Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

There is so much to see and do in Sri Lanka but our 4 week trip is a good start to covering it all. Highlights include:

• Beach chill out week
• Live in a Buddhist temple
• Learn the art of meditation
• Sport and English teaching options
• Trek the Hill Country Province
• Learn Singhalese

Essentials

Week One: Introduction Week

The Introduction Week is the first step towards a great stay in a new country! It’s an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Sri Lanka in all its cultural aspects with a first hand live in experience. You will also get time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the Sri Lankan customs.

The Introduction Week will take place in the hill town of Kandy.Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to get used to the local culture.

Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks usually consist of:

Culture, religion, habits, customs, history, social issues, are some of the topics that we will introduce you to through group discussions, workshops and visits.

Language Skills: A first contact with Singhalese and you will learn a few phrases to get by.

Projects: If you proceed to do a volunteer project, we will give you an overview of the ongoing projects we support and send volunteers to, and an explanation of your particular placement. There will also be a project visit on site.

General Information: Many new things will be introduced to you through some sessions on yoga, cooking, team work, project work, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don’ts, and emergency preparation.

Cultural Site Visits and meeting people will acclimatize you culturally. You will have the opportunity to visit market places, and natural sites in groups or individually during free time.

Group Games: will be the style of operation of our coordinators during the orientation week to make the theoretical sessions as dynamic as possible.Do not forget to bring items from your home (photos, music, food) to be able to talk about your place and your culture.

Week Two: Trek the Highlands

The second week will start together with an experienced Guides for a Trek in the Mountains of Nuwara Eliya, with visits to the reserve forests of the Hill Country (the Central Province of Sri Lanka), where a wide variety of wildlife species can be observed. The Itinerary will be adapted to the season.

Week Three: Live in a Buddhist Temple

In the third week, you will learn about the Buddhist religion and philosophy at a temple. Participants will have a chance to live at the temple and have daily sessions about Buddhism, meditation and culture in Sri Lanka. You will be taught meditation techniques and the underlying philosophy of Buddhism. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions on all aspects of Buddhism and practice meditation as much as you desire.

Week Four: Beach Week

We will take you for a well-deserved holiday. You will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, and during the daytime you will be able to do as you please: relaxing, reading, swimming, water sports… or anything else you wish. The Beach week is at the end of the month so that you can enjoy the other side of the country, which you came to know so well in the past few weeks. This is also the time for you to be together with the other participants in evaluating your cultural experience.

Additional weeks can be added or substituted in the trip. Other activities include:

Teaching Week:

Work Description: Education is probably the most important tool in development. Therefore, volunteers are invited to teach English & Special Education in a self- chosen fashion to the local children at a primary school, as well as at center premises during & after school activities.

Requirements: Volunteers should have a good level of English and some knowledge and prior experience in teaching are highly appreciated.

You have to love children, as you will be surrounded with loads of them everyday.

 The mission of this project is multi-fold:

* Teaching English is the main task, but also other subjects, such as arts and crafts or sports like football, hockey, cricket and athletics

* Motivating the children to learn

* Instilling social, psychological and physical security to the children

* Interactions with the children

* To Educate the children to build a better and more conscious society

Community Work Week:

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work along with different youth centers involved in the development of the youth around the area.

Requirements: The only requirement is that when you decide to Volunteer-bring loads of enthusiasm with you and show dedication in your work.

Some of the Projects would be:

* To organise a multi-purpose project to involve the community and sensitize community/people about the Health & Hygiene problems

* Environmental issues

* Working in community service projects

* Assisting at Orphanages

* Working in a Temple (teaching English to the monks)

* Working with an ayurvedic doctor

What's included?

• A Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in central London.
• Being met at the airport by a staff member.
• All meals and accommodation during your stay.

• Full Introduction Week
• Hands-on experience with one of the most amazing creatures on earth.
• A unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka like never before.

Points to note:
• On receipt of deposit, you’ll receive a Welcome e-mail with access to your personal page.
• We give you helpful advice about equipment, recommended flights, insurance and more.
• You will gain access to your very own personal website that allows you to input information and also has valuable information about fundraising, vaccinations and country information.
• A staff member is in the region all year round.

Country Information

Geographical Location: Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, situated 50 kms off the Southern tip of India.

Topography: The coastal areas and northern half are flat. The central and south-central are hilly and mountainous.

Climate: Sri Lanka has no marked seasons. Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7 Celsius and in the hills on average 19.7 Celsius.

Religion: 60% Buddhist.

Language: The Official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is widely used as a medium of communication in commercial circles.

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee

Maps

Extra Information

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