I learned so much.

- I learned how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable
- I learned that it's good to sometimes throw myself in the deep end in order to gain confidence and become fearless
- I strengthened my communication and problem solving skills
- I would advise to someone that a volunteering project like this one requires maturity, patience and kindness. It's important to accept the living conditions of other countries and properly try to immerse yourslf into these new cultures, despite being hesitant at first or not. After the first couple days you get the hang of it and you feel like you belong.

I would like to express my gratitude and share my incredible experience as a volunteer in Sri Lanka. My journey as part of this project was unforgettable and enriching in various ways.

First and foremost, I want to highlight the wonderful team that welcomed me from the moment I arrived in Sri Lanka. Their hospitality and warmth made me feel at home from day one. They were incredibly attentive and helpful in every aspect, making my adaptation to the new environment and culture much easier.

The volunteer work itself was a transformative experience. Contributing to local initiatives, whether in education, medical assistance, or environmental conservation, provided a deep sense of fulfillment. It was rewarding to see how our collective effort was making a difference in people's lives and in the community as a whole.

Furthermore, the opportunity to immerse myself in Sri Lanka's culture and daily life was truly enriching. I learned so much about the history, traditions, and values of this amazing country, which significantly broadened my worldview. Interacting with local residents and learning from them was one of the most valuable parts of my experience.

I also want to highlight the organization of the volunteer program. The logistics were well-planned, and all my concerns were efficiently addressed. Communication with the coordination team was always clear and effective, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Lastly, I believe that my experience in Sri Lanka not only enriched my life but also gave me a broader perspective on global issues and the importance of volunteering. I am inspired to continue working for the common good and to share what I have learned with others around me.

In summary, my experience as a volunteer in Sri Lanka was extraordinary in every aspect. I sincerely thank you for providing me with this unique opportunity. I look forward to continuing to support this project in some way, and I hope that others can enjoy the same transformative experience I had.

Thank you once again.

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was either planting the mangosteen trees, or learning how to open coconuts with Sam. Sam taught us many things about Sri Lankan culture and the way that Sri Lankan people live their lives. It was a wonderful experience for me because I got to learn about Sri Lanka from a really kind and interesting person. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was the feeling that I had made a difference. Even if it was not a huge difference I still have that feeling of accomplishment. I would say that volunteering abroad is a life-changing experience and there is little to regret about it. I would say that there is so much to learn from the experience and the impact that you have on the people you help is important, even if you are not sure that you will fully enjoy the experience.

My favorite moment on the program was we were send to the highest standing Buddha during the introduction week and me and the other volunteer had to walk bare feet to climb the mountain for 1 hour or more. It was very tough for city feet and very memorable experience to have. I have come to realize that there are so many great people in this world and so many things I could try to do, though at the end we could do only one thing, the possibilities we are facing will always encouraging me to embrace more in the future.

Experiencing a different culture was my favorite moment on the program! I found the biggest impact was seeing a country try its best given challenging situations. I would recommend it is well worth doing.

I have only volunteered once before. It wasn’t with IVHQ. But it was still a great experience. Now, based on just the one experience with IVHQ. I would highly recommend them. I for one, would look at them first for any future volunteer projects!