Create Your Own Unique Schedule In Sri Lanka!

CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE TAILOR-MADE SCHEDULE FROM OUR 7 MEANINGFUL PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

With the freedom to choose your own unique schedule as you want week by week. With us, you have the power to create your own tailor-made volunteer program that aligns with your passions and interests. You have the flexibility to start any Monday and stay for anywhere between 1 to 12 weeks.

In Kandy you can do the Culture Week, Teaching, Community, Medical Internship, Construction and Trekking tour.
In Ambalangoda you can join the Turtle Conservation project.

Also check out the Sri Lanka Road Trip

If you are a passionate volunteer with a heart for nurturing young minds and an eagerness to transform lives in Sri Lanka, then these programs are tailor-made for you. With a focus on early childhood education, these opportunities provide an ideal platform for you to channel your enthusiasm and create a positive impact on the lives of the little ones in this beautiful country.

With our volunteering projects abroad you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Abroad Escape is a meaningful travel company from the UK offering the best volunteer projects worldwide for students, young people, adults, families, and groups including teaching English, construction work, working with animals such as turtle conservation, medical, working with children, and cultural experience trips.

You can also join as a family or as a group. Contact us for more details.

Location: Kandy & Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka
Start Dates: Start every Monday
Duration: 1 week – 12 weeks

You can choose which project you day week by week and create your own unique schedule in Sri Lanka! (transport between the different locations is not included)

Culture Week in Kandy

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Dive into the heart of Sri Lanka, a stunning island nation in the Indian Ocean, famous for its jaw-dropping beaches, exotic Buddhist temples, and rich culture.

Most of our participants start with this week, as it prepares you for an in-depth immersion into this wonderful country.

Throughout this adventure, you’ll dive deep into Sri Lanka’s rich traditions, culture, language, and history. From experiencing traditional dance performances to trying delicious local food and even practicing yoga, there’s so much to discover!

Start your journey with the Culture Week, the perfect way to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s heritage. During this week, you’ll get all the insider tips on safety, transportation, learn about Buddhism, explore local myths, and visit sacred sites like the famous Temple of the Tooth, a peaceful forest, and a beautiful Hindu temple.

You’ll also have language lessons to help you chat with locals, experience a traditional Ayurvedic massage, witness a Kandyan dance show, and even take part in cooking classes to explore the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Tap into your creativity by designing your own Batik piece or mastering a traditional one using vibrant colors and unique techniques.

Schedule

Monday
Kick things off with a welcome session and some basic language lessons. After lunch, dive into a cultural lesson followed by a Kandy city tour. End the day with a cultural show and dinner.

Tuesday
After a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, explore a herbal garden to learn about local spices and Ayurvedic herbs. Then, visit a tea factory and gem museum to discover more about Sri Lanka’s iconic products. Finish the day with a relaxing boat ride on Kandy Lake.

Wednesday
Learn how to cook Sri Lankan-style, followed by a visit to a temple where you’ll experience Buddhist rituals and try meditation to find some inner peace.

Thursday
Start early with a hands-on Batik workshop, where you’ll create your own design or work on a traditional one. After lunch with a local family, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

Friday
Visit a temple hidden in a small forest, followed by a trip to a Hindu temple. Enjoy an Indian lunch in the city, and wrap up the week with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!

Teaching in Kandy

 We believe education is a right, and we’re on a mission to make it accessible to everyone, no matter their background, age, or situation. Want to be part of something bigger? This is your chance to teach at various kindergarten schools in and around Kandy, helping to teach and empower them through education. You’ll have the opportunity to teach at kindergartens, work with special needs students in the mornings, and even teach English to kids or adults in the evenings. They’re always excited to meet new faces like you!

If you’re ready to help make sure no one is left behind, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved. Formal or informal, your efforts will open up doors for others through education.

Preschool & Kindergarten

As an assistant teacher at one of our kindergartens, you’ll help young kids in local villages improve their English skills. Primarily, you’ll be teaching English, but you might also help out with drama, music, and even foreign languages. You’ll work with other teachers, create lesson plans, and help out with day-to-day classroom activities. All the schools are well-managed and have been around for more than 5 years, sharing a common goal: to create a brighter future for the kids in the community.

Teaching English to Adults

You’ll also have the chance to teach English to adults, helping them improve their confidence and communication skills. English is super important for finding good jobs in Sri Lanka, and many adults didn’t have the chance to fully learn it during their school years. This is where you come in—by teaching English, you’re giving them a valuable skill that can change their future.

Village Kids

In many villages, private English lessons are too expensive, so kids don’t get the chance to improve their language skills. In this project, you’ll teach English to children after school hours, either at a community center or sometimes even at a local parent’s home. Classes run for about 1-2 hours in the afternoon, so this is a great project to pair with morning activities. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to plan lessons and create fun, engaging learning experiences.

