Comprehensive Guide to Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started – volunteer in Sri LankaWelcome to Sri LankaWhy you should volunteer in Sri Lanka What are some popular volunteer projects available in Sri Lanka? Where are some popular places to volunteer in Sri Lanka?Which is the best season to volunteer in Sri Lanka?

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Chapter 2: Choosing your Sri Lanka volunteer program How you can select the best organization Who are some of the best volunteer organizations in Sri Lanka?

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Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Sri Lanka

Visa, passportVaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested readingsPacking advice and tipsGifts for projects

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Chapter 4: Information you must know about your project

Project details Learn about your host family Local supportMake the final call

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Chapter 5: Arriving and volunteering in Sri Lanka How to make your Sri Lanka volunteer experience rewarding Safety while volunteering in Sri Lanka Do’s and don’ts in Sri LankaCultural shock Things to do in Sri Lanka

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Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 21

Chapter7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 22

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CHAPTER 1: Getting Started - Volunteer in Sri LankaWelcome to Sri Lanka

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southern India, Sri Lanka is a true paradise, blessed with picturesque beaches, rugged tropi-cal forests, cascading waterfalls and majestic tea plantations. As a volunteer you can enjoy nature, wildlife, adventure, or true relaxation, culture, lost cities, ancient ruins, Buddhist tra-ditions and great cuisine. Experience the charms of Sri Lanka and be prepared for it to touch your heart, refresh your soul, open your eyes, bring out the adventurer in you make you feel like you don’t ever want to leave this island para-dise.

Unfortunately, despite its rich culture and natu-ral beauty, Sri Lanka is a developing country still suffering from many years of civil war, and the destruction and devastation caused by the 2004 Tsunami. Sri Lanka needs help to improve the quality of life for those living below the pov-erty line, as well as with the conservation and preservation of their environment and wildlife. Whether you are looking to: work with animals, care for children, provide medical advice, teach life skills or build communities then Sri Lanka

Photo Credit: planmygapyear.co.uk


will have a volunteer project for you. Your help and assistance will greatly benefit the county and its very deserving people.

Why you should volunteer in Sri Lanka

The People: known for their big smiles, warm hearts and friendly welcoming nature; the peo-ple of Sri Lanka will make sure that your visit to their country is a rewarding and memorable one.

Cultures and Heritage

with a mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British in-fluences, Sri Lanka is rich in culture, history and religion. Ancient and lost cities, temples, Bud-dhist monasteries, sacred relics and buildings combined with the delicious food, music and traditional dances will delight all of your senses.

Wildlife Encounters

Sri Lanka is home to a fascinating mix of wildlife including: mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and marine life. Head to the coast to swim with turtles, spot dolphins and whales, or head into the jungle for encounters with elephants, leop-ards, sloth bears, buffalo and some rare species unique to Sri Lanka. including the Purple faced Langur and Toque Macaque.

Landscapes

Sri Lanka is blessed with stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches, tropical rugged jungles, mountains covered in tea plantations and cas-cading waterfalls. Add in UNESCO World Herit-age listed sites, and giant statues representing the Sri Lankan religious god Buddha, ancient ruins and colonial cities and you begin to under-stand what makes Sri Lanka a true island para-dise.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:

Sri Lanka is a country which will open your eyes, heart and mind to new ways of viewing the world, and your experience of integrating into the Sri Lankan community, embracing the cul-ture and exploring the destination will take you on a journey of self-discovery. It will increase your confidence, build emotional strength, fos-ter a greater sense of appreciation for the small things in life and provide you with new skills, knowledge and learning opportunities.

Sense of Achievement

volunteering your time to support communi-ties in need, and seeing the positive results that your efforts produce gives you a sense of achievement unlike anything else.

Experience a new culture from a local perspec-tive

the people of Sri Lanka are warm-hearted, and will welcome you to their country with incred-ible friendliness and hospitality. Living with a host family and volunteering with the locals will give you the opportunity to get to know the people, and also to integrate into the Sri Lan-kan lifestyle and experience the country and its cultures from a local’s perspective.

Spend time doing something different

Although you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the sights and experience all Sri Lanka has to offer foreign visitors, your primary reason for being there is to volunteer. Ultimately this of-fers you a unique insight into the authentic lives of Sri Lankans, and memories that last longer than any suntan can.


What are some popular volunteer projects available in Sri Lanka?

