Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Projects Abroad
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We offer overseas voluntary work placements in Teaching, Care, Sports, IT and Medicine & Healthcare - including Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Veterinary and Animal Care, Journalism, Business and Language Courses.
Where we are Based in Sri Lanka
Projects Abroad Sri Lanka has an office based in the capital city of Colombo, and the majority of our volunteer placements are located along the coast within 2 hours drive of Colombo, between Negombo and Kalutara.
As with most of the overseas voluntary work placements that we offer, you will normally stay with a local host family, which will give you a rounded insight into Sri Lankan culture and lifestyle.
General Information on Sri Lanka
This beautiful country has been run by the British, Portuguese and Dutch, gaining independence in 1948. It is now a democracy that continues to make economic progress, moving on rapidly from the 2004 tsunami and the tensions of the last decade. Sri Lanka is now a peaceful, safe destination for travellers and many international travel magazines have selected Sri Lanka as a country not to miss.
Sri Lanka's population is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, and its cultural heritage is equally as rich and diverse. Its countryside is lovely and teeming with varied and exotic wildlife species. There are more than ten national parks in Sri Lanka, and the Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The food in Sri Lanka is a real pleasure. Enjoy the delights of sampling a jackfruit curry accompanied by the sweetest mango juice you have ever tasted. You will be amazed at the range of fresh fruit and vegetables available and don't forget to try some of the fresh fish, straight out of the boat.
Another Sri Lankan passion is cricket. Whether you are talking to an orange-robed Buddhist monk or a young school student they will want to find out what you think of their heroes and which team you support.
Travel and Tourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka provides many opportunities in a small space. Like most capitals, Colombo can be hectic, but it's full of heritage. You may want to visit the mass of Hindu temples across the city, but equally you'll gain a flavour of Sri Lankan life simply by strolling through its modern avenues and narrow, crooked streets. You can people-watch in the Pettah bazaar, or take in the sunset from Galle Face Green.
The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. Venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls and visit traditional hill towns.
Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot leopards and elephants, or visit wetland sanctuaries that are particularly good for bird-watching. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.
The beach resorts stretching along the south coast offer the opportunity to dive, snorkel and relax at reasonable prices. In all areas you will find the Sri Lankan people extremely friendly to tourists.
Projects available in Sri Lanka

Gain valuable and worthwhile experience working with young and disadvantaged children. We work in care centres and kindergartens along the west and south coasts.

Volunteers joining the Business project in Sri Lanka have the opportunity to work in one of the most exciting economies in the world.

Volunteer on a Journalism placement in Sri Lanka and gain cutting-edge work experience in print, radio or media house.

Elective students work in the dentistry department of a government hospital. You will gain a great deal of valuable work-experience alongside some of the most skilled dentists in the country.

As we are experienced in coordinating placements for Medical Elective students you are certain to have a worthwhile time in a Sri Lankan hospital.

Undertaking a Midwifery Elective in Sri Lanka will provide you with a valuable learning experience. It is likely you will witness different practices to those you are used to.

Trained local staff will be keen to test your existing knowledge and skills on a Nursing Elective placement in Sri Lanka.

Complete your Elective course in a general hospital at a medicine dispatch unit, working alongside a qualified pharmacist. You will also take part in medical outreaches.

Physiotherapy Elective students typically work in government hospitals where your contribution will be greatly valued. You will be given a professional supervisor to act as your mentor.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka and gain valuable work experience in the dentistry department of a government hospital. Work alongside local staff, observing a range of dental treatments.

Volunteer on a medical placement in Sri Lanka and gain valuable work experience shadowing local doctors. Focus on one field of medicine or work on rotation in various departments.

Volunteer on a midwifery placement in Sri Lanka and gain work experience shadowing staff. You may have the opportunity to work in pre and post-natal wards, labour wards and theatre.

As a Nursing volunteer in Sri Lanka you will be working in a number of departments, benefiting from the extensive knowledge and guidance of professional local staff.

Working under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist at a medicine dispatch unit in a general hospital, you will help dispense medication and do data capturing.

If you are looking for an exciting yet worthwhile Physiotherapy placement then this project in Sri Lanka may be right for you. All volunteers work in government hospitals alongside local staff.

Help provide vital basic medical services in underprivileged communities while gaining valuable practical experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Volunteer on an Athletics project in Sri Lanka and coach young athletes in various track and field events at an athletics club.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka and teach sports to enthusiastic students who currently do not have access to a developed sports education. Sports may include volleyball, netball, football and athletics.

Teach conversational English in coastal towns. Volunteers may work in primary schools, secondary schools or a local community centre.

Help children and young adults become computer literate in rural Sri Lanka. You will show them how to use the main Microsoft packages and how to browse the Internet.
Animal Care

Volunteer on a Veterinary Medicine project and work alongside qualified veterinarians at a clinic and accompany them on field visits to farms.
High School Specials for 15 to 18 year olds available in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, volunteers work with children in care centres and kindergartens. You can get involved in helping children learn by organizing fun activities, playing sports, and painting and decorating classrooms.

Experience and understand dentistry systems in a developing country, attend workshops and take part in outreach programmes assisting local communities.

While volunteering on this medical project you can experience and understand the medical systems in a developing country, like Sri Lanka.