When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in Sri Lanka?

Global Crossroad has been running volunteer/internship programs in Sri Lanka for more than three years. We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two- three months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application within less than three months of time, please contact our office for more information .

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Sri Lanka who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 2-3 weeks – occasionally longer (given the time of year). However, in the event that interested participants require their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting their application.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online ( http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply.php ). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Sri Lanka-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.

• Be in good health.

Visa Information

Visa is issued on arrival for stay up to 30 days. Extension can be arranged at the Immigration Office in Colombo . Visit www.projectvisa.com or the below address for more information.

http://www.immigration.gov.lk/html/visa/fees.html

Global Crossroad suggests that ALL volunteers acquire the appropriate visa in their home country BEFORE arriving in-country to avoid any unnecessary hassles at the airport.

Project Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in Sri Lanka ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Sri Lanka is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in Sri Lanka . Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 5-6 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore Sri Lanka on their own.

Where are the projects located?

Most of the projects are located in and around Galle .

Galle is a town on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka that dates from before 1400 BC, when historians say the island became an exporter of cinnamon. In contemporary times, many tourists and travelers came to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's about 120 km from the city of Colombo . The town is quite important for architectural and historical tourists, because it was influenced considerably by Portuguese and British colonization during the 18 th and 19 th centuries – creating a beautiful and unique mixture of Asian and colonial styles. Galle was one of the areas of Sri Lanka hardest hit by the Tsunami – thousands of people were killed, of a population of only about 100,000. Since 2004, it has been making a courageous attempt to rebuild and attract the tourists that once contributed to the town's income.

What is the language spoken in Sri Lanka ?

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka .

When are the Sri Lanka-based projects available?

Volunteer projects begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month throughout the year. Volunteers arriving early will need to pay for additional nights of accommodation. Global Crossroad suggests that volunteers adjust their flight schedule according to their project/program itinerary.

How long can I volunteer in Sri Lanka ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Sri Lanka ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

You should fly into Colombo International Airport .

When should I arrive in Sri Lanka ?

Volunteers should arrive in Sri Lanka the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to Sri Lanka , you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at your final destination, but you must send your travel itinerary to our Sri Lankan in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Sri Lanka (we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by a staff member or our in-country coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call our in-country coordinator, who can help with the picking-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in-case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

• Try to call our Sri Lankan in-country Coordinator from the airport and inform him of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

• Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

• Call/email our Sri Lankan in-country Coordinator once you arrive so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver). ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Sri Lanka In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

• Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents (Passport, clothes, and documents)

• Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $50 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

• Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to, as the cultural shock might be so strong that you may even want to quit the next week after arrival.  

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

When should I depart from Sri Lanka ?

We ask participants to depart from Sri Lanka on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

Volunteers must fly out of the Colombo International Airport .

Who will drop me off at the airport?

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off/return service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Sri Lanka or your home stay family will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

The living conditions of your placement will vary, depending on the area to which you are assigned. One should not expect luxurious accommodations in Sri Lanka . Galle is relatively rural, so the living conditions are very basic. We place each volunteer in a welcoming, family setting and with a private room. Also, most placements will have electricity. (If electricity is a priority, it can be arranged). Most of our host families are educated, well-respected people who have experience with international students. Also, some members of a host family may speak English. Your host family will provide three nutritious, ethnic meals a day.

Are singles rooms available?

Depending on availability, rooms may be shared or private, and bathrooms are generally shared.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

Contact our office about this issue, since it may depend upon individual circumstances, but we will try our best to put you together.

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to travel with others, we allow people to come with a friend or even as a group. You may be placed in different homes, but these homes will be located within one to two miles of each other. In addition, we can place any volunteer near another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in the same house unless they are a married couple.

What are the bathroom facilities?

A shower with hot & cold water is usually installed in the bathroom.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry services are offered for an additional fee, or you may use a Laundromat.

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Yes. Electricity in Sri Lanka is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept these specifications.

Electrical plug details

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodation from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved. What is Sri Lankan food like?

The staple food of Sri Lanka is rice and curry - a massive mound of rice surrounded by various curries and delicacies. Kottu (Kothu) Roti (a medley of chopped roti , vegetables and your choice of meat) is a must-have for anyone - tourist or otherwise - in Sri Lanka .

Note that Sri Lankans eat with their right hands - this isn't a major problem, because everywhere will be able to provide cutlery if you can't eat otherwise. But try the Sri Lankan way (tips of fingers only!), it's harder than it looks but strangely liberating.

Source: www.wikitravel.org

Can you supply special diets?

Global Crossroad can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Occasionally, in the event that you require a special diet, you are responsible for your own meals. Participants are strongly urged to inform Global Crossroad of any special dietary need prior to arrival in-country.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

The Sri Lankan tap water is generally not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.