Orphanage Project

Orphanage projects in Sri Lanka have been set up to provide support, care, encouragement and love to children in Sri Lanka who have been abandoned, abused or displaced. Volunteers in these projects are responsible for provid-ing general care and a positive environment for the children. Tasks undertaken usually include spending time with the children, teaching them English and life skills, playing games and lead-ing fun and educational activities, taking care of health and personal hygiene needs, cooking and serving food, laundry and general cleaning du-ties to maintain a clean, comfortable and safe

environment for the children.

Teaching Projects

Volunteer teaching projects have been set up in impoverished communities of Sri Lanka to make education more accessible to the children and adults in these communities. Volunteers in these projects undertake a range of duties including: teaching English and/or other subjects, prepar-ing and teaching lessons, assisting with home-work, conducting assessments, participating and leading activities and extra-curricular activities.

Elephant Conservation

Elephant Conservation Projects aim to protect both the elephants and their environment as well as to minimize conflicts between the ele-phants and people. Volunteers on these projects are involved in conserving the elephants’ habi-tat, plus tracking, observing, recording and data logging and identifying them, and developing sustainable land-use for communities.

Sea Turtle Conservation

The aim of Sea Turtle Conservation projects in Sri Lanka is to monitor the activity of the tur-tles, and to conserve and protect their natural habitats and nesting sites. Volunteers help con-tribute to the survival of the turtle species in Sri Lanka by: building and maintaining hatcheries, protecting turtle eggs and the hatchlings during the early stages of life, caring for turtles - in-cluding feeding and releasing, maintaining the project area and beach and leading or assisting with hatchery tours.

Where are some popular places to volun-teer in Sri Lanka?

Galle

Located on the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, Galle is the fourth largest city in the country. Along with its Dutch and colonial influences Gal-le is home to an historic fort which has earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. The fort is surrounded by large bastions, and features some beautiful classic architecture behind its impos-ing walls. With its relaxed, yet vibrant atmos-phere the streets of Galle are full of character and charm.

Kandy

Located in the Central Province in the Sri Lan-kan hills, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest city. The city is a haven for culture , history and traditions, street markets and colour and is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is one of the most sacred places in the world for Buddhists’ to worship and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Colombo

Located in the Western Province of the country,


Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital city. It has a rich history which dates back to the 5th century and possesses a mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences which can be seen through the cit-ies architecture and historical monuments and experience through its cuisines and culture. The city offers fantastic shopping, from wholesale markets, bazaars, bustling markets and bou-tiques, fine dining and beautiful beaches.

Ambalangoda

Located along the coast in the Galle District, Ambalangoda is famous for its ancient tradi-tions of the devil dancers and production of handcrafted wooden devil puppets and masks. It is also home to the longest sleeping Buddha in South Asia, one of the earliest Buddhist temples with the largest gateway, the Bandu Wijesooriya School of dancing, and the Manu Gangu wet-lands.

What is the best season to volunteer Sri Lanka?

If you prefer warm or hot and dry weather you’ll find it in Sri Lanka from January to April and mid-July to September. During these months the weather is generally quite warm around the country, with the hill areas experiencing slightly cooler but still pleasant temperatures, and the coastal/beach regions will be hot and dry. These months attract the most tourists, but you may have less choice about the season you arrive as some projects will only accept volunteers during certain times of the year, and others are de-pendent on seasons - especially if volunteering on conservation or wildlife projects. Check with your organization for the exact details of your program’s dates.


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing your Sri Lanka Volunteer Program

Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org

Volunteering is an amazing experience, one which gives you the opportunity to pass on your knowledge and use your skills to help benefit communities in need. There are however many volunteer projects and organizations to choose from, and when you are giving up your time, and spending large amounts of money on a vol-unteer program you want to know that you will be booking your placement through a reputable and ethical organization which is dedicated to supporting its projects and local communities.

Knowing which one to book through can be quite difficult, so here are a few tips to help you iden-tify a good volunteer organization.

Professional Website

A good way to get a feel for an organization,

what it offers and their industry experience and reputation is to check out their official website and look for:

• a clear mission statement and goals• commitment to NGOS, local government or-

ganizations, projects, communities and host families

• details on how many years they have been in the industry, how many projects they offer, the countries they work in and how many volunteers they have placed

• what they specialize in• up to date and well written information• photographs of volunteers and projects• links to social media pages• company history and any information on

achievements, recognitions and successes • if they have an online chat service or 24 hour


customer support• volunteer reviews, forums or communities

Social Media Presence

A social media presence is pretty standard these days, and how an organization manages their accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twit-ter, or Instagram offers valuable insight into the way they operate and relate to the world. When checking an organization’s social media page look at:

• how active they are with posts and updates – entries should be consistent and recent

• how they use it to promote or inform readers – there should be a good balance

• how many followers they have – this number should reflect the size of the organization

• how they interact with their followers and community – queries should be answered and other posts acknowledged

• how they use photos and videos to engage their audience

Program Fees

Program fees for volunteer program vary great-ly, so it is important to know exactly what your program fee includes, and more importantly perhaps, how much of your fee goes towards supporting the local project you will work at and your host family. An ethical and honest organization will have these details available on their website, or if not they would be happy to provide it for you if requested. Be sure that you are booking with an organization whose mission is to genuinely support their communities and projects.