School Holidays

During holidays, you’ll have the chance to focus more on either teaching village kids or adults. Based on the needs of the community, this can turn into a full-day project (up to 5 hours per day). So whether you’re working with children or adults, you’ll be making a big impact.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

Preschool/Kindergarten:
– Teach English, drama, music, games, art, and more!
– Help with kids’ overall development.
– Support teachers and staff with lessons and classroom management.
– Create lesson plans and teaching materials.

Teaching English to Adults:
– Help adults improve their written and spoken English.
– Focus on building confidence in communication.

Village Kids:
– Plan fun, interactive English lessons.
– Organize cultural and language exchange activities.
– Play games and get involved in activities that improve both spoken and written English.

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!

Community Project in Kandy

Make a Real Impact on Local Communities in Sri Lanka. This is your chance to give back by working with less privileged families and communities in Sri Lanka. You’ll be caring for kids, teaching them basic values, and spending time with people with disabilities. This experience will bring you closer to Sri Lankan culture while giving you the opportunity to make a real impact by sharing your time, attention, and love.

We’re working to support various communities in and around Kandy, and we’ve got some awesome projects lined up for you to join!

Childcare Program

In this project, you’ll help out at a daycare center for low-income families. You’ll be looking after the kids, playing games, and helping with simple educational activities. Your day could include anything from cleaning beds and changing nappies to preparing meals and feeding the children. It’s all about supporting the staff and making sure the kids are happy and safe.

Home for Children and Persons with Disabilities

This project takes place at a home for children and adults with disabilities, run by the Mother Teresa Foundation. There are over 120 residents, ranging from 1 to 60 years old, who need your love and support. Whether it’s helping with daily activities, cleaning, or simply spending time with the residents, your care can make a huge difference. Hours are usually 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, but Thursdays are your off-days—you can chill or jump into another project if you want.

Women Empowerment

This project is all about helping local women develop skills that can improve their lives. You can run workshops and programs to help unemployed or underprivileged women gain the confidence and abilities they need to succeed. Whether it’s teaching new skills or offering guidance, you’ll be empowering women in the community to take control of their future.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

After breakfast, you’ll head straight to your project for the day. Here’s what your typical day might look like:

Childcare Program
– Help with cleaning beds, changing nappies, and keeping the space tidy.
– Play games and engage with the kids in fun educational activities.
– Help prepare food and feed the children.

Home for Children and Persons with Disabilities
– Assist staff with cleaning and daily tasks.
– Spend time playing games or doing recreational activities with the kids.
– Show love and care to all the residents, helping with feeding and general support.

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!

Kandy Medical Internship in Kandy

Join the Medical Project in Kandy for an immersive experience that blends medical learning with the cultural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Are you a medical student or a medical professional looking for a unique and meaningful experience? Our medical internship in Kandy, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary opportunity to gain experience and broaden your perspective.

You’ll have the unique chance to observe patients and procedures at one of the oldest and largest hospitals in the region, Teaching Hospital Kandy, known for its rich history and advanced medical practices.

While you expand your knowledge of healthcare systems, medical techniques, and patient care by working closely with experienced hospital staff, you’ll also get the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning highlands, home to famous tea plantations.

As a participant, you’ll primarily observe patient treatments and procedures, shadowing local medical staff in departments that may include everything from general medicine to highly specialized fields like neurology, oncology, or neonatal care. You’ll gain invaluable exposure to tropical diseases, surgical techniques, and various medical practices in a setting that emphasizes real-world learning.

Available departments may include:

Autism
Blind
Brain injury
Cancer
Cardiology
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Dentist
Dental nurse
Dialysis
Dietician/dietetics
Electro-therapy
ENT
Gastroenterology
General medicine
Gynaecology
HIV/AIDs
Immunisations
Lab techs
Maternity/family planning
Medical assistant
Mental health
Midwifery
Neonatal
Neurology and neurosurgery
Nutritionist
Occupational therapy
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Optometry
Orthopaedics
Outpatient department (OPD)
Paramedics
PediatricsPharmacy
Physiotherapy
Phlebotomist
Prosthetics
Radiology, X-ray techs
Respiratory therapy
Sonography
Speech therapy
Surgery
Transplant surgery
Ultrasound
Urology

Click here for more info on the Medical Internship in Sri Lanka

Construction & Renovation in Kandy

Help Restore Ancient Temples and Schools in Sri Lanka! Looking for a hands-on experience where you can make a real difference? Join us in Kandy to help restore ancient temples, schools, and community centers, bringing them back to their former glory. You’ll play a part in preserving cultural heritage while also contributing to the local community by revitalizing important landmarks and educational spaces.

This project lets you get creative while making a lasting impact. You’ll be involved in basic renovation tasks, painting, and even restoring temple artwork, all while soaking up the beauty and history of Kandy. Not only will you be preserving these cultural treasures, but you’ll also be inspiring local communities with your work.

Kandy is a peaceful but vibrant city, rich in culture and history. You’ll work on renovation projects for temples, schools, and community centers in the surrounding rural areas. The work includes everything from cleaning up to painting murals and creating educational posters for school classrooms. You’ll also help beautify local parks and create fun, interactive spaces for kids to play.

