1 Week Special Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka

Overview

Be a volunteer for the 1 Week Special Program in Sri Lanka with Volunteering Solutions, and get to immerse yourself in the authentic Sinhalese culture. It'll be an amazing opportunity for those who have limited time in hand, yet excited to travel to this beautiful island nation in Asia and volunteer for a meaningful cause. The best part is that you can choose the perfect program that suits your tastes and preferences, as well as the one in which you think you'll be able to serve the best.

For those who love to be with kids can join the Teaching Program and work with children or Buddhist Monks, helping them to polish their communicative skills, by focusing on the English language. Other than that, volunteers can work with the underprivileged women in Galle, and help them to earn a livelihood as well as teach them to speak in English, guide them for using the computers, etc. Animals lovers can choose to volunteer with the elephants and get to know more about the mahouts, how they take care of these gentle giants and more. If you're a beach lover, then what can be a better treat other than spending your days by the beach, working for a Turtle Conservation Program? No matter which program you opt for, it'll surely be a worthy experience and you'll get to learn a lot from your volunteering journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You can arrive anytime between 7 am and 5 pm, and our project coordinator will be there. You'll be then transferred to Galle in an Air-Conditioned Van.

Day 2 - Orientation & City Tour

Today, you'll be given a brief about the culture, the work you'll be doing and other details. Later, you'll get to explore Galle town, including a visit to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 3 - Start Project work

Morning: Depending on the project that you've chosen, you'll be heading to the project site and experience the goodness of volunteering. You'll get to meet the people, know about them and soak in the authentic vibes.
Evening: Group movie night in the volunteer house.

Day 4 - Continue Project Work

Morning: You'll continue with your project work.
Evening: Cultural experience - Buddhist temple visit to observe and learn about Buddhist culture up close (guided by our staff).

Day 5 - Continue Project Work

Morning: You'll continue with your project work.
Evening: Yoga session from an expert yoga teacher on the rooftop of the volunteer house.

Day 6 - Continue Project Work

Morning: You'll continue with your project work.
Afternoon/Evening: Surfing class from an expert instructor at a local beach (can be substituted for guided bike tour across paddy fields and quaint local villages if there is a group of 4+ participating together).

Day 7 - Continue Project Work

Morning: You'll continue with your project work.
Afternoon: Free time to explore the neighborhood, the town of Galle and nearby beaches and attractions.

Day 8 - Departure from Galle to Colombo airport in an air-conditioned van

As this amazing week comes to an end, you can head off to explore another destination or return back home with a bag full of memories.
(Flights should depart between 10 am and 8 pm to avail the included transfer)

Note: Schedules can be altered from time to time (e.g., some projects can occur in the afternoons on certain days) but all the activities listed above will be provided.

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.

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Living

Airport Transfers
Volunteers are picked up from the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport Airport by a representative of the local coordinating team on the program start date during scheduled airport pickup hours. Participants are also dropped off to the airport upon completion of the program during the scheduled airport drop hours (At extra charges).Charges for the return airport drop can be paid by the participants when they are in Sri Lanka.

Note : Arrival transfer (shared) within pre-defined time windows on Saturdays included in the program price (non-transferable).There will be 2 shared airport transfers every Saturday (Morning and afternoon/evening) from airport to Galle. A private transfer is also available for USD 65 and can be arranged on Saturday or for participants arriving on any date other than the start date.

Orientation
A detailed program Orientation will be provided before you start your volunteering program.All volunteers on arrival get a welcome presentation including health and safety training, culture presentation, project specific presentation and area orientation tour. Our staff will also assist you with the lessons and planning the curriculum, as and when required. You will also have access to our in-house teaching library consisting of manuals, books, and various teaching materials to help with lesson planning and providing general guidance.

Accommodation
Volunteers joining the programs in Galle, Sri Lanka, will get to stay in the quaint Unawatuna neighbourhood, overlooking the famous Unawatuna Beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Our participants stay in two volunteer houses which are located near to each other.

The Beachside house is located right across the road from Unawatuna Beach and about 100 metres from the other volunteer house. It has 12 spacious bedrooms of varying sizes with attached en suite bathrooms each with air-conditioning facilities (most rooms also have attached outdoor balconies). There is also a separate dining area, small garden, lounge, terrace and a large office with permanent staff onsite. The property is safeguarded by multiple CCTV cameras and an onsite night security team.

The other larger volunteer house has 13 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.Most of these rooms have ocean views! There's a private 40-foot outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery. The house also has 3 kitchens as well as 3 living/common rooms (one each per floor), a prominent dining area, and a private outdoor garden with seating/lounging areas.