Reviews and Forums

Knowing that previous volunteers have had posi-tive volunteer experiences with an organization is always a good sign, so look for reviews on the organization’s website, as well as any left on general volunteer review websites. A reputable and professional organization is likely to have mostly positive reviews from their volunteers. Also check to see it the organization has an online forum or volunteer community where you can get in contact with previous volunteers in relation to specific projects and their volunteer-ing experiences.

Communication and Support

A professional organization will be available and happy to respond to any questions or concerns that you have in relation to specific projects, volunteering, your destination country or the organization itself. Start an online chat conver-sation, send an email or give them a call with any questions you have. From their response you should be able to gain some insight into how supportive they are, how efficient they are in terms of response time and their level of profes-

Photo Credit: rusticvolunteers.org


sionalism – which will show in the content and tone of their replies.

Who are some of the best volunteer or-ganizations in Sri Lanka?

Plan My Gap Year (UK)http://www.planmygapyear.co.uk/

Established in 2011, Plan My Gap Year are a UK based organization which provides affordable, supportive volunteer programs which deliver long term positive impacts and improvements to the local communities that they work with.

Their Sri Lanka volunteer projects are based in Ambalangoda, in the fields of turtle conserva-tion, English teaching, orphanage projects, health work, construction and elephant experi-ences. Program fees for a two week volunteer placement begin at $610.

International Volunteer HQ (New Zealand)https://www.volunteerhq.org/

International Volunteer HQ began in New Zea-land in 2007, and since then the company has provided 42,000 people with life changing vol-unteer experiences working on projects to help develop and strengthen communities in 30 coun-tries around the world.

Their Sri Lanka volunteer programs are predomi-nately based in Kandy and include opportunities in: teaching, elderly care, childcare, health and temple renovation. Program fees for these pro-jects start from $540 for a one week placement. They also offer a two week turtle conservation project in Ambalagonda, with fees starting at $800, and a wild elephant conservation project in Wasgamua, which starts at $1240 for a two

week placement.

Go Eco (UK/USA/Australia)http://www.goeco.org/

Go Eco have been in the volunteer industry for 10 years, have projects in 33 countries around the globe and have placed over 1000 volunteers in communities and areas in need of support.

Volunteer projects offered by Go Eco in Sri Lanka include: a one week childcare and com-munity work placement in Kandy, starting from $700, and a two week turtle rescue and reha-bilitation program in Ambalangoda, where fees start at $1050.

i-to-i (UK)http://www.i-to-i.com/

Since 1994 UK based company i-to-i have worked with over 50,000 volunteers, placing them in lo-cally run projects which aid in the development of communities in need while providing respon-sible travel opportunities.

i-to-i offer Sri Lanka volunteer projects in the following areas: turtle conservation (Kosgoda), elephant conservation (Wasgamua and Kegalle), and community work with children (Kurune-gala). Program fees for a two week volunteer placement start from $1089.

SL Volunteers (UK)http://slvolunteers.com/

SL Volunteers are a UK based organisation which entered into the volunteer industry in 2010. They are committed to providing work experi-ence placements for students and graduates who are looking to gain some hands on experi-ence, while benefiting the needs of Sri Lankan communities.

In Sri Lanka, SL Volunteers offers work experi-ence placements in the fields of health, teach-ing, special needs and arts. Program fees for a


four week placement start from $1248.

Frontier (USA)http://www.frontiergap.com/

Gap 360 is a UK private limited company based iSince 1989 the USA based organization Frontier has been providing volunteers with invaluable cultural immersion experiences, while develop-ing and supporting underprivileged communi-ties and contributing to the sustainability of the environment in 50 countries around the world.

Frontier offer volunteer projects in Kandy, Sri Lanka, in the areas of teaching, sea turtle con-servation, community work and elephant experi-ences. Program fees for a two week placement start from $1095. They also offer a two week elephant and leopard conservation which starts from $1795.

Kaya (UK)http://www.kayavolunteer.com/

Kaya is a UK based volunteer organization which has been providing volunteers and communities with invaluable benefits since 2008. Working in 27 countries around the world Kaya is commit-ted to supporting communities in need.

In Sri Lanka Kaya offers a two week turtle con-servation volunteer program on the south coast of the country. Program fees for this project start from $1741.

Travelers Worldwide (UK)http://www.travellersworldwide.com/

Global Crossroad is a well established company wEstablished in 1994, Travelers Worldwide has over 20 years of experience in the volunteer industry and is committed to providing voluntary opportunities that make a difference to predom-inately developing communities and countries. They also focus on promoting responsible and ethical volunteer experiences.

Travelers Worldwide offers volunteer projects

in Sri Lanka in the areas of: turtle or elephant conservation, a zoo project, childcare, elderly care, temple renovation, teaching and sports projects. A one week volunteer placement on these projects start from $1049.

Projects Aboard (UK)http://www.projects-abroad.org/

Established in 1992 in the UK, Projects Abroad is one of the biggest volunteer organizations in the world. With projects in 28 countries they are committed to providing volunteers with mean-ingful, fun and safe placements. They aim to promote cultural exchange through their pro-jects, and provide positive benefits for people living in poor conditions.

Projects Aboard offer two week volunteer place-ments in Colombo the capital city of Sri Lanka, in the areas of: general care, teaching and med-ical projects. Program fees start from $2215. They also offer four week volunteer placements (in Colombo) in the areas of: midwifery, animal care and sports projects. Program fees for these start from $2705.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Sri Lanka)http://www.elephantvolunteerpinnawala.blogs-pot.com/

Established in 1995, and based in Sri Lanka, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is dedicated to the protection and care of abused, injured or rescued wild elephants, alongside providing a safe environment for over eighty of these ma-jestic animals. Their volunteer program is a real hands-on elephant experience.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offer an El-ephant Conservation Program in Rambukkana. Program fees for a one week placement start from $715.

IFRE Volunteershttp://www.ifrevolunteers.org/


Established in 2006, IFRE Volunteers is a USA based company dedicated to providing high quality, once-in-a-lifetime volunteer ex-periences, while helping to empower local communities by working collaboratively with them to identify their areas of need, then creating projects which lead to a positive impact.

IFRE Volunteers’ Sri Lanka volunteer place-ments include an elephant orphanage pro-ject in Kegalle or Pinnawala, and projects in the city of Galle in the areas of teaching English, teaching monks and an orphanage project. Program fees for a one week vol-unteer placement start from $455.aid, and elephant sanctuary.

Global Crossroadhttp://www.globalcrossroad.com/

Established in 2003, Global Crossroad is a USA based organization which has sent over 18000 volunteers on unique cultural im-mersion experiences, all designed to have a huge positive impact on the lives of those living in impoverished and underdeveloped communities.

Volunteer programs in Sri Lanka offered by Global Crossroad are predominately based in Galle and in the fields of orphanage care and teaching English to monks/the general public. They also offer an elephant orphan-age project in both Kegalle and Pinnawala. Prices for a one week volunteer placement on these projects start from $455.


CHAPTER 3 : Getting ready to volunteer in Sri Lanka

Before heading off on your volunteering adven-ture in Sri Lanka it is important to make sure you are organized and prepared. In this chapter you will find useful information on visas and vaccinations, handy hints for finding an afford-able airfare, suggested reading to get you in-formed and packing advice tailored to the needs of a volunteer in Sri Lanka.

Visa

For entry into Sri Lanka all foreign tourists require a valid visa or Electronic Travel Au-thorization System (ETA). ETAS can be ob-tained online at https://eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/etaNavServ?payType=1. For up to date information on visas and the ap-plication process click on the link below:

http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=en_US .

Please note that technically a volunteer needs to apply for a type of employment visa, al-though many choose to opt for a tourist visa instead.

Passport

All non-Sri Lankan nationals entering Sri Lanka must hold a passport with at least 6 months validity from their expected date of departure, and a blank page for the Sri Lanka entry stamp.

Photo Credit: slvolunteers.com


Vaccinations

Sri Lanka is a developing country, and health and safety standards are different to what you would find and expect in western cultures. To be sure that you have the best protection possible while volunteering in Sri Lanka it is important to consult a medical practitioner for advice on any vaccinations and medications you may need.

The following vaccinations are essential for travelling to Sri Lanka: tetanus, diphtheria, mumps/measles and rubella, polio, chicken pox, hepatitis A+B, typhoid and Japanese encephali-tis. Dengue fever is also an issue in Sri Lanka, so you may wish to ask about that too.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is a valuable resource for updates on health and safety while traveling in Sri Lanka.http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/sri-lanka

Air tickets

Once you have organized your volunteer place-ment in Sri Lanka it is time to book your airfare. This is one of the most expensive parts of your experience, but there are ways to find a bargain deal. Here are some tips to help:

▪ check online airfare search engines. There are many online sites which will compare multiple airlines and fares. Some examples of these are kayak.com, skyscanner.com and bestflights.com.

▪ sign up to newsletters from airlines and airfare booking search engines to receive updates on special offers.

▪ check routing and stopovers - if you are looking for the cheapest price possible than you might find one with multiple stopovers is cheaper than a direct flight.

▪ volunteer in the low season, as prices usually increase in the high season.

▪ be flexible with your travel dates, sometimes altering your dates by a few days can make

all the difference. ▪ book in advance. If you are lucky you may

be able to find a great deal last minute but in general the further ahead you book the greater chance you will have of securing that great deal.

▪ remember, cheapest is not always best. Cheap fares often have stricter fare rules, and changes and cancellations have higher fees associated with them.

Raising funds

To help cover the costs of your Sri Lanka vol-unteer plans you may need to raise some cash quite quickly. There are lots of ways to do this, especially if you are willing to be creative and promote yourself. Some ideas on ways to raise money include:

▪ asking family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours and the local community to do-nate to your cause.

▪ organizing a garage sale or local market event.

▪ hosting an event, something like a film night, fashion parade, talent show or dinner would work.

▪ organize a raffle or hold a competition – something simple like guess how many mar-bles are in the jar.

▪ another option is to set up an online cam-paign for your volunteer experience. These are easy to create, promote on social media platforms and receive online donations from.

Some online campaign sites are:http://www.gofundme.com/https://www.crowdrise.com/volunteering-for-charity

Suggested Reading

Gain insight into the culture, history, heritage, religions and customs of Sri Lanka by reading both guide books and stories which are set in this amazing country.


Here are some books worth buying or checking out from your local library:

▪ Madol Doova by Martin Wickramasinghe ▪ Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje ▪ Cinnamon Gardens by Shyam Selvadurai ▪ Funny Boy (Harvest Book) by Shyam Selva-

durai ▪ Lonely Planet – Sri Lanka Travel Guide ▪ ROUGH GUIDES - THE ROUGH GUIDE to Sri

Lanka

Packing advice and tips

Sri Lanka’s climate is predominately tropical all year round, so it’s essential to pack light-weight cotton clothing. Modest and conservative dress is advised, especially for visiting temples, monasteries and sacred sites. For women, long dresses or skirts and trousers are fine. Tops should not be too revealing. For men, long trou-sers or knee length shorts and tops with some sleeve are safest. If you are volunteering in or traveling to the mountainous areas then pack some warmer layers for the cool evenings.Be sure to also check with your project if there are any guidelines or restrictions on what you should wear.Some important things you definitely need to pack are:

▪ passport, visa, travel insurance, itineraries, flight tickets and confirmations

▪ any medications you need ▪ toiletries ▪ travel towel ▪ travel adaptor ▪ camera, cables, charger, memory cards ▪ sarong or lightweight scarf for ladies ▪ rain jacket or umbrella ▪ day pack with cover to keep it dry ▪ comfortable walking shoes ▪ torch or headlight

Gifts for Projects

When you volunteer in Sri Lanka it is a great idea to take something small as a gift for your project and host family. Sri Lankan people will appreciate the gesture very much. If you will be working with children then books, educational or stationery supplies, toys or a board game would be ideal. For other projects and your host family a souvenir type gift which is representa-tive of your home town or country would be perfect. Items with iconic places, or figures, or your country’s map on them, or a product it is famous for are a few ideas to get you thinking.

Photo-Credit: goeco.org


CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know about your project

Before you head off on your volunteering adven-ture in Sri Lanka you are likely to experience a range of feelings - from nervousness to excite-ment. Finding out as much as you can about Sri Lanka and your volunteer project, host family and local support system can help calm pre-travel nerves and give you some peace of mind.

Here are a few ideas of things you may wish to find out before you leave.

Get all the details about your project in Sri Lanka

Your volunteer experience in Sri Lanka is bound to have some challenges at some point, but the more you know about your project before you leave the more likely you are to have a smooth transition into your new role as a volunteer abroad.

Make sure you have the following details:

• The name and location of your volunteer project.

