Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

“Thank you maam
I love you
Please come back
Signed,
[x]”
Those were the words written by a 6 year old girl on a glitter umbrella card she made for me. It’s something that gave me a sense of purpose, it’s something I’ll hold very dear for the rest of my life, and it’s something I owe to this wonderful programme.
The programme was very flexible letting you experience as much as you can, so I spent my time volunteering as an English teacher to the village children and monks and renovating temples and it was such a unique, and, most importantly for me , very real opportunity to contribute something to the global community.
Obviously, being on a volunteer mission in a 3rd world country isn’t the same as being in a Hilton hotel, but it’s all a part of the experience and immersion in the culture, which on itself is something wonderful.
So even if you think the food too spicy, are bothered by the flies and gekkos, or feel like the climate is unbearable, it takes one playful child, a kind elderly woman, or even the generousness of your own fellow volunteers, and you’ll know why you’re there.

This was my first volunteer experience and I volunteered in Sri Lanka for 6 weeks this summer and it was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. The staff in Sri Lanka at Green Lion were always helpful and answered any questions the volunteers had. Orientation week gave me the opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka and experience the culture of the island in person. At the elephant project it was amazing getting to record information about the Sri Lanka elephants. The human elephant conflict that is happening in Sri Lanka is a serious problem and everyday at the elephant project you get to witness aspects of the conflict. I highly recommend this project to anyone who wants to see elephants in their natural habitat and learn more than you ever imagined about elephants.

My time in Sri Lanka was an amazing experience. I spent two weeks there working on the Wild Elephant Conservation Project. The project itself was really eye opening. We learned about the human elephant conflict in the area and how we can help. For example, we helped plant orange trees around the villiger’s houses to prevent the elephants breaking them trying to get the rice stored inside. We also worked on some smaller projects that revolved around other wildlife in the area such as the big cats and endangered butterflies. We didn’t have contact with the elephants, but we did get to see them frequently and super close up! I will never forgot what a surreal experience it was. The staff were nice and we ate lots of traditional Sri Lanken food.

Hi I would like to share this unforgettable volunteer experience with IVHQ. Although only for two weeks in Sri Lanka cannot make a great change to local people, but it has already impacted me a lot.

The local team there were very supportive and they answered my queries as soon as I asked them. At first I felt quite nervous and actually I am not very outgoing, so it was a hard time at first. However, I was settled after the orientation day, which allow me to communicate with other volunteers, which was really a new step for me. I got to know different cultures during my program, and improved my fluency in speaking English. The local people are generally very nice and welcoming, and the lady who provided us food gave each one an egg per day to keep us healthy.

As my first time volunteer and teaching English, I felt a little difficult to start at first, but I gradually improved my plan and managed many great lessons, which exercised my presentational and interactive skills. I really felt I was needed whenever I saw their sweet smile and shining eyes. Overall, it was a great experience, and during the meeting I was given the opportunity to speak to the public which I basically had never done before, which was a great challenge but promoted me a lot. Finally, I appreciate for this amazing volunteer experience with IVHQ.

Truely was a phenomenal trip, I decided to volunteer through IVHQ in Sri Lanka because I had always heard about the beauty that was the country and also the people were wonderful and by golly it was all true. The culture over there was brilliant every single person were so genuine they always were up for a conversation and never ceased to help out myself or fellow other travellers. The country is beautiful from the mountains to the sea beauty was everywhere, Ella was the place to go if you wanted to unwind in the mountains and enjoy the serenity and the peace while if you wanted more of a lively atmosphere you head down to the beaches such as hikkaduwa and mirrissa. All these places you had to take a train and though it was long it was throughly worth every single bit could tell you all how beautiful it was. The volunteering was the best part knowing that you are making a difference to a community is hands down one of the best feelings. The organisation from IVHQ was brilliant answered all my questions along with with explaining to me what to expect over there. Cant wait to return!

The week I spent in Sri Lanka was surely not enough, the only regret I have is not staying longer. From mountains to beaches Sri Lanka is the perfect country to satisfy any adventurous soul. Traveling with IVHQ made my trip more enjoyable, I was well prepared, the staff helped us familiars with our new environment and local culture, they were always available for any inquiries and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip. The accommodation was decent, clean and well equipped and the other volunteers I met were all amazing. At the childcare program, I got the chance to help and assist kids in a pre-school, it was fun and satisfying as nothing is more rewarding than the smile on their faces at the end of the day.
Looking forward to my next adventure!

I did three weeks in Kandy, Sri Lanka which was such an amazing first experience of volunteering abroad. Both the local team that looks after you once you arrive in Sri Lanka and the IVHQ team are so incredibly helpful, reply to emails very fast and are very supportive. The IVHQ team was really accomodating with me changing around my program dates to start earlier and were helpful in preparing to go to Sri Lanka as well. Whilst in country the IVHQ coordinator stayed in touch with me to make sure everything was going well, and also checked in on me once I got home. The local NGO that you volunteer with in Sri Lanka is so warm and helpful, they truly go above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable and having a good experience. Once you arrive in country you learn more about the local NGO, they have so many projects available - more than those explained on the IVHQ website, for example there are several different types of teaching projects on offer. The volunteer accomodation is also very nice and has a really nice shady backyard which opens onto the Mahweli river (the longest river in Sri Lanka) .

I think the program was good value for money, the accommodation was basic but clean and there were fans in all the rooms. The food was good and the cooks were always very keen to hear feedback to cater specifically to us. The co-ordinators were lovely and very accommodating, and it was very easy to swap between programs- which isn't something I've found with other programs I've been on. I volunteered on the temple renovation project and enjoyed getting to see some of the local temples and preschools. Everywhere we went the local people were very friendly and fed us lots! Kandy is a really nice town too- very busy and full of nice cafes. The orientation week was also a nice bonus and gave us an insight into the local area/country, it also helped us all get to know one another and find our way around. I would definitely recommend IVHQ