The office is located on the ground floor of the house near the main entrance – this is where the local team operate from every day. The house is located in a peaceful, nature-filled neighbourhood adjacent to a small Buddhist temple (nestled away from the main tourist areas). To ensure the safety and security of the participants, there are CCTV cameras installed, and an in-house security guard for night-time surveillance. Hot water and high-speed Wi-Fi are there and you can opt for air-conditioning and laundry facilities at an additional charge.

Private (single and double) room upgrades are available at additional charges. During busy months participants are also provided accommodation in nearby guesthouses in case of low capacity in the volunteer houses or non availability of private rooms. Private rooms are provided in guesthouses within walking distance to the volunteer house. Volunteers stay in the private guesthouses and walk over to the volunteer house and have meals with the other volunteers.

All participants aged 40 years and older will be provided with a private room only and will not be provided accommodation in shared dorm rooms . Additional charges for private room upgrade shall be applicable.

Meals
We provide 3 freshly cooked meals per day all week long (Monday to Sunday): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Fresh ingredients are purchased from local markets to prepare these meals. The volunteer homes have cooks from the local community who come daily to cook fresh, homely and tasty local meals for the volunteers. We can cater to a range of special diets including vegan, gluten free, nut free and lactose-intolerant diets. If there are any other allergy or food requirements mentioned to us beforehand, we always do our best to accommodate those needs. Those volunteers staying in private guesthouse rooms near the volunteer house, usually have breakfast at the guest house and walk down to the volunteer house for their lunch and dinner.

Local Transportation
Local transportation to and from the project is included every day.

During Free Time
There is plenty to do during the free time and weekends for the volunteers.The following activities are provided free of charge and included in your program fee:

Evening Rooftop Yoga Session (weekly)
Movie nights on large screen projector at the house (weekly)
Bike tour across paddy fields and local villages (monthly)
BBQ for volunteers and staff in the garden (monthly)
Night Fishing for anyone into fishing (on demand)

The following are popular weekend (or even daily) activities which our volunteers love to do around the area (at an additional charge):

Surfing lessons
Elephant safari
Whale watching(during season)
Rainforest hiking
Beach hopping
Local cooking class
Galle Walking Tour
Local spice market visit
Galle Fort visit

We also encourage you to join our specially curated 7D/6N Sri Lanka Culture & Adventure Tour which packs the best of the island’s beauty and diversity within a week.The tour can be added to your program itinerary before or after the volunteer program.

Dates

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
1 Week	$725

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Dedicated volunteer housing with WiFi (shared rooms)
Shared airport transfer on arrival at designated time windows in the morning or afternoon
Orientation and training on arrival
Breakfast, lunch and dinner all days
Guaranteed project placement
Local transportation to projects in private AC van or tuk tuk
Experienced bilingual operations team on the ground
Dedicated staff support from 6 am to 8 pm every day
24/7 local emergency support
Weekly yoga class on rooftop terrace
Weekly movie nights on large screen projector
Monthly bike tour around paddy fields and local villages
Monthly special BBQ dinner
Travel & Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Visa Fee
International Airfare
Return Airport Transfers from Galle to Colombo Airport (available at extra charges)
Vaccinations
Any personal expenses
Additional Local Excursions and Trips
Private Room Upgrade charges
Charges for additional nights at accommodation

FAQ's

Health and Safety

Do I need to buy a health insurance?: Yes, for all volunteers it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
Are there any other things that I need to be careful about?: Considering the fact that Sri Lanka is a tropical country, the weather is mostly hot and humid. For people traveling from European and North American countries, it might seem to extremely hot during the days and sultry at night. We would advise you to consume a lot of water and protect yourself from the sun in whichever way possible. Carry an umbrella.

You can consult your doctor once, before traveling to Sri Lanka.
How safe is Sri Lanka in general ?: Sri Lanka is one of the popular tropical destination in Asia and attracts travelers from all around the world. The locals are friendly and helpful as well, however, it is recommended to consult your in-country coordinators before you step out alone or go to any other locations in Sri Lanka. Also, it is recommended to be with your group whenever you venture out or stay out late in the night. It is strongly recommended to follow the safety rules and regulations provided by the in-country coordinator.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?: We recommend you to consult your physician or travel doctor before traveling to Sri Lanka. However, we recommend you take general vaccinations such as:

