Local team was fantastic in Sri Lanka and they provided excellent accommodations and program day by day guidance. The introductory week was filled with fun activities. Team members were always on helping me with all my needs. The elephant orphanage locations provided me with great experience working with elephants. The planning of all my excursions was impeccable with locations, timing and accommodations.

I have to give so much credit to the local team for their support and hospitality. It was an unforgivable experience that I will miss greatly. My special thanks to the local team for his outstanding work in planning and managing my trip. During my stay I felt safe and confident about his ability to manage all my transportation and accommodation needs as well as timing for the trips. I would recommend this wonderful experience without hesitation. I will always remember and appreciate the friendliness and hospitality of local team and people in Sri Lanka.

I would like to say that the experience I had was unique and unforgettable. Leaving with local community and working with people who live in this small, but beautiful Island was an important experience that I will carry with me.

I am so happy that I could experience these two weeks in Sri Lanka. I met so many amazing people and started to think about how privileged my life is a lot more. I know, that you don’t choose your privilege, or lack thereof; you’re born with it. And that´s why I want to use my privilege for the greater good.

I loved to spend time with the local kids and families and was sad when I had to leave. Next time I will stay for longer, that´s for sure.

IVHQ made me feel comfortable within the first few weeks of getting mentally prepared for the trip. So much travel anxiety was reduced by the program coordinator and the online resources.

The local support team was amazing! They were more than hospitable and made me feel right at home. I couldn't have asked for a better start to my journey!

The volunteering itself made me realize how much more needs to be done, and that I wanted to be a part of it since I was only able to do so much. I will be doing another project in the near future.

The accommodation was more than comfortable and the food was SO GOOD!! I was so sad to go back home because all the local Sri Lankan dishes we had made for us every night weren't around.

I feel like I gained a sense of understanding a third world country and how many struggles they have to endure daily. It made me appreciate the things I take for granted sometimes, whether it's hot running water, a toilet, certain social programs or even just some constructs. This project opened my eyes to the world around me, and how much more I want to see and immerse myself into.

I feel I have gained a deeper insight into Sri Lankan culture and made a valuable contribution to the volunteer project by working with and supporting the turtles and the team who care for them. I would tell anyone who is hesitant to join that there is no need to be hesitant at all! You will have so much fun and learn so much, I cannot recommend it enough.

The pre-departure support and guidance was amazing, I felt well supported and all my questions were promptly answered.

The local team in Sri Lanka were absolutely wonderful. Warm, accommodating and they went above and beyond! I could not have hoped for a better experience.

The meals were healthy and they looked after me not being able to eat gluten. It is awful to have the need for dietary requirements and they didn’t make me feel bad about it. Overall, I am glad I took the leap of faith - it was the best way to experience the real culture and people of the country and to be able to give something back .