• Any guidelines or rules which you must fol-low or adhere to.

• Duties and tasks you will be required to per-form,

• A clear idea of your role and responsibilities.• Your start and finish times, plus any break

times.• If you are required to wear anything specific

for the placement.• How you will get to and from your project.• Airport pick up and transfer details, includ-

ing meeting place and name of person who will collect you.

Learn about your host family

When volunteering in Sri Lanka you are likely

Photo Credit: globaldentalrelief.org


to be living with a Sri Lankan host family. Make the most of this opportunity and get to know your host family really well. They are not only there to provide you with accommodation but as a valuable source for gaining insight into the customs, culture, religions and language of the country, and to help you integrate into the local community. Before you go try and familiarise yourself with them by finding out some impor-tant details, such as:

• Which city/town they live in and some de-tails of its size/population.

• The number of family members who live in the house, and their names.

• Any religious beliefs they have which may impact on you.

• If there are any house rules, duties or re-sponsibilities.

• Which meals will be provided.• Will you have a private or shared room?• Have they hosted any volunteers in the past?• Will there be any other volunteers sharing

with you?• If anyone in the family speaks English.

Get connected with local support

Before volunteering in Sri Lanka ask your or-ganization if they have a local support system in place. This may be a formal office or a network of people, but it is important there is some op-tion available to you, as if you have any future issues with your host family, project or the gen-eral volunteering experience they will be your first contact for support and assistance. Mostly though you’ll look to local staff to help you out with day to day life, and they will be able to provide advice and recommendations on every-thing from where to eat out to which bus excur-sion is the best. Before you leave your home country make contact with the local support team so you have a connection before arriving to start your volunteer work.

Make the final call

For true peace of mind make one last call to your volunteer organization before you set off to Sri Lanka. Use this to ask any last minute questions, and to confirm they have your cur-rent/correct contact details and all relevant travel information like your flight number, date and time of arrival, and the airport you will be met at. Check they have arranged for you to be collected, and get the details of who will meet you/how you will recognise them.


CHAPTER 5 : Arriving and Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Photo Credit:projects-abroad.org

Volunteering in Sri Lanka and seeing firsthand the impact you have on their environment, com-munities and individual lives will be an invalu-able and life changing experience, one full of personal achievements both big and small. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your time on a volunteer program.

How to make your volunteer experience rewarding

Know what is expected

When you arrive with a clear idea of what is ex-pected of you from your project things will run more smoothly from the start. Before you leave to start your volunteer in Sri Lanka placement find out:

• what your roles and responsibilities are• if there are any rules or guidelines you need

to follow• about any cultural or religious beliefs and

customs which you need to respec

Embrace the culture

When in Sri Lanka traveling or volunteering make the most of every opportunity you get to immerse yourself into the country’s unique and fascinating culture and traditions. From reli-gious rituals, festivals and dance performances, to food feasts, yoga and language classes, Sri Lanka offers many ways to enjoy your time there.


Be committed to your project

The communities and people that you work with will greatly appreciate the time and assistance that you provide to help them rebuild, maintain or improve their quality of life. Showing that you are committed to and enthusiastic towards your project will make for a true sense of achievement for both them and yourself.

Raise any concerns

It is important that if any problem or situation occurs while you are volunteering in Sri Lanka that you contact your local support team as soon possible. This lets things be dealt with quickly, and hopefully without any impact on your overall volunteering experience.

Explore the country

Get to know the county and its people in great-er depth, and explore its many spectacular landscapes Seek out adventure, learn about Sri Lanka’s history and heritage, search out rare and exotic wildlife, visit beaches and moun-tains, cities and rural towns, jungles and tea plantations. Go on a journey and explore the island of Sri Lanka, and get to know the warm hearted people who call it home.

Safety While Volunteering In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a developing country with a fairly recent history of unstable and unpredictable se-curity situations. Although many regions are now safe to travel in a general awareness of safety is necessary at all times. Non violent crimes such as petty theft, pick pocketing credit card frauds are fairly common in the capital city and bus-tling tourist spots, so all visitors should remain aware of tis and take the usual precautions.

Being a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is prone to dangerous tides and severe weather conditions, especially along the coastal

areas. Before you travel to your volunteer placement in Sri Lanka:

• pay attention to up to date travel warnings and advice http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sri-lanka

• http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Sri_Lanka

• make sure you have a valid visa for entry into the country

• purchase a high quality travel insurance policy with maximum cover and protection

• make sure you have had all the required vac-cinations and have packed any medications you may need

• research your destination – read reviews, blogs and travel guides to gain an insight on safety issues

• give a copy of your itinerary and travel docu-ments to your family or close friends

• get all contact details for your organization, local support, embassy, and emergency ser-vices in Sri Lanka

• notify your financial institution of your travel plans in case your cards are lost/stolen or blocked for your own protection

• Register your travel details with your embas-sy; many countries have online sites where you can do this.

Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspxNew Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/loginUS Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/

When in Sri Lanka:

• always carry around a copy of your passport and visa

• remain aware of your surroundings at all times

• Know where emergency services, consulate, hospitals and tourist information offices are located

• try not to travel on your own


• respect the culture and religious beliefs• do not get willingly involved in any illegal

activities• for your health and safety do not drink tap

water• dress and behave respectfully to avoid any

unwanted attention and situations• do not leave drinks left unattended at bars,

there have been reports of drink spiking

Do’s and Don’ts in Sri Lanka

DO

• always be alert and aware of your surround-ing area and your belongings

• carry around some tissues or wet-wipes as you may be doing a lot of eating with your hands

• dress appropriately and conservatively, espe-cially if female

• respect and get to know the culture• learn some basics of the language and prac-

tice with the locals• show passion, commitment and enthusiasm

towards your project and the people who you work with

• spend time getting to know your host family and the locals

• explore the country and take part in cultur-al, religious, adventure and relaxation activi-ties or events

• remove your shoes before entering religious or sacred buildings. Women should also wear clothing that covers the legs and shoulders and men should wear full length trousers.

DON’T

• take any photographs of people, sacred buildings or monuments without prior per-mission

• Ever take photographs of military personnel or monks

• eat with your left hand• encourage beggars or touts by giving them

cash or buying their tickets• be an easy victim for scams and cons, always

have your wits about you• disrespect any aspects of the culture or reli-

gion• stay longer than your visa allows

Culture Shock

Volunteering in a developing country can lead to culture shock when you are faced with quite dramatic differences in living conditions and environments, food, religions, cultures and traditions, sights, sounds and language. This is a common experience amongst those travelling or volunteering abroad, but there are some ways you can help minimise its effects.

Research

Learning as much as you can about your desti-nation, the economic and political situations, the culture and popular religions will help you prepare and perhaps avoid the ‘surprise factor’ which can trigger culture shock. It is also use-ful to read reviews and accounts from previous volunteers’ experiences in the country, as well as current travel warnings and news. The more insight you have into what to expect the better.

Embrace the culture

Living in a foreign country can be difficult at times, and although the things that you experi-ence and your living conditions may be different from what you are used to, it is recommended that you integrate yourself into your new envi-ronment, learn as much as you can about the people, their culture and religions and simply embrace the opportunity.

Make Friends

At times being in a foreign country on your own can be lonely, so when volunteering in Sri Lanka take every opportunity to make friends with the


friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms. Getting to know local people also allows you to truly integrate into the community, and have a more authentic experience. Also make friends with your fellow volunteers, you may not be from the same country but you have the same challenges and opportunities for adven-ture.

Remember why you chose to volunteer in Sri Lanka

It is important that when you are volunteering in a developing country that you always remem-ber why you chose to take that path. Although everything may be different, and maybe some-times overwhelming, you probably chose to vol-unteer because you wanted to have an impact on and help create positive change in people’s lives. It is important to keep this in the front of your mind when or if culture shock strikes.

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a little paradise, packed full of fun action and adventure, relaxation and seren-ity, diverse landscapes, exotic wildlife, unique cultures and ancient tradition. It’s a place to explore, recharge, immerse, discover the magic and reawaken your spirit and soul. A volun-teer experience in Sri Lanka will be a journey through a beautiful country and one of self-dis-covery, and no matter what you want to do you are bound to find it in Sri Lanka.

• Visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Pol-onnaruwa and Digamudalla

• Discover the mystery of lost cities and an-cient ruins

• Step back in time at the ruins of Sigiriya, a fifth century AD Fortress

• Unwind with a meditation, yoga session or an Ayurveda treatment – a 5000 year old natural healing system which is based on diet and herbs

• Indulge your senses with the aromas of the

spice markets and gardens or visit a tea plantation

• Go on a wildlife safari and spot elephants, leopards and a variety of native, exotic and rare species

• Visit north Sri Lanka for Hindu temples and pagodas

• Visit the giant statues of Buddha• Enjoy the aquatic life: go scuba diving or

look for dolphins and whales• Have an adventure: from trekking, rock

climbing, hot air ballooning and caving, to white-water rafting, surfing, windsurfing and kayaking there’s lots of choice

