How It Works

At Volunteer Lanka , we organize life-changing volunteer projects and internships in Sri Lanka.It’s pretty simple really – you decide what you want to do, where you want to go, and when you want to do it. You pay us a fee and we provide you with:

Unrivalled staff support before, during, and after your trip
A hassle-free approach where everything is taken care of for you
A real project with a real impact

We make change possible through our projects. Each one solves a specific problem, in a specific place. This might be to save sea turtles from being wiped out from the world, or to empower women in need . Our projects run all year round, no matter how many volunteers and interns we have.

We’d been doing this for over 05 years. This means you can be a part of something that is making long-term, meaningful change, rather than promising a quick fix. Every time a volunteer or intern signs up for one of our projects, they’re investing in a better world.

WHERE DO I START?

Step 1: Research

Check our projects and choose the trip you’re most interested in. We have a huge variety of options, from interning in a hospital in Colombo, to diving with dolphins in Fiji.

Get in touch with our team. They are experts and can help you decide on the most suitable project, destination, and dates.

Step 2: Booking

Once you’ve made a decision, fill out our apply form and pay a $250 deposit, which comes off the total cost. You can always book over the phone if you prefer – either way it will take about 10 mins.

We normally recommend booking at least three months before you’d like to go. However, our staff have been known to perform miracles with short notice, so if in doubt, please give us a call!

If you’re not sure what kind of information we’ll need to complete your booking, take a look at our how to apply page.

Step 3: Confirmation

You’ll receive a confirmation email straight after booking, but we then thoroughly check over your booking form, just to make sure we have everything we need. This normally takes up to five working days.

You’ll then receive a welcome email and a call from your Volunteer Advisor. They will be assigned to you as your personal point of contact to help with everything before you arrive.

Step 4 : Pre - Departure

Your Volunteer Advisor will talk you through everything you need to know before you leave. We’ll send you all the essential pre-departure advice and accommodation information, to resources and lesson plans to prepare for your project.

We’ll also send you through information on applying for your visa, if required. If you’d like us to arrange flights for you, we’ll send through a no obligation quote and help you organise them.

Step 5 : Payment

When you book you only need to pay a deposit of $250. We then ask for the full balance payment one month before your start date. You can pay securely online through paypal , send a bank transfer.

Step 6 : Lift off!

We’ll give you a final call/email before you fly, but then all that’s left is for you to board your flight and get ready for an adventure.

Step 7 : Arrival and Induction

Our staff will meet you at the airport when you arrive, holding a Volunteer Lanka sign. They’ll take you to your accommodation and let you settle in.

They’ll then give you a thorough induction and safety briefing, so that you get to know the local town and have everything you need. Then on your second day they’ll introduce you to your colleagues at your placement.

Step 8 : Have the experience of a lifetime

Now it’s over to you. You’ll meet new friends, learn new things, and be part of a long-term impact. Our staff will be on hand to help you and you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION IN SRI LANKA

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Sri Lanka. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.

Arrival airport and pickup in Sri Lanka
When you arrive at Colombo Airport (CMB), you will be met by a friendly Projects Abroad driver. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign.It takes about an hour to travel from the airport to the city, where our offices are based. Some of you will be based further away from Colombo, so the drive will be longer. Either way, you’ll be taken straight to your accommodation, where you can relax and settle in.The costs for transport are included in your fee.

Booking your flights with us to Sri Lanka
Projects Abroad has over 20 years of experience arranging flights for thousands of volunteers around the world. Searching for flights online can be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. Let us do the work for you!We can help you book the best return flights, making sure you have the safest, most convenient, and cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans. Find out more about booking your flights through us.

Visas requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Sri Lanka
One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjects Abroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Your induction and orientation in Sri Lanka
Our local staff will be there to provide plenty of support and help you settle into your new home. You’ll be given a tour of the surrounding area, and taken to buy a local sim card or exchange money. Our staff will also explain how to use the public transport.You’ll get to visit our local offices, and find out more about how our projects in Sri Lanka are run. We will also give you an induction pack, which contains useful information such as maps and contact details.

