Sri Lanka 2012

I had such a good experience with Plan My Gap Year. This was my first time travelling alone, so obviously I had a lot of questions- they were always answered quickly by Philip, who is an email-replying superhuman and really easy to contact!

The project itself was amazing. I got to visit various different places, ranging from teaching English to teenage girls to giving swimming lessons to special needs students, all of which were very well-run and good fun. I spent most of my time at the orphanage (out of choice, the coordinator Janaka - the nicest man in the world by a mile - is happy for you to do pretty much whichever combinations you like) and found it to be incredibly worthwhile. The kids were so lovely and hugely affectionate, and it really felt like we were making a big difference just by going in to play with them.

We lived with Janaka at his house - the rooms are all nice, mostly you share with 2 or 3 others, and you have your own bathroom in each room. All the food is provided.

Sri Lanka itself is beautiful and such a fun place. There's a lot to see - I wish I'd had more time - all your weekends are free, work finishes by 5 if you want to go out for the evening, and we got a long lunch break for a bit of sunbathing.

All in all my trip couldn't have been better and Plan My Gap Year were just fantastic. I'd love to volunteer again soon, and when I do it'll definitely be with them