Program Reviews

I am overwhelmed by the good work that is done here and how involved the volunteering program is. I loved going to Monte Hill to do the Women's empowerment program and making a difference to their lives. It is instantly rewarding to see how much they want to learn and how accepting they are of you. Plus it's so much fun to get to know the women! Everyone there, not just the women in the class are so welcoming

Hallo allemaal!

That was my dutch introduction. I am from the Netherlands and I spend the last month in the Idex house in Sri Lanka. This was my first time traveling alone so I kind of needed some support. And I think I got that from Idex. The manager Bhagi was always very very helpful and he really wanted us to feel good. So that was my first good experience with Idex. I arrived on monday at the Idex house and on tuesday I got my introduction. They told us exactly all the do's and dont's and what they expected us to do in our projects. When I came to Sri Lanka there where holidays. So the first week I had some free time and I explored (with other volunteers) Colombo. There is a lot of things that you can do. Mount Lavinia is a beach, 40 minutes with the tuktuk. I also like gale face. That's a place where you can see a beautiful sunset at the sea. So friday was my first day at the day care center. I was a bit nervous. But the rule is in Idex that there is always someone with you in the project. So it was a relief that I was never alone. So at my project I was the first two hours with little children, I taught them the ABC and I played with them and I drew a lot. Them I taught a 20 year old girl English for one hour. Then I had a break and from 2 till 4 o'clock I taught children from 8 till 10 years English. I really liked having the responsibility, because you can really make a difference. Being a volunteer isn't always easy. Because you really have to teach and sometimes it is quite exhausting. But at the end you will see that it is really appreciated. In my last day as a volunteer one of the women made pancakes because it was my last day. Also they sang for me. That was the point that I was really happy with the things I did and I would recommend it to everyone.
Also a big plus for the food here! I am going to miss the rice and curry when I'm back home.

So if you want to volunteer I would choose Idex, because that support you a lot. I also recommend booking the travel package, so you can see much more of Sri Lanka. I really liked yala national park, it was my first time going on a safari. And I also liked kandy

Groetjes Tessaaaaa
:)
and special greetz to my lovely Luna, Anna and Menkeee woeeehoee

Helloooo all together!
I would like to share each unique experience with you, but of course this isn`t possible because I have so many experiences on each single day.
Nearly four weeks ago I arrived in Colombo.
From the first moment I had so many new impressions at once: The traffic, the different appearance and culture of the Sri Lankan people etc. I can't describe that now in words. But I got used to all the new impressions really fast and it was quite exciting to get to know such another culture. And during all the new experiences and impressions I felt always supported by all the friendly people who surrounded me. Local people as well as the IDEX family want you to be happy and feel good all the time.
My project started four days after my arrival and the monks who I am teaching as well as the children in the Day Care Center were really open-minded in the first second and they were looking forward to learn things that's why we had a connection from the beginning.

The special thing about being a volunteer is the fact that you have a lot of responsibility and in the end it depends on your own whether the project is successful or not.
I met so many beautiful people and I'm totally happy that I've decided to be a Volunteer in Sri Lanka.

I hope you like my text because otherwise I am really sad.

No, honestly, I am really really happy to be here and enjoying each day.

Special happy greets to Luuuuna, Teeesa, Meeenke, Best Baaghiii, Lakmini, Anuuushi and my dearest Chathuriiii

Annaaa

Although your feet won't be clean each day, you leave footprints behind you

Coming to India for the first time, IDEX Goa was the first stop on our trip. It has been a very warm welcome to India and i cant wait to travel the rest of the country. The Fisherman School project where i was placed has been the best experience i could have asked for. The children are amazing and are so keen to learn. I feel the project is very beneficial for the children as they do not attend school. The executive, Beverley has been the greatest help to work along side with. She has such passion for teaching the kids there.
The staff here are very friendly and helpful. The accommodation is comfortable and the food is great. I have met some great people and had a lovely time!

It's not that easy to write a review. I would like to share each unique experience with you, but now I have to decide. So I will only start with my all over impression.

Three weeks ago I arrived in Colombo and the first thing I noticed was the unbelievable heat. You can't compare it with Europe, the climate is the absolute opposite.

Actually I think all in all I had so many new impressions at once, I can't describe that now in words.

But the best thing is that people from IDEX as well as the local people want you to feel good and happy in each situation.

My project started four days after my arrival and the monks who I am teaching as well as the children in the Day Care Center were really open-minded in the first second and they were looking forward to learn things that's why we had a connection from the beginning.

The special thing about being a volunteer is the fact that you have a lot of responsibility and in the end it depends on your own whether the project is successful or not.

I met so many beautiful people and I'm totally happy that I've decided to be a Volunteer in Sri Lanka.

--

Si buscas una experiencia diferente en donde poner a prueba todos tus conocimientos previos y descubrir un lugar diferente, participar como voluntario en Sri Lanka es tu mejor opción.

Existen diversos proyectos entre los cuáles elegir dependiendo tu nivel de Íngles, tus objetivos y aquello hacia lo que sientas mayor empatía. En todos ellos te encontraras con montones de caras sonrietes y personas dispuestas a ayudar.

Personalmente participe en el proyecto ubicado en el Orfanato Vajira, donde estoy con los mas chiquitos (4 a 6 anos), ensenando inglés básico, canciones y jugando.

Cada día me sorprenden con cosas nuevas, y si bien al principio el lenguaje puede ser una barrera dificil de cruzar vale la pena atraversarla para vivir la experiencia de salir todos los dias de este orfanato con el corazon mil veces mas grande que al entrar.

Conocer a estas personitas ya hace que valga la pena el viaje hasta aqui, pero ademas hay muchas otras cosas que potenciar la experiencia de descubrir Ceylan.

El personal de la casa de voluntarios, asi como las cordinadoras de proyecto, Baghi, nuestro manager y la maestra que colabora con las lesson planning son todas muy buenas personas. Estan siempre preocupados en nuestro bienestar y dispuestos a resolver cualquier duda, ya sea donde pasar alguno de los fines de semanas libres o cuestiones relacionadas con los proyectos.

Por otro lado Sri Lanka es un pais lleno de matices y rincones por descubrir, desde el olor a especies en las calles, es desconcertante trafico, la variedad de frutas tropicales que pueden encontrarse en los mercados callejeros , cada una de ellas unicas en sabor!

Tanto si recorres por tu cuenta o realizas las excursiones de fin de semana con Idex no tiene desperdicio!

Preguntando se llega a Roma y nunca fue mas cierta esta frase para mi que aqui en Sri Lanka, moverse es muy facil y los locales siempre estan dispuestos a indicarte el camino correcto, en que Anden tomar el tren a Negombo o acompaniarte un tramo hasta la parada del autobus correcto.

Desde playas paradisiacas hasta plantaciones de arroz, te o canela, recorriedos por paisajes selvaticos, ciudades ancentrales y atmosferas con holor a flores y sahumerios rodeando las millones de stupas que hay en el pais donde se puede sentir en carne propia la paz en estos lugares, estas son solo algunas de las cosas que ofrece Sri Lanka.

Ademas tuve la suerte de compartir mi estadia con maravillosas personas con las que compartir charlas, viaje y tardes de te. Creo que es una excelente experiencia y quien tenga la oportunidad de hacerlo y elegir Sri Lanka no deberia tener ninguna duda!!

Muchas suerte!! :)

As a constant traveller I can 100% confirm that volunteering in Nepal has by far been my most favourite place and best experience yet. The atmosphere in staying in camp here with people from around the world, learning the everyday life of the Nepali people, customs, food etc I cannot top that. Excursions to Pokhara and Chitwan, doing many things I would not expect to do. I love it, and am sad it has come to an end. If you want to experience a whole new world, Nepal is definitely the place to see, beauty within itself.

Volunteering in Nepal has been by far one of the best experiences of my life! I loved volunteering in a range of projects from women's empowerment, an elderly home to a disabled home. I have met so many amazing people who i will remember for life. It wasn't all hard work, i enjoyed trips to Chitwan and Pokhara with great staff and a great group of other volunteers. I would 100% recommend volunteering at Idex Nepal, it is an awesome way to get to know the culture of this beautiful country.

The Himachel volunteering programme is a whole other experience and unique culture in India. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities the camp itself is located in the heart of the himalayas surrounded by snow topped mountains and tea plantations close to the little rural town Palumpur. Its a peaceful and beautiful place to volunteer. The staff at the camp took very good care of us during our stay and were very helpful, I made great friendships with them and still keep in contact. We had weekly meetings to discuss what was going well and anything that wasn't. The food was local delicious dishes from the region. The climate is also a lot easier to get used to compared to a lot of India.

My morning project was in a daycare centre where I had the privilege to teach and play with young children and watch them learn as well as being apart of the community, interacting and getting to know the local people on a daily basis was heartwarming. The afternoon project was high in the mountain hills at a small village where we taught children of all ages. our classroom was based outside which allowed us to do more activities during the lessons. Every day ended with the volunteers, project exective and children dancing before saying goodbye. These were certainly unforgettable moments. This project gave me a real insight to the education in India. My length of stay allowed me to create a wonderful bond with the children and being able to see improvement along the way.

volunteering was a humble and joyful time and ever so rewarding. There were optional weekend trips away to temples, cities and of course a trek up to Triand in Dharamshala to see the beautiful scenery that the Himalayas has to offer. There was always somewhere to go something to see. I would recommend This to anyone looking to do passionate work in helping others in India. I had an invaluable 5 weeks which will remain with me and I hope to return on day.

During our trip to Pushkar we walked along the "spirit walk", a walk around the town, catering to all 5 senses. The market with all its saris and beautiful fabrics is so colourful. There are tasty fruits and foods on every corner. Different oils, incenses and fresh flowers distribute a nice smell along the way. A group of women were singing an Indian songs while walking next to us. A true Indian experiences of 5 senses.

I have very much enjoyed my experience on this trip. There has been many places to visit. One of the great things about the trip is that there is a lot of meals included which means your not worrying about where to go and eat. The staff have been very informative and helpful. This trip is great for first time travelers as there is always a member of staff with you and you do not have to orgainse much yourself.