Sri Lanka

Overall Program / Price:
IFRE was one of the most affordable volunteering options that I found. The application process was quick and easy and the coordinators were easily accessible via email to answer any questions, to which I had many. I really didn't have many apprehensions entering the program because they kept me very well informed about what to expect.

Accommodations:
If you have never been backpacking through Southeast Asia before then you might find the accommodations a little shocking. There is no hot water, the bathrooms are "wet rooms", and the beds are not that comfortable and a little musty. The host family however is very welcoming and accommodating. Mosquito nets are provided and there are fans in the bedroom. You may have to share a room.

Food:
The food is very carb heavy and not necessarily typical of Sri Lankan food - almost a simplified version. In fact, I found the host family eating a more robust meal from the volunteers. After a week I was exhausted of the white bread for breakfast, which was getting staler and staler as the week progressed. There is also a noticeable lack of protein in the diet with really only lunch reliably having a protein dish - either lentils, fish or tiny pieces of chicken. There is a supermarket within 10 minutes walk where supplies can be purchased for a low cost, including savory baked good for about $.25 that are quite filling and tasty. It was my savior at times.

Volunteer Assignment:
What you get out of the program is highly contingent on the effort you put in. Every morning I would research on the internet a fun lesson plan (the students can range between the age of 7 to 16 so it's important to keep things entertaining or else they lose attention fairly quickly). In contrast some other volunteers arrived unprepared. There is a remarkable difference in the impact preparation made and the students were highly appreciative of it.

There will also be plenty of downtime. Bring a book, a camera and an open mind. The city has a lot to offer and the people are very curious and friendly.

We stayed with a host family, they are lovely, very helpful and fun loving. The food is excellent and they help make you feel as comfortable as they can. The town was lovely and the people very friendly. The orphanage was very fun to be at there's always something you can hep do; cleaning, walking with the vet, they let you bath the elephants in the river and help feed the babies. The head mah hout (elephant handler) is very kind and tries to make sure you get a full experience. Overall the experience was wonderful and worth while, if you feel out of sorts just talking to the locals or the host family help, there's a very warm and friendly energy in the town.

Travellers is fantastic! I have only been abroad one other time before to greece, but never do far on my own. I was extremely nervous but I can't tell you enough how helpful they were, the team back at home and the team in Sri Lanka were brilliant. The staff were very concerned for your safety and took good care of you. I would definatley recommend them 10/10 great value for money and you will have the time of your life!