8 weeks volunteering in Sri Lanka.
Ratings
Review
I have just completed 8 weeks volunteering with Plan My gap year in Sri Lanka and I had a great time!
The support before you depart was amazing, walking me through every aspect of my trip and answering any questions I had with no hesitation. This continued in country with an amazing group of local and western co ordinators to aid your trip in any and every way possible. The co ordinators are a credit to Plan my gap year and made my trip more enjoyable and memorable.
I volunteered in the teaching programmes whilst in Sri Lanka and whilst this was incredibly challenging (preparing and making all your resources without a computer or printer, the language barrier and no curriculum to follow) I really enjoyed my time with the children and they taught me whilst I was teaching them. What a great experience!
As a solo traveller I felt safe throughout my whole trip and was able to meet so many likeminded people and I have made lasting friendships with them.
I would definitely recommend Plan my gap year.
There are just a few comments I would make in regards to the programme:
For he teaching programme I think it would be incredibly helpful to have an assessment folder of the children (much like the girls orphanage folder) breaking down what the children have been taught, when they were taught this and their level of understanding. This would provide the teachers with some background on the children and allow them to teach a variety of new lessons to ensure the same topics aren't repeated but simply revisited to check understanding and reinforce the children's learning.
Secondly, I understand that we are not able to walk from River House or London House to Ambalangoda for safety reasons, howeve, I think this should be made clear in the handbook as if you are unaware it is a little frustrating to have to plan your trips.
Once again thank you for this experience and I definitely intend to use Plan my gap year again.