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Sri Lanka
We ensure that you receive plenty of guidance so that you are fully prepared for your volunteer project. On your first day, you’ll receive an introduction to your new placement. Our staff will also accompany you from your accommodation to your work placement, so that you learn the way.You’ll be shown around to see how things are run, and get to meet the different people you’ll be working with. It’s only on your second day that your project work begins.

Support, safety, and backup
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Become A Volunteer And Make An Impact

ACCOMMODATION

As part of your project fee, we arrange accommodation for you that is secure, comfortable, and close to your placement. Our accommodation options and the culturally immersive experience they offer is just another reason why we’re the gold standard in volunteering and interning abroad.

LIVING WITH A HOST FAMILY

Volunteering and interning abroad provide a unique opportunity to explore different ways of life. When you stay with a host family, you'll go beyond the typical tourist experience. Our projects empower you to understand local issues and immerse yourself in the culture, fostering personal growth. Your host family becomes your home away from home, offering support and helping you adjust to a new country. Plus, you'll have a built-in community of fellow volunteers. Our carefully chosen host families provide modest yet comfortable accommodations in secure areas, with regular check-ups and delicious home-cooked meals. We're committed to positively impacting the communities we work in, and our host families are compensated fairly and selected for their friendliness. Living with a host family is a unique and enriching aspect of our programs

STAYING IN SHARED ACCOMMODATION

When host family accommodation isn’t possible, we arrange shared volunteer accommodation. Our shared accommodation is usually apartments,guesthouses or standards hotels which you’ll share with other volunteers. This is the perfect opportunity for bonding with volunteers from around the world and building a network of international friends.Your accommodation will be clean, safe, and comfortable. A chef will cook your meals each day, giving you the chance to connect with local culture through food.

VARIOUS ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

"For our projects, we understand that one size doesn't fit all, and that's why we offer a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to your preferences and needs. If you're seeking an authentic cultural experience and the chance to immerse yourself in the daily life of the local community, our accommodations provide just that.This includes host families, shared accommodation, hotels, or guest houses.Whether you want to fully embrace the local culture, , indulge in comfort, or enjoy a more intimate setting, we have the ideal accommodation option for your project."

Affordable Programs

We provide the worlds most affordable and transparent volunteer programs. We are a great choice if you will be traveling alone and want to engage in meaningful volunteer work with like-minded people. The volunteer programs have been chosen not only for affordability, but also for the organization’s reputations and established histories as well. For instance, Volunteer Lanka has hosted over 4500 participants and offers affordable volunteer programs starting at just US$340.

Flexibility

We understand that everyone is busy, and that for most, coming to Sri Lanka is a huge trip! Therefore, we have allowed volunteers the flexibility of choosing their own arrival/start date to accommodate their schedules and make their volunteering experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible. We believe that this flexibility empowers volunteers to plan their journey with ease and maximize their impact during their time with us..

Experience

We believe that everyone possesses such different and unique qualities that each of us can make an impact while volunteering. In our standing belief of this notion, we don’t have set traits for our volunteers. We welcome all who are dedicated to helping others, working hard, and learning more about our beautiful country, people, and culture. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer, a first-time traveler, a student looking for meaningful experiences, or a retiree seeking new adventures, there’s a place for you in our diverse and inclusive volunteering community. Join us in making a positive change and creating lasting memories in Sri Lanka.

Meaningful

All of Volunteer Lanka’s work has enriched the people of our society with opportunities that many of them would not be able to experience without your help. You will find that the meaningful effort you put into your volunteer work will benefit the children, of course, but it will benefit you even more. The profound connections you build with local communities, the personal growth you experience, and the cultural insights you gain will leave a lasting impact on your life. As you contribute your time and skills to make a difference in the lives of others, you’ll also discover a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is truly priceless. Join us in this meaningful journey of giving and receiving, and let’s create positive change together.