Location
  • Sri Lanka
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
270
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Feb 10, 2025
Jun 25, 2024
118 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Plan My Gap Year (PMGY), an award-winning international organisation offering safe, trusted, and affordable programs in the heart of this tropical paradise. Based in the coastal town of Ambalangoda, PMGY provides a variety of programs, including Childcare, Dog Rescue, English Teaching, Medical and Mental Health and Turtle Conservation, opportunities.

Our volunteer in Sri Lanka programs begin on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, running year-round with flexible durations from 1 to 24 weeks. Volunteers stay in a comfortable Volunteer House, enjoying freshly prepared meals and a vibrant community atmosphere. With comprehensive pre-departure support, airport pick-up, engaging orientation, and dedicated local assistance, PMGY ensures a seamless and rewarding experience.

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

Plan My Gap Year is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We have personally vetted all of our Volunteer Programs in every destination. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs abroad that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.

For this reason, PMGY does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Research and studies have shown that visiting and volunteering in orphanages has the potential to generate an industry that separates children from their families. In turn, putting children at increased risk of neglect and abuse. Therefore, we do not support these institutions with our volunteer network.

Instead, we focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe, responsible, and vetted projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff.

Program Highlights

  • Most Affordable – PMGY’s programs are accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference, through low fees and high-impact projects.
  • Best Support – Our international and local teams provide extensive around the clock services to assist you every step of your PMGY adventure.
  • Safety Prioritised – With safety a PMGY number-1 priority, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure our programs are as safe and structured as possible.
  • Extraordinary Experiences – With PMGY, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in amazing cultural and travel experiences, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.
  • Friendships for Life – Your PMGY experience not only opens up a doorway for new experiences and exciting memories, but also life-long friendships when meeting new people from around the world.

Popular Programs

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On this exotic island, eager children are ready to learn from dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in supporting their growth and development.

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Make a meaningful difference in the lives of street dogs in Sri Lanka. Join efforts to ensure they enjoy a happy, healthy upbringing and a brighter future.

Portfolio-Sri-Lanka-Teaching_0.jpg

Teach English to Buddhist Monks or children from families affected by the Tsunami, providing a valuable skill to enhance their future opportunities.

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Gain invaluable educational medical experience in this stunning part of the world — a must for anyone pursuing a medical career.

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Expand your understanding of mental health in a new culture through a combination of lectures, meditations, consultations, and community projects.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 126 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.89%
  • 4 rating 10.32%
  • 3 rating 0.79%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.65
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.9
  • Program Selection 5
  • Pre-departure Help 5
  • In-program Support 5
  • Impact on Student 5
  • Value 5
Showing 81 - 88 of 126 reviews
Default avatar
Ellis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Home away from home

When we first signed up, a month seemed like it would be a long time away from home. After the first couple of days that was quickly changed, the time flew by. Meeting all the coordinators and all the other volunteers helped make things even easier as everyone is so friendly. The turtle project was really fun as well. The staff running it join in on the jokes and make the stuff that would normally be boring (like cleaning the tanks) fun and easier. Getting to feed the turtles and pick them up was a unique experience too. Emma and Steph made moving accommodation smooth despite multiple problems with a room. Even with all the pressure on them they were able to stay happy and motivated. Overall, it was really good.

What would you improve about this program?
The only complaints we had was with the room, the fixes were slow to be made. That wasn't the fault of the PMGY staff however it was a little disheartening at the start even more so given that we had came from London house.
86 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
MEGAN
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing experience

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What would you improve about this program?
No improvements necessary.
82 people found this review helpful.
Khai
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely Not What I Was Expecting, But It Was So Much More

Thinking back on my experience as I am writing this review is giving me nostalgia. I spent my time observing at a private clinic where I learned many functions that goes on in a hospital setting. I also received a certificate to show for my time there. I spent my time teaching kids English as well which was very fulfilling because I can tell that I will positively influence the children for a better future. Also the kids were all really awesome which made my experience more enjoyable as well. But I believe what made my trip so awesome was the people. The volunteers as well as the coordinators were all amazing people. The coordinators were always there when you needed them and you can tell that they really love their jobs which made it easy to talk to them and you can have fun with them as well. There were always things to do from finding other ways to volunteer or exploring more of the culture of Sri Lanka. Leaving this place was one of the hardest things I've ever done but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else.

What would you improve about this program?
I believe everyone in this program did everything to the best of their abilities. If there were to be any improvements, it would be just the curfew at 10:30 which I wish was a bit later but for safety reasons I can totally understand.
77 people found this review helpful.
Kez
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best thing I have ever done. Can't wait to go back and do it all again!

No words can explain how much of an extraordinary time I’ve had in Sri Lanka with the PMGY team over the last 3 months. I cannot thank you guys enough for all of the pre-departure support, information at orientation, advise about transport and weekend activities, and for just being there for me everyday. I truly did feel like family and couldn’t have asked for anything more. The staff, people I met along the way, and children I taught at the teaching projects and at the temple, really did make it the experience of a life time and I urge anyone who is on the fence about applying to do it! It could quite possibly be the best and most rewarding thing you ever do. The kids at the schools are incredible and so social, and the young men at the temple are clever and very eager to learn. It was a pleasure to meet and teach them all. It felt as if we really bonded! I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka and a lot of that is down to how amazing the team is, I miss them everyday and am already planning my next visit to see them all. Bring on the reunion!

What would you improve about this program?
No improvement needed, I loved this experience exactly how it was.
77 people found this review helpful.
Garrett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sri Lanka Experience

Amazing trip! Such a welcoming and genuine group of staff and other volunteers that made the month zoom by with unforgettable experiences, from the baby turtle release and elephant bathing to hanging out with everyone at the house! It really did become home away from home. I would also highly recommend doing the real experience as well as volunteering, it is 2 extra weeks and you see so much of the country and learn a lot about the culture! Definitely not something to be missed.

79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Erin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sri Lanka

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67 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Morgan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sri Lanka experience!

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76 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience in southern Sri Lanka

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74 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers