High School Study Abroad in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small country, but it has a lot to take in. Until 2009, Sri Lanka was amidst a civil war that raged for nearly 30 years. Today, the government has stabilized and tourism is gradually booming. When it comes to high school in Sri Lanka, all you have to do is see what looks best to you and jump in, and you are sure to have plenty to discover!

As the commercial capital and largest city in the country, Colombo offers much to do. Tour the art and historical artifacts at the Colombo National Museum, walk near Beira Lake, or catch a game of cricket (the country’s most popular sport). One of the biggest pastimes here is to watch the Sri Lankan national team play; in fact, even businesses shut down for the latter special event. After a game, take a stroll along the Galle Face Green, a promenade along the Indian Ocean, or visit the Gangaranya Temple.

Negombo is a city with a no-frills vibe. Join the locals who walk in the tree-lined streets for shade in the noontime heat, admiring the colonial architecture as you stroll along. On the way to the beach, pass by sights of handicraft boutiques while smelling aroma of freshly caught fish. If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a fishing trip or go diving to explore a nearby 50-year-old shipwreck. After sightseeing, you’ll be hungry. Dig into some spicy curry and rice cooked in coconut milk; just watch out for sambols (pastes), made of scraped coconut mixed with chili peppers, dried fish, and lime juice.

How sweet would it be to visit Kandy, the island’s second-largest city? Major corporations and IT centers have branches here, and the city’s many program opportunities attract high schoolers seeking programs that involve teaching, legal work, and business. In your downtime, head to the Temple of the Tooth Relic; it’s not just a UNESCO world heritage site, it’s one of the most sacred places of worship and pilgrimage in the Buddhist world. If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka in August, check out the Esala Perahera Buddhist festival, during which decorated elephants and dancers parade through the streets.