• Shop for jewellery, jewels, wood carvings, metal wares, porcelain, spices and tea

• Enjoy the flavours of Sri Lankan food• Watch a game of cricket or take part in a

game with the locals• Explore the diverse landscapes• Go to a festival or event• Attend an performance of traditional music

and dance• Explore the bustling cities• Visit temples, monasteries and palaces and

learn about their religious • Get to know the Sri Lankan people


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project & follow up

Photo Credit: elephantvolunteerpinnawala.blogspot.com

Volunteering in Sri Lanka could well be one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have. When you return home you are likely feel a range of different emotions. Sad to have left the beautiful country of Sri Lanka and the wonderful people, yet satisfaction and a sense of gratitude that you had the chance to help a community in need, and excited to share your experiences.

A great way to share your stories with the world is to create a blog, highlighting your daily life and tasks and promoting your project. Add photos to create a greater impact for your audience. You could even start your blog at the beginning of your volunteer experience so that your readers can be updated of the progress being made, and feel like they are there sharing your journey with you.

It is also important that after you return home you provide honest feedback to your organiza-tion about your project, host family and overall volunteering experience. This is useful as it helps them to monitor and assess the quality of their programs, and strive to provide success-ful and worthwhile opportunities for both the projects and volunteers.

If you are genuinely interested in supporting your cause and project than try and find ways in which you can continue to do so in the long term. Some ideas on how to do this are listed below:

• Hold fundraising events• Send resources for your project• Raise awareness to promote the project and

social situation• Start an online campaign to support it


CHAPTER 7 : Most frequently Asked Question by Volunteers How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Your volunteer organization will organise your arrival transfers from the international airport to your accommodation. Once you arrive in Sri Lanka there will be a local staff member to greet you and take you to your accommodation. To ensure this goes smoothly make sure that the organization has all your (accurate) flight details.

Will there be support from staff in country?

Yes, when you volunteer in Sri Lanka there will be local support staff available. In most cases they will be in contact with you throughout your placement, either with visits to your project or via phone or email. In-country support staff will be available for assistance and support 24/7.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

This will depend on your project and the season that you plan to volunteer in. The summer season sees the highest number of participants, but your project may only accept a certain number of vol-unteers at any one time. Check with your organization to confirm exact numbers.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?

In most circumstances this isn’t a problem, but you must notify your organization during the book-ing process so that suitable arrangements can be made.

Are meals and housing provided?

Yes, your program fees for your volunteer program in Sri Lanka include accommodation with a local host family, along with three meals per day.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

Host families in Sri Lanka are experienced in having international volunteers stay, and most will have at least one member of the family who can speak and understand English.

Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

For sure. In fact you are encouraged to make the most of your time in Sri Lanka by getting to know the country and enjoy its many delights. Travelling on days off is responsibility great way to do this; you just need to make sure that travelling does not get in the way of your volunteering re-sponsibilities.

Do I have to bring my own bedding?

No, when accommodation is provided for you, bed linen and pillows will be supplied.


What if I don’t speak the native language?

In Sri Lanka you should be able to get by with not being able to speak the language, however it is a good idea to learn a few of the basic words in Sinhala or Tamil. Some projects may require you to have some understanding of the language, so please check with your organization if this is required for your placement.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will depend on your placement. In some situations you will be expected to organise your own transport, in others it will be arranged for you. It is best to check with your volunteer agency about your situation, and get any information you need on planning your commute.

Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on my project in the past?

Many organizations have volunteer forums or communities where you can ask previous volunteers questions regarding their experiences. If this is not an option try asking for a direct introduction.

What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

If you are staying with a host family than you will be served traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which generally consists of rice, coconut and spices with meat, lentils or vegetables. If you have any dietary requirements it is best to notify your organization when booking your project, so that your host family can be informed.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

For most volunteer programs you will be expect to work between 4-6 hours a day. These could be straight shifts or split between morning and afternoon/evening. Check with your organization to clarify how many hours your specific project requires you to work.

How much money do I need to bring?

Your volunteer program fee includes accommodation and 3 meals per day, so you will only need to budget for your personal expenses and any travelling, sightseeing and activities you plan to do while away. Make a list of the things you would like to do before you leave and budget accordingly.

This free ebook has been written as a general reference source of information for potential volunteers. We

cannot guarantee the current validity of the contents as there may be changes in the field, so it should not be

considered as a definite or authoritative guide to the subject covered.

Sri Lanka Volunteering Guide

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Transcript of Sri Lanka Volunteering Guide