Excellent experience with Global Crossroad and life changing experience in Sri Lanka

Several events in my personal life inspired my desire to volunteer. I searched online and several countries and organizations were in my mind and favorites. After I contacted several of them, I liked the communication, price and the conditions offered by Global Crossroad. I choose Sri Lanka because I have never been to that country and it looked really interesting and entertaining from the several photos, videos and documentaries I saw online. I applied through their online form and I was soon contacted. Everything was arranged quickly and my program started only after 2 weeks after I applied. I loved that!

I applied for the project offer for English teaching programs in Galle. I didn’t expect much from this city, although it is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District. I arrived to this town with a bus and had the chance to enjoy many Sri Lanka landscapes.

My foster family was very welcoming and the stay was accommodating. I had my own room, bathroom and everything I need for reasonable stay. The project I applied and participated in was English teaching program. I worked with youths aged 2 and 6. My group were mostly boy and girls aged 4-5, but there were also little ones aged 2 and little older around 6.

The kids were incredible to me. I guess they are learned to respect authority and were eager to learn. Even though they had experienced some horrible life circumstances they were positive and wanted to learn. I really felt like a worthwhile and wonderful experience. Also I want to emphasize that the children are so full of warmth, so dynamic, and so loving! I felt a really strong connection to them and looked forward each day to seeing them again. Normally I’ve spend few hours in the school which was not that far away from the house. These kids filled me with positive energy. At the end it was sad saying goodbye to them. I hope I improved their learning speaking and writing skills.

Regarding the time I spent off, in the afternoon I usually explored the town and the Sri Lankan life and traditions. I want to thank my host family for helping me adjust and learn so much about their culture and traditions. The place was really friendly, interesting and safe. They were always warm and eager to talk about their life, their ideas, experiences and wanted to know a lot about my city and country.

I want to thank Global Crossroad for enabling me this amazing volunteering in Sri Lanka. At the end of the day, it was indeed a life changing experience. Something I truly needed at this point in my life. Thank you for enabling me this safe, risk free and highly enjoyable volunteering experience.