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Gap Year Programs in Sri Lanka

With your toes nestled in the wet sand, a light breeze ruffles your hair. As you ponder the rolling waves of the Indian ocean, a macaque monkey cackles in the deep. The morning sun brings a warmth to your cheeks and a smile spreads over your face. Taking a gap year in Sri Lanka was the best decision you ever made. The only problem now is tearing yourself away from the palm-fringed jungle beaches of Galle to explore the rest of this magical island’s treasures. From walking with elephants in Kaudulla, to visiting the lofty temples of Kandy, gap year programs in Sri Lanka will leave you breathless.
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

34 Gap Year Programs in Sri Lanka

Impact Gap Year
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Impact Gap Year

10

3

6-Month Gap Year Adventure

Join the 6-month Gap Year, an extraordinary six-month journey of ...

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Sri Lanka

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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Semester at Sea

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Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

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Volunteering Journeys

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Women Empowerment in India

Empower, educate, and uplift — join our Women Empowerment Volunteer Program in India and be part of a powerful movement helping women gain confidence, skills, and independence. Through this meaningful volunteer experience with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll work closely with women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds to promote gender equality, education, and self-sufficiency. India is a country of incredible diversity and deep traditions, but many women, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, still face barriers to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. As a women empowerment volunteer in India, you’ll play an important role in helping local women build brighter, independent futures for themselves and their families. By volunteering with Volunteering Journeys, you’ll join initiatives that address these inequalities directly — helping local NGOs and women’s groups create safe spaces where women can learn, grow, and lead. These programs focus on practical skills training, language development, income-generation workshops, and confidence-building activities that empower women to become change-makers in their own communities.

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Projects Abroad

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Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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Oyster Worldwide

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Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

Asia Exchange

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Study Abroad Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) is recognized as Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the most prestigious non-state degree-awarding Institutes, offering world-class education in information technology, engineering, business, and other disciplines. Over the past two decades, SLIIT has been rooted in its commitment to supporting educational excellence, creating an environment for students to gain vital skills and thus contribute to shaping the national economy. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on practical learning, SLIIT prepares students for global careers through innovative teaching methods and industry partnerships. Your Study Destination Colombo is a dynamic city combining a cosmopolitan lifestyle with access to pristine beaches and lush landscapes. Its friendly atmosphere and affordable living costs make it an ideal student destination. Why wait? Start your journey today! Send us a message with your questions and take the first step toward an unforgettable academic and cultural adventure at SLIIT with Asia Exchange.

A Guide to Gap Year in Sri Lanka

Popular Locations

Unlike the vast expanses of neighboring India, Sri Lanka is fairly compact. Don’t be fooled by its size though. Narrow, congested roads and rickety public transport make traveling laborious. Whether you’re teaching, traveling, or volunteering in Sri Lanka, a sensory overload awaits.  

Colombo. Any gap year in Sri Lanka will start in the nation’s capital, packed with Hindu temples, ramshackle housing, and street sellers touting their wares. There’s a sweeping divide between rich and poor. Shiny skyscrapers dominate a landscape filled with an endless swathe of slums. Don’t be perturbed by the city’s chaos; travel is relatively safe. Just hold onto your hat as your spluttering trishaw speeds you about the city. And be sure to stop for some Kothu Rotti, Sri Lanka’s most mouthwatering melt.  

Kandy. As the name suggests, this is one sweet destination for gappers of all stripes. Rising out of the rainforest and surrounded by tea plantations and lofty mountains, Kandy is easy on the eye. Chill out in the botanical gardens, where you can see towering palm trees filled with purple-faced monkeys and chattering parakeets. There’s also the Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist temple, if you can handle the stairmaster workout. Take in panoramic views of the city and gape in awe at one of Sri Lanka’s largest buddhas. If you want to volunteer in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of programs here.

Galle. Known as the Europe of Sri Lanka, the walled city of Galle was built by Dutch merchants. The main attraction here is the horseshoe-shaped Unawatuna beach. Try surfing when the waves are right, or simply relax, sipping on freshly cracked coconut juice. There’s a thriving expat community in Galle, and adventure seekers will love scuba diving to the 100-year old British shipwreck, The Rangoon.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

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