Are there hot and cold water facilities available?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants' placement details.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka is a safe country, and you can relax while you are there. That being said, it's still important to use common sense. There are a few areas that are not as safe to visit, due to a terrorist group called the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam . Areas ruled by this group are dangerous and though the LTTE doesn't target tourists, you should still avoid them. However, Galle is free of these issues and very safe. Here are some tips:

• Be careful if traveling on buses, as petty theft is common.

• Ask for a receipt when you store your backpack or luggage.

• Do NOT carry your passport or any credit cards and cash that you will not need.

• Use only registered taxis.

• Do not walk into unknown areas by yourself at night.

• Avoid any contact with drugs, as laws are very strict in Sri Lanka .

More about Travel Safety to Sri Lanka

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

What are the principle health risks?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Japanese encephalitis , if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in some of the countries in this region. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Southeast Asia .
• Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid , particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles and a one-time dose of polio for adults.

Required Vaccinations

• None.

Source: www.cdc.gov

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you. Generally, sanitation will not be as thorough as in your home country, so you may experience some stomach issues. You may want to bring some anti-diarrheal medicine with you. To avoid this problem, always make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, drink only bottled water, and eat food that was prepared as sanitarily as possible.

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. Western medicine is widely available in most urban areas in Sri Lanka . So, your health insurance is crucial. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medicines, etc. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider, but this is rare. 

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

• Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator;
• Assigned host-family;
• Your country's embassy in Sri Lanka – participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No! While you are in Sri Lanka , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Sri Lanka , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in Sri Lanka ?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Also, like in many Asian countries, there may be no toilet paper or western-style toilet at all.
• In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily.
• Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks' ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.

Money exchanges can be made at various banks and at the airport. Current exchange rates can be found using a website like www.xe.com or looking in a newspaper like the Wall Street Journal.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Most major international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in the main establishments, although outside the cities, facilities may be limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. ATMs are available in the main cities.

How much money should I bring with me?

Carrying extra money depends on your personal spending habits, and you may want some extra money for personal expenses, sight-seeing, souvenirs, etc. Generally speaking, we recommend bringing about $100/week (USD), or an emergency credit card as a back-up resort.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe; therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Rupees. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange The Sri Lankan currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local coordinator?

You will receive the detailed contact information of the coordinator with your placement details.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in Sri Lanka ?

International Direct Dialing from Sri Lanka is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most towns although they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth to play online games. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

Phone access is normally not a problem in Sri Lanka . Phone service is easily available in homes, offices, and pay phones on the street. In some very remote project sites, volunteers may need to rely on satellite phone service which is not always guaranteed.

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at the host family, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in Sri Lanka at the airport. Of course, they call also email you and you can reply using internet café services.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Cell phones may or may not work: you'll want to contact your cell phone provider to make sure that your phone will work while you are in Sri Lanka .

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in Sri Lanka and how much will it cost?

This is not usually an option in Sri Lanka .

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in Sri Lanka ?

Rural Sri Lanka is quite conservative, and volunteers are expected to respect the local customs, traditions, and dress. Women should not wear shorts, mini-skirts, see-through garments, or sundresses. The most practical clothing items for women are modest T-shirts, cotton shirts, and long skirts or pants. For men, please bring shirts, T-shirts, and Bermuda shorts or pants. Bring white clothes to wear for special occasions, such as Full Moon Day.

What should I know about Sri Lankan religious conduct?

Sri Lanka respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Remember to be respectful of Sri Lankan customs and traditions while traveling, for example, it may be customary to remove your shoes before entering a home, and you should always be extremely respectful of Monks, and of religious relics such as statues of Buddha.

How do I respect the Sri Lankan people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Sri Lankan culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Sri Lankan people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy. Always be extra respectful to elders and monks, and as a rule never touch anyone's head – especially Buddhists, as this is very offensive. Furthermore, you shouldn't wear any revealing clothing, and remember that nudity is illegal.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Sri Lanka ?

The weather in Sri Lanka is tropical: hot and humid. There are summer monsoons which can be refreshing, and the hottest month precedes these rains, in May. In the cooler months it can get to be a bit chilly, though never winter-like.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Temperature

Average Rainfall

Official Sri Lankan Holidays

2008
1 Jan: New Year's Day. 
14 Jan: Tamil Thai Pongal Day.
4 Feb: National Day.
Feb: Maha Sivarathri Day.
20 Mar:  Milad un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
21 Mar:  Good Friday.
13-14 Apr: Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
1 May:  May Day.
2 Oct: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
28 Oct:  Deepavali.
9 Dec: Eid al-Adha (Hadji Festival Day).
25 Dec: Christmas Day.

What about tipping in Sri Lanka ?

Tipping is expected in most towns and cities.

Materials to Bring

•  Day pack
•  Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
•  Sandals
•  2 pairs of pants (lightweight)
•  2 T-shirts
•  3 short-sleeved shirts
•  2 long-sleeved shirt
•  3 pairs of shorts and bathing suit
•  Hat or cap
•  Towel and personal bath kit
•  Sun block, sun glasses
•  Camera
• Mosquito net

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.