Volunteer in Sri Lanka FAQs
Q.When do I need to arrive in Sri Lanka for my program ?
Ans.You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q.What will happen once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?
Ans.Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to your accomodation.
Q.When will I know specific details of my placement ?
Ans.Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q.How do I get to the program location ?
Ans.Your country coordinator will take you to your project placement the first day and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
In subsequent days, you would need to commute between the placement and accomodation using public transportation.In most of the cases, the placement would be locate at a walking distance from the place of stay.
Q.I want to know more about accommodation arrangements ?
Ans.We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in a host family or arranged at your program location itself. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like toiletries and towels. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic. The host families have past experience of hosting volunteers.
Q.What will be the food arrangement ?
Ans.You will get freshly cooked food 3 times a day depending on your program.
Q.Do you make provision for vegetarians ?
Ans.Yes and if you are vegan this will not be a problem.
Q.What is the age range to volunteer ?
Ans.You must be 17 years or older to volunteer. There is no upper age limit. You must be fit to travel and work.
Q.Can couples or families join the volunteer program ?
Ans.Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs.
Q.What immunizations/vaccinations will I need ?
Ans.We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. A list of vaccinations would be provided in the Pre departure kit provided to volunteers before thier departure.
Q.Is Sri Lanka safe ?
Ans.Yes, Sri Lanka is pretty safe country. The people are very friendly and thousands of tourists visit Sri Lanka every year. There were some conflicts between the army and LTTE which is in extreme northern part of Sri Lanka however the Army has won and LTTE is now abolished. There is peace in Sri Lanka now. However our programs are located in southern Sri Lanka , in Galle and around which is a completely safe area.
Q.Are there more expenses once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?
Ans.Your program fee covers you for food and accommodation. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Travelling within Sri Lanka is cheap; however, you should carry at least $50 per week for yourself.
Q.Where can I change my money in Sri Lanka?
Ans.You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.
Q.Is there phone and internet available on projects?
Ans.Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Sri Lanka. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim card from the airport when you arrive.
Q.What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans.Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q.Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans.You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. All costs are at the volunteer's expense.
Q.What visa do I need to get, will I get any help?
Ans.You need to apply for a tourist visa. You can easily get tourist visa for Sri Lanka on arrival for stay up to 30 days. You can extend your stay by visiting the immigration office in Colombo.
Q.Do I need travel insurance?
Ans.Volunteering Solutions provides a comprehensive travel and medical insurance to all the participants aged below 60 years
Ans.You can come one day in advance from your program starting date.
Q.What will happen once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?
Ans.Our staff will be there to meet and greet you at the airport and from there you will be taken to your accomodation.
Q.When will I know specific details of my placement ?
Ans.Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 10 working days.
Q.How do I get to the program location ?
Ans.Your country coordinator will take you to your project placement the first day and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
In subsequent days, you would need to commute between the placement and accomodation using public transportation.In most of the cases, the placement would be locate at a walking distance from the place of stay.
Q.I want to know more about accommodation arrangements ?
Ans.We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in a host family or arranged at your program location itself. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like toiletries and towels. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic. The host families have past experience of hosting volunteers.
Q.What will be the food arrangement ?
Ans.You will get freshly cooked food 3 times a day depending on your program.
Q.Do you make provision for vegetarians ?
Ans.Yes and if you are vegan this will not be a problem.
Q.What is the age range to volunteer ?
Ans.You must be 17 years or older to volunteer. There is no upper age limit. You must be fit to travel and work.
Q.Can couples or families join the volunteer program ?
Ans.Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs.
Q.What immunizations/vaccinations will I need ?
Ans.We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. A list of vaccinations would be provided in the Pre departure kit provided to volunteers before thier departure.
Q.Is Sri Lanka safe ?
Ans.Yes, Sri Lanka is pretty safe country. The people are very friendly and thousands of tourists visit Sri Lanka every year. There were some conflicts between the army and LTTE which is in extreme northern part of Sri Lanka however the Army has won and LTTE is now abolished. There is peace in Sri Lanka now. However our programs are located in southern Sri Lanka , in Galle and around which is a completely safe area.
Q.Are there more expenses once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?
Ans.Your program fee covers you for food and accommodation. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as travelling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Travelling within Sri Lanka is cheap; however, you should carry at least $50 per week for yourself.
Q.Where can I change my money in Sri Lanka?
Ans.You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport.
Q.Is there phone and internet available on projects?
Ans.Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Sri Lanka. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim card from the airport when you arrive.
Q.What hours will I volunteer every day?
Ans.Volunteers usually work for 5‐6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Q.Are we able to do any sightseeing or travelling in weekends?
Ans.You will usually have 2 free days per week, you can utilize this time for anything you like. All costs are at the volunteer's expense.
Q.What visa do I need to get, will I get any help?
Ans.You need to apply for a tourist visa. You can easily get tourist visa for Sri Lanka on arrival for stay up to 30 days. You can extend your stay by visiting the immigration office in Colombo.
Q.Do I need travel insurance?
Ans.Volunteering Solutions provides a comprehensive travel and medical insurance to all the participants aged below 60 years