Hepatitis A and B

Typhoid

Application and Program Details

Can I volunteer as part of a group?: We encourage our participants to volunteer in a group. We take special care in providing you a placement and also customize your itinerary to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 12+ years, we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as groups of colleagues.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Sri Lanka?: As we have limited spots available in our programs and we serve on first come first basis, it is recommended that potential volunteers book their programs well in advance to get confirmed placements. You can book your slot by filling the application form online and pay the application fee. You can pay your program fee later and also, in installments. However, the complete payment should be made 45 days prior to the starting of the program. If you are volunteering in a group, you can also fill a group application form.
Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?: Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can alter at times.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?: After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be activated.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and booking confirmation is updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.
When do I need to arrive in Sri Lanka for my program? What will happen once I arrive in the country ?: All volunteers need to arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the starting date of their project. Volunteers are picked from the airport by the local coordinator or representative and are transferred to their accommodations. Accommodation will be provided in the volunteer house located near your placements.

A short orientation is given after arrival about the city and placements. The volunteers are also taken for a short tour of Colombo before they start with their program. However, the tour depends on the arrival time of your flight.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lankan volunteer programs?: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lankan volunteer projects:

The minimum age requirement for the programs in Sri Lanka is 17 years.

Volunteers participating in the Medical Program should be at least 18-year-old.

Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. They should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

The participant must be in good health.
Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?: If you are planning to come for multiple programs in your trip, you will have to pay the application fees just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time ( from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program.

Flights and Visa

Will Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: Volunteers traveling to Sri Lanka need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their arrival or on their arrival in Sri Lanka. You can then obtain a Visa on Arrival in Sri Lanka for 30 days.

Volunteers can apply for ETA online and the approval of the same will be communicated via email.

Volunteers can be provided with the supporting documents if needed. More information will be provided once you enroll for the program.
What are the recommended airlines to fly to Sri Lanka ?: The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo is well connected with all major airports across the globe and flights are easily available. The recommended airlines are:

Srilankan Airlines

Air India

Mihin Lanka

Spicejet

Emirates

There are frequent in-country flights from Colombo to Galle and Kegalle as well.

Accommodation and Living

Which all places can I explore during my trip?: Places like Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Rumassala Mountain, and Galle fort are major attractions in Galle, and Kegalle is a city of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Volunteers are free to plan quick getaways and explore Sri Lanka during the weekends.You can also relax at the beachside and enjoy the taste of the delicious seafood.
How do I get to the accommodation and the program location?: Your coordinator will meet you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to our team and other volunteers. You will then be provided with the orientation covering areas like culture, customs, safety, locations, placement, greetings, local transportation etc.

On the first day of work, the coordinator will guide you to your project site.
Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Volunteers joining the programs in Galle, Sri Lanka, get to stay in the quaint Unawatuna neighborhood, overlooking the famous Unawatuna Beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Participants stay in one of the two volunteer homes located in close proximity to each other. The larger volunteer house has 13 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.Most of these rooms have ocean views! There's a private 40-foot outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery. The house also has 3 kitchens as well as 3 living/common rooms (one each per floor), a prominent dining area, and a private outdoor garden with seating/lounging areas.

The office is located on the ground floor of the house near the main entrance – this is where the local team operate from every day. The house is located in a peaceful, nature-filled neighborhood adjacent to a small Buddhist temple (nestled away from the main tourist areas). To ensure the safety and security of the participants, there are CCTV cameras installed, and an in-house security guard for night-time surveillance. Hot water and high-speed Wi-Fi are there and you can opt for air-conditioning and laundry facilities at an additional charge.

Other than that, we also provide single/double/family private room upgrades at extra charges. The beach is just about 5 minutes walk from the stay and you can reach the Galle Fort in about 15 minutes.

If you have special dietary requirements, please mention the same in your application form.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?: Your program fee covers your accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure booklet, and 24x7 in country staff support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, the internet, shopping, sightseeing, return airport drop, weekend tours etc. You should carry around $50 - $60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program ?: Depending on your project placement, you will get free evenings and weekends to explore in and around the city. You can utilize the evening time to visit local markets and other places around your project location. Make the most of your weekends by exploring Sri Lanka to the fullest.

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the ‘Add-on Tours’ section in your ‘My Account’. Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in Sri Lanka.
Where can I change my money in Sri Lanka ? Are there ATMs in Sri Lankan cities?: You can change money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATMs located all around the city (Galle, Kandy, Ambalangoda and Kegalle) as well.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Sri Lankan alumni as well as other former and current volunteers ?: We encourage volunteers to connect with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/volunteeringsolutions/">Facebook Group to connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet">https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">Meet a Volunteer section on our website