Your daily tasks could include:
– Cleaning and prepping the site for restoration.
– Painting buildings, classrooms, or community spaces.
– Restoring temple murals and artwork (if available).
– Getting creative with playground designs and community improvements.

Kandy was once the capital of Sri Lanka, filled with grand palaces and temples that are now in need of care. By working with us, you’ll help protect this cultural heritage and make these historical sites vibrant once again. Your work will not only preserve history but also enhance the lives of locals who visit these temples and schools every day.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

Morning:
– Breakfast, then head to your project site.
– Begin light renovation and construction work (cleaning, painting, etc.).

Afternoon:
– Lunch break, then back to work.
– Continue renovation tasks or work on creative projects like murals or playground design.

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!

Turtle Conservation in Ambalangoda

Dive into an unforgettable adventure by joining our sea turtle conservation project in Ambalangoda! Explore stunning blue waters, chill on white sandy beaches, and help protect endangered sea turtles along the beautiful Sri Lankan coast.

Located just steps away from the Indian Ocean, our program focuses on conserving sea turtles, many of which are at risk of extinction. You’ll be part of a community working hard to protect marine life and keep their habitats safe. Plus, our program is the only disabled turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka, certified by the government!

Here’s what you’ll do: we rescue and rehabilitate injured turtles—ones harmed by human activity or pollution—who wouldn’t survive on their own. These amazing creatures need a lot of care, and you’ll be right there helping them heal. We work with four species of turtles native to the Indian Ocean: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive Ridley. At our center, we also hatch hundreds of eggs, releasing baby turtles into the wild when they’re ready.

This is not a commercial gig; it’s all about giving these turtles a second chance at life and ensuring their survival. You’ll help clean and feed the turtles, take care of their tanks, and even get the chance to release baby turtles into the ocean—an experience you’ll never forget! You’ll also raise awareness in the local community about the importance of conservation.

A quick heads-up: if you have open wounds on your hands, you won’t be able to work directly with the turtles to avoid infection. Our experienced coordinators will guide you through everything, making sure both you and the turtles are safe!

Mandatory Culture Week

Before heading to the coast, you’ll kick off your experience with a mandatory Culture Week in Kandy. This is a fun and immersive way to learn about Sri Lankan culture and get you ready for your conservation project. After Culture Week, you’ll transfer to Ambalangoda to start working with the turtles (the transportation from Kandy to Ambalangoda isn’t included, but affordable options are available).

Schedule

Monday to Friday

The schedule depends on the weather and number of participants, but your main tasks will revolve around caring for these amazing creatures. Key activities include:
– Feeding the turtles (every other day)
– Cleaning the tanks and turtles
– Beach cleanups
– Helping with the weekly release of newborn turtles into the ocean (depending on the weather and season)

Be ready to get hands-on and dedicate your time to keeping the turtles’ environment clean and healthy.

This is more than just a volunteer project—it’s a chance to make a difference and enjoy an incredible beach adventure while you’re at it!

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!

Trekking Week in Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka: A Week-Long Adventure! Take a week off to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, history, and culture. From epic hikes to ancient ruins, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments—whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring tea plantations, or taking one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Here’s your chance to explore stunning landscapes, meet locals, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this beautiful country.

Schedule

Monday: Hike to Ambuluwawa Peak
Start your week with a hike up Ambuluwawa Peak, offering panoramic views of lush green valleys. At the summit, you’ll find a unique multi-religious center, with a Buddhist temple, Hindu shrine, and Islamic mosque. After the hike, visit the nearby Loop Temple before heading back to your accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Tuesday: Scenic Train Ride to Ella
After breakfast, get ready for one of the world’s most scenic train rides to the charming town of Ella. You’ll travel through misty mountains and tea plantations before arriving at your guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Wednesday: Explore Ella at Your Own Pace
Take the day to explore Ella solo. Here are some awesome things you can do:
– Hike Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking views of the Ella Gap and surrounding tea fields.
– Check out the iconic Nine Arch Bridge —time your visit for when the train passes for that perfect Insta shot.
– Chill by the Ravana Falls, or take a dip if you’re feeling adventurous.
– Visit a local tea plantation to learn how Sri Lanka’s famous tea is made.
– Explore the peaceful Dova Temple and get a glimpse into local religious life.
– Snap some pics at the Ella Gap Viewpoint.
– Wander down Ella’s Main Street, grab some local food, and hang out in cafes.

Meals: Breakfast only.

Thursday: Return to Kandy, Transfer to Sigiriya
After breakfast, hop on a bus back to Kandy. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll continue on to Sigiriya, where you’ll stay overnight, getting ready for the next adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Friday: Sunrise Hike & Ancient Ruins
Start your day with a sunrise hike up Pidurangala—the views are unreal! Afterward, take on Sigiriya Rock (Lion’s Rock), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the ancient world. Explore the remains of a 5th-century palace and soak in the epic history. After a day of adventure, head back to Kandy by bus.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

This schedule is flexible and may change based on weather or local conditions, but whatever happens, you’ll experience the best of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions!