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.

Do not hesitate to join this program! Everyone in Sri Lanka was so nice, welcoming, and friendly. I always felt safe and comfortable there. Make sure to do the week long introduction if you are able. I got to experience a lot of the culture that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. It was amazing to volunteer on the sea turtle conservation project. They do a lot of good work for the sick and injured sea turtles. The locals also care for a lot of the stray dogs and cats as well. It was nice to be around so many people who cared for animals. I highly recommend the Sri Lanka program. I was there for 3 weeks and was not ready to leave!

I learned so much about Sri Lankan culture on this project. The introduction week was amazing and jam-packed with activities. The volunteering itself was life-changing for me, it was heartwarming to work with such gentle creatures, and a truly humbling experience. We mainly worked towards short-term goals like turtle feeding, cleaning of the tanks and tidying of the site of the sanctuary and neighboring beach. As far as I could tell this was a very ethical volunteering project, the care for the turtles was excellent, and besides us volunteering at the shelter it was not open for tourists or visitors. I have seen some other turtle sanctuaries in the area that were very tourist-oriented and put the health of the turtles second (e.g. hatchling releasing in the middle of the day, people wearing sunscreen touching the turtles, etc.) this place was much more authentic and put turtle care at the highest priority. I would recommend this project to anyone.

I feel I have gained a greater perspective on life and found a way to travel that allows me to explore new places and cultures as well as make an impact on the community I am visiting, making the overall trip very satisfying. While the food and accommodation may different to that at home, it was such a great authentic experience which wouldn't necessarily get from staying at a hotel in a touristy place.

This program was the most amazing thing I have ever done, and I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in it. It is so eye-opening being immersed in another culture, particularly being guided by the locals adds a deeper sense of learning. The turtle conservation program was so special, and very rewarding being able to give back to the local wildlife and community. I would 100% recommend people to join the program, I am already looking into doing more with IVHQ!

Sri Lanka is an incredible country; the people are friendly and welcoming, you are surrounded by beautiful wildlife from elephants to sea turtles and the volunteer programmes are worth every minute. Turtle conservation gives you the chance to feed, wash and handle disabled sea turtles, on a stunning beach with overhead palm trees. If lucky you may end up releasing baby turtles into the sea, a once in a lifetime moment. I cannot recommend this country enough, the local team made my safety their priority and ensured I saw the most Sri Lanka has to offer whilst I was there!