Description

Projects in two stunning locations on this exotic island with its 1,000 miles of unspoilt golden beaches! Volunteer teaching poor children in urban Ja-Ela in schools and orphanages, or share your time with village children in a rural location close to Wasgamuwa National Park.

Sri Lanka is the proverbial paradise island with exciting areas to explore that include Pinawala Elephant Orphanage, beautiful beaches on the south coast (where our volunteers often spend their weekends), tea plantations that are so beautiful they take your breath away. Sit under a palm tree at the end of a hot day drinking the milk of a King coconut ... you're in Sri Lanka!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
You can teach in two very different locations in Sri Lanka, one in an urban community and the other in a stunning rural location:

1. URBAN JA-ELA:
Our largest teaching programme runs in Ja-Ela, midway between Colombo and the popular Indian Ocean resort of Negombo. Here you'll work in a number of schools and orphanages in the local community where our volunteers have helped the local poor children for many years. The schools have about 400 to 500 pupils aged 5 to 16 years old, with approx. 35 per class. Their English is poor and you'll generally help all age groups, from 6 to 18 years old.

2. RURAL WASGAMUWA:
If you prefer to experience a more rural Sri Lanka, you'll really enjoy our programme in Wasgamuwa. You'll help the poorer children in the local community which is based in a stunningly beautiful location 10 minutes drive from Wasgamuwa National Park. This placement is ideal if you enjoy wildlife (especially elephants) and the outdoors - there is plenty to keep you occupied, the surrounding jungles and villages can be explored easily by foot or bike and trips to other parks in the region can be arranged for you.

Our programme is to teach English to local people of all ages. Teaching takes place in village schools which are very basic and lacking in facilities. As this is a very poor area there is no electricity. You need to be flexible and adaptable with your teaching, much of which will be very hands-on. The teaching schedule currently takes place at the local school in the morning and the temple class in the afternoon. You'll probably teach around 6 hours each day, to student ranging from about 8 years old to 40. Your students will be an eclectic collection - from school children to monks and park wardens! The plan is to keep increasing radically outward, so that more villagers will benefit from our volunteers.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
** An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the exotic island of Sri Lanka.
** The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
** New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
** An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
** And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Our placements are very flexible and you can combine any of our projects to give you a broader experience of life on the inside in Sri Lanka.

Highlights

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
In Ja-Ela, our accommodation is lovely (with loads of bathrooms!) All your meals are prepared and the house is very sociable. There are plenty of opportunities to sightsee over the weekends and exploring the island is a very popular activity with our volunteers. The towns and villages are fascinating and so different to what we're used to in the Western world.

These projects can also be combined with any of our other projects. A very popular combination that most of our volunteers do is to combine teaching with the Elephant Experience at Pinawala Elephant Orphanage. Working hands-on with these elephants and washing them in the river is an amazing experience! Many volunteers also combine teaching in both Ja-Ela and Wasgamuwa. Combinations of projects enable you to get two or three very different experiences in very different locations.

Our placements are very flexible. You can also coach sports to the kids in schools, or you could do a care project in an orphanage.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Travel Types

• Soccer/Football
• Sports
• Volunteering
• Language Immersion
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Vacation Packages
• Environmental Studies

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit Sports enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Intern Types

• Education
• English as a Second Language
• Sports
• Development
• Humanities
• Social Work

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

From 1,345 for 2 weeks, to 2,770 for 12 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated.

Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat). You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 years old and upwards to 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995