1.
Pre-departure Volunteers are required to arrive on the start date of their project. Placements end on the Friday of your final week. Please carefully consult a calendar before booking your flights, as they can be expensive to change.What are the options for flying home? (Hint, there's more than one)
Correct Answer(s)
C. Later in the day of your last project
D. A day or so after your placement ends
Explanation
Your placement will end after your morning project on your last day (so around lunch time). We recommend booking your return flight for the evening of that day at the earliest.If you choose to stay in Sri Lanka after your placement, you'll need to organise your own accommodation. Many volunteers choose to spend a couple of days relaxing at the beach before flying home. If your placement is for 4 weeks, please check that your return flight is within your 30 days so that you don't overstay your visa!
2.
Pre-departure In March 2014 the Sri Lankan government changed their visa requirements. Volunteers now need to have an Entry Visa before entering the country. All information regarding the visa process is given in the Acquiring your visa document on your SLV participant portal.When should you apply for your Sri Lankan Entry Visa?
Correct Answer
C. You should apply for your visa in the month before you go to Sri Lanka
Explanation
The current visa process for SLV is as follows:3 months before your placement SLV will contact you asking for passport information (to be passed on to the Sri Lankan Immigration Department). About a month before your placement, Sri Lankan Immigration will fax us a list consenting volunteers to apply for an Entry Visa. We will forward you this fax by email so you can use it - along with the necessary documents - to submit your Entry Visa application to your nearest Sri Lankan High Commission (don't leave it until the last minute).Please read the Acquiring your visa document on you SLV participant portal for more information.
3.
Pre-departure You can apply for your Sri Lankan entry visa either in person or through the post. If applying through the post, what type of postage should you use?
Correct Answer
D. Special recorded delivery
Explanation
If posting your application it must be posted special recorded delivery.A prepaid, pre-addressed special recorded delivery envelope must ALSO be included so that the Sri Lankan High Commission can return your passport back to you. Without the correct envelope they will not send you back your passport and visa. The special delivery (silver bag) is next day delivery and insures items up to £500. Include a pre-addressed, pre paid for special delivery envelope for your passportto be posted back to you
4.
Pre-departure
The types of resources volunteers use at projects range from arts and crafts (paper, pens, blu-tac, playdough, paints and string for friendship bracelets) to games (like cards, scrabble and even twister) and sensory objects like feathers and bubbles. Who provides resources for the projects?
Correct Answer
C. Volunteers should bring resources to use in projects
Explanation
Volunteers are required to cover the cost of all their resources and we recommend that you bring some teaching aids to use during your placement.Volunteers do buy resources when they are in Sri Lanka; on average spending £3-£10/$5-15 per week.SLV encourages volunteers to re-use resources to limit waste and unnecessary spending. Please read the kit list document on your SLV participant portal for more recommendations on what resources to bring with you.
5.
During Placement Volunteers live in homestays in groups of 5-20, with 2-4 volunteers sharing a bedroom and 6-10 people sharing a bathroom. Each homestay has a family or couple who live either with volunteers or close by. Your room will be very basic compared to what you’re used to at home. What can you expect to find in your home stay?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Electric fan
D. Washing machine
F. Mosquito net
Explanation
Electric fans are limited to one per room, so you and your room mates will become experts at finding the one exact position where the fan can reach everybody's bedWardrobes and chests of drawers aren't commonly found in Sri Lanka, so please make use of your suitcase or backpackWestern style toilets are in the volunteer bathroomsA washing machine is in every homestay. However, we recommend hand washing your underwear and any of your best clothesHot water is not available in homestays but you will find cold showers are particularly refreshingEach bed has a mosquito netThe same basic single bed, mattress and bedding is provided for everyone - you aren't expected to sleep on the floor Cold showers are a great way to cool down in the afternoon
6.
During PlacementWhatever your placement, all volunteers work on a variety of projects. After the first week of orientation, your timetable will remain the same each week.Which would be the right timetable for a volunteer on the Mental Health placement (previously named Psychology placement)?
Correct Answer
D. Varied timetable with Monday morning for planning and Friday afternoons free
Explanation
All of the placements are varied and include Children's projects, Special Needs projects, and Youth Teaching.The Mental Health Placement includes two sessions a week at a psychiatric facility.Monday mornings are dedicated to lesson and activity planning. Friday afternoons are free for travel.Our teaching projects include Youth Teaching and running activity sessions at Children’s Development Centres, primary schools and temples.
