Conservation Work Saving Elephants & Other Wildlife in a Rural Village in Sri Lanka

  Sri Lanka

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: Track leopards, do a night watch from a tree house for Elephants, collect data and much more. The activities on this project are immense and you could be involved in a number of things while working and living in Wasgamuwa. One moment you could be laying cameras to identify new leopard trails, and then next you could be staying overnight in a tree-house to watch for elephants. You don't need any qualifications to participate in this project. Help conserve the Elephants and other wildlife of Sri Lanka in Wasgamuwa National Park. Go back to basics in stunning rural Sri Lanka and play a part in the conservation and protection of the county's majestic giants while getting involved in the local community. A real gem of a project!

Highlights:
What to do next:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!

If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that.

Accommodation and Living in Sri Lanka:
You'll live in a lovely house with other Travellers volunteers in the nearby town of Kegalle. The house is typical of the Sri Lankan style and you will have all necessary facilities and a comfortable communal living area to socialize in.

Sri Lanka is an exotic island, famous for its 1,600 kilometres of unspoiled, golden beaches and diverse climate zones. It is the proverbial paradise island! This project is an opportunity to experience the world-famous Pinawala Elephant Orphanage in a behind-the-scenes, in depth way that no tourist ever gets.

Food and Transport:
A live-in chef will cook all your meals for you and current volunteers say that the food is delicious!!

Additional Activities you can do while on this project:
- Meditation courses at a Buddhist Retreat for a few days or as long as you choose. Relax and be inspired! This optional extra program can be combined with any project in Sri Lanka.
- Cookery Courses (coming soon) that give you a good insight into how to prepare some typical Sri Lankan dishes.
- 1-week elephant experience in the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, n experience you'll never forget!. You'll stay in our Travellers house in Kegalle with other Travellers volunteers.
- Sight-seeing: As well as the above, all our volunteers use their weekends and free time to do a lot of traveling around the southern part of the island. There are many, many attractive tourist sights to see, ranging from glorious beaches to impressive temples. The towns and villages are fascinating and very different to what we're used to.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Ja-Ela or Kegalle in Sri Lanka. A very popular combination that most of our volunteers do is to teach on one project and follow it with the Elephant Experience conservation in Wasgamuwa. This way you get two or three very different experiences in very different locations.

Accomodation:
You will live in a remote village called Pusseleya on the outskirts of the National Park, located around 7 hours east of Colombo. The community that you will become a part of is mostly dependant on paddy farming for its livelihood and as such the way of life here is very simple - you will need to be prepared to 'get back to basics' and live like the villagers.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Cost in US$: From USD 1,460 for 2 weeks

* You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

* Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. You must also be fond of nature and happy to spend time in a remote rural village. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of animals! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995