7.
Pre-departure Although you can find most of the toiletries that you need in Sri Lanka, there are a couple of 'essentials' that you'll want to bring with you from home (we've learnt this from experience). What toiletry items are hard to find in Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer(s)
A. (Good quality) sun lotion
B. Mosquito repellent
D. Sanitary products
Explanation
Although you can buy all the basic toiletry products at the local shops and supermarket, the popular brands from home may not be as easy to find and can be comparatively expensive.Good quality sun lotion, mosquito repellant with DEET and tampons (or a mooncup or keeper) are items that you'll want to stock up on before you go.Volunteers will need to buy their own toilet paper to use in homestays and public toilets. However, this is commonly found in local supermarkets.If you're particular about your hair products then bring these too - but either way you'll probably battle with 'hair frizz'.Read Toilet Matters for information on bathroom related matters in Sri Lanka.
8.
During Placement Being aware of a country's social norms and cultural beliefs can make your experience abroad that little bit easier. Which of these practices are not usually done in Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Wearing shoes inside the home
C. Eating with a fork and knife
E. Having visible tattoos
F. Public displays of affection
Explanation
Understanding Sri Lankan culture enhances your stay and reduces the risk of accidentally offending anyone. More seriously, if the local managers at projects disapprove of our behaviour, we may be asked to stop working at projects permanently. Please remember this throughout your placement and in the local community.Shoes are not worn in homes or temples. If unsure, look for a shoe rack or pile of shoes outside buildings - and leave yours there too.Volunteers must cover visible tattoos during projects (using clothing, plasters or tubigrip). As well, extra piercings must be removed. One piercing on each ear and a simple nose stud are permitted.PDA is rarely seen in Sri Lanka and will attract attention. It’s even usual to see a couple holding hands. Please be aware of how seemingly innocent gestures can be misinterpreted.In your first day of orientation, our Sri Lankan team will introduce you to some common Sri Lankan cultural practices to help you feel a little more acquainted and to prevent any awkward faux pas.
9.
Upon ArrivalVolunteers are asked to book flights arriving in Colombo/Bandaranaike International Airport between 7AM - 5PM on the day their placement starts. How will you get from Colombo airport to your homestay?
Correct Answer
C. SLV will meet you at the airport and take volunteers in groups to your homestays - usually by mini-van
Explanation
After you've passed through immigration you will enter 'Arrivals' where a member of the SLV team will be waiting to meet you.At the airport you can withdraw money and, if you have time, buy a Sri Lankan SIM card.Once we have you and your luggage in the van we will take groups of volunteers (who've arrived around the same time) to their respective homestays.
10.
Pre-departureTravel Insurance is insurance intended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while traveling. Everyone with SLV must have travel insurance to cover the duration of their placement. How should you go about getting insurance for Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer
B. Have look online to compare insurance policies, or use a company such as Gap Year Travel to buy insurance before you go to Sri Lanka.
Explanation
SLV requires that, prior to departure, you purchase adequate travel insurance to cover your whole trip.If you're unsure who to buy insurance with, why not talk with other volunteers on Facebook for suggestions.Remember to check the conditions of your insurance and make sure you are covered for White Water Rafting level 3 (for the jungle weekend).
11.
During Placement When organising timetables SLV considers how close projects are to volunteer's homestays. However, we try and reach as many projects as possible so please prepare yourself for journeys of an hour or more at times. How are SLV volunteers expected to travel to projects?
Correct Answer
B. Volunteers travel to projects by local buses, walking and tuk tuks
Explanation
The majority of projects can be reached by local bus and walking, although some of the mental health projects require three-wheeler taxis (tuk tuks) or minibuses to get to.Volunteers pay for their own transport to and from projects and can expect to spend between £2-£4/$6-6 per week, depending on their timetable.
12.
During Placement
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island country in the northern Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of India. It is of similar size to Ireland (but feels bigger as transportation can be much slower).Where are SLV volunteers based whilst in Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer
C. Placements are located in 5 locations outside of Colombo and volunteers live in homestays
Explanation
We are based in 5 locations: 3 around the outer district of Colombo (Maharagama, Homagama, Kotte) and 2 slightly further south (Horana and Bandaragama).Volunteers live in homestays which are allocated according to their placement as well as homestay preferences.Once you have booked your flights you can complete the departure form on your SLV participant portal with the details of your arriving flight and if you have any homestay preferences. You can name one friend and we will really do our best to accommodate your request.Check out some photos of our homestays in Sri Lanka here
13.
Pre-departure Whilst in Sri Lanka you will never be more than 2 hours away from a hospital during the week, and 4 hours at the weekends (depending on where you choose to visit). There is a large range of vaccinations available for people travelling abroad with some usually advised more than others. Please bear in mind that if you are on either of the mental health placements you'll need to take necessary precautions, as you'll be working in a hospital. Do volunteers need vaccinations before travelling to Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer
A. Yes, you should consult your GP or local travel clinic regarding which vaccinations are necessary
Explanation
When travelling outside your home country, it is advised to be vaccinated against some of the diseases found in other parts of the world. However it is each volunteer's personal choice whether to have vaccinations for Sri Lanka.Although all SLV staff have been to Sri Lanka we are not medical practitioners and so are not authorized to dispense health advice.We recommend that you consult your GP or local travel clinic regarding vaccinations as not all are necessary.Please read the Flights, Insurance & Jabs document on your SLV participant portal for more information on usually recommended vaccinations when travelling.
14.
Pre-departure On average our volunteers spend 10,000-20,000 Sri Lankan Rupees a week (approx £50-£100 or $75-100) with the bulk of their money spent travelling in the weekends. You can spend a lot more or less depending on whether you spend like a local or have a YOLO budget. Sri Lankan rupees are hard to get hold of in the UK. What are our recommended methods of bringing money to Sri Lanka? (there's more than one option)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Debit card
C. Prepaid currency card
Explanation
We do not recommend bringing large amounts of cash into Sri LankaThe majority of our staff and volunteers choose to use their home country debit cards - ATMs are common in Sri Lanka and you can withdraw money as soon as you arrive in the airport. Remember to let your bank know that you are going to Sri Lanka as they often cancel people’s cards if not warned in advance. Prepaid currency cards can also be purchased. Please read our page on Prepaid Cards Vs Debit Cards.Travellers cheques are not recommended as they are not great value and changing them in Sri Lanka can be troublesome.
15.
Pre-departure It's best to pack 'economically' for Sri Lanka, particularly as your bedroom will have limited storage space. To pack lightly, it helps to know what will come in really useful and what will probably remain at the bottom of your rucksack. Which things on this list do you think you should pack?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Sheet or sleeping bag liner
B. Hand sanitizer
C. A waterproof jacket
D. Padlock
F. First- Aid kit
I. Gift for the homestay
Explanation
Volunteers are provided with clean bedding at the homestays, however some may feel more comfortable bringing their own sheet or liner.Antibacterial hand sanitizer is a useful way of keeping your hands clean when out all day, especially as you will be eating with your hands.A waterproof jacket is great for short Sri Lankan downpours.Padlocks are handy to secure your bag whilst travelling on the weekends.Plug adaptors can be bought in Sri Lanka very cheaply.SLV recommends that volunteers put together their own first aid kit.You definitely won’t need a hair dryer (or straighteners).We don’t allow volunteers to give gifts to individuals on our projects.Bringing a small gift for your homestay family (such as biscuits or chocolate) is a really nice gesture and can help to break the ice. Your homestay will have cutlery if you’re really struggling, but most volunteers really enjoy eating with their hands…once they get the hang of it.You can find more information on what to pack on your SLV particpant portal.
16.
Upon ArrivalWe require all volunteers to have a working phone in Sri Lanka so that we can stay in contact with you throughout your placement. You can purchase a cheap mobile for 2000-4000 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupees) with a SIM for an extra 1000 rupees.(check those prices in your home currency)It is quite reasonable to phone abroad from Sri Lanka and texts are really cheap (0.5p or 2 cents per text max).Some volunteers may choose to keep in touch through emails, whatsapp and Skype. Where will you be able to access the Internet during the week? (Hint, there's more than one option)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Local Internet cafe
D. Sri Lanka has 3G
Explanation
Volunteers will not have wifi access in homestays.You will be able to use the local internet cafes during the weekOf course Sri Lanka has the internet. A lot of volunteers do their Skype chats and emails at the weekends as the guest houses and restaurants in tourist areas usually have wifi.If you have a smart phone then you can purchase a Sri Lankan SIM with 3G (but please be careful with valuable belongings).
17.
First Week Everyone is really keen to get involved at the projects straight away, but to help prepare you for your placement, your first week is focused on orientation and practical training.Which timetable best represents your first week in Sri Lanka?
Correct Answer
C. Workshops, project visits and jungle weekend
Explanation
We have workshops with local professionals to deliver training that is comprehensive and useful. You also have some project visits in the first week and shadow current volunteers to give you an idea of the environment you will be working in through out your placement.The Jungle Weekend is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers. SLV will provide transport, food and accommodation, as well as organise activities such as White Water Rafting and team building games.
18.
During PlacementSpicy curries, fresh fruit and rice are all staples of the typical Sri Lankan diet. Kottu, roti and hoppers are also dishes every visitor to Sri Lanka should try. What food will be provided to you during the week at your homestay?
Correct Answer
D. Homestays provide breakfast (Monday to Friday) and dinner (Monday to Thursday)
Explanation
Your homestay will provide you with a western breakfast (bread and fruit) and Sri Lankan dinner (a choice of curries with rice) on weekdays (volunteers usually leave to travel on Friday afternoons and eat dinner at their destination).Although your homestay family will cook for you, it is unlikely that they will ever sit down to eat with you, as it is Sri Lankan custom to allow guests to eat first.Lunch is not provided - most volunteers buy meals or 'short eats' from local restaurants. In areas where our placements are based, a typical meal of rice and curry can be bought for around 150 rupees - often with enough rice for 2 to share. A lot of Sri Lankan cuisine is vegetable based so there is no need for vegetarians (or vegans) to worry about lack of options.
19.
During PlacementAlthough everyone's main priority is to give our time and skills to projects, it's natural that volunteers will wish to take this opportunity to visit some of Sri Lanka's beautiful environment and historical sites.The weekends are a great opportunity to do this.What resources should you use to plan your weekend travel?
Correct Answer
B. TripAdvisor
Explanation
Apart from your first weekend in the jungle, weekends (beginning Friday afternoon) are free for volunteers to spend as they choose. Most volunteers choose to relax at the beach or go sight-seeing. We strongly advise using TripAdivsor to find more up to date reviews on guest houses, organised trips and other services in the areas you're planning to visit. Make sure to read a range of reviews. Guidebooks are a great way to start but we've found that even these sometimes recommend places we wouldn't advise volunteers to stay.SLV cannot be responsible for your conduct at the weekend but strongly encourage volunteers travel together. However Project Managers are always available for you to call in case of emergencies.We ask that volunteers return to their homestays by 9pm on Sunday. Trains can be slow going but are a 'not to be missed' experience and a great way to see more of the island at the weekends
20.
Mental Health Placement The timetable for volunteers on the Mental Health placement includes one day a week in a psychiatric setting. Why do we limit the mental health projects to one day a week of your timetable?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
We think it's fantastic when volunteers would like to commit more time to their mental health projects. However, in order to protect the needs of the service users and of the volunteers we limit time spent in a psychiatric setting to one day a week. Our varied timetable enables volunteers to apply their diverse skills across different within various facilities. This means that we can have a positive impact across the local community as well as giving volunteers the opportunity to see where their different strengths lie.Variety is the spice of life!
21.
During Placement As a team we have no choice but to be really strict about dress code due to Sri Lankan and Buddhist cultural norms. Tight or translucent clothing, or any that reveals the tops of your arms, cleavage or knees is culturally unacceptable. If you go to projects dressed inappropriately you are putting SLV’s future work at risk. Which of these outfits are appropriate for volunteers to wear to projects?
Correct Answer
C.
Explanation
So as lovely as they all look, only a couple of these models have the appropriate dress to volunteer on our projects.This lady is showing her shoulders and her top is too clingy. No and no! Her full length skirt would be great for teaching projects IF it weren't translucent.His plain button up shirt and full length trousers look clean and professional for teaching and mental health projects. His shoes are a nice muted colour and suggest he's ready to get to work, not hit the beach.Great for a special needs or children's project. Her shoulders and chest are covered and her trousers are loose which means she can run around and get involved but won't reveal her knees. These sandals are smart enough to be suitable for all projects. Nailed it!Save these hippy trousers for the beach. We may be on a tropical island but during the week we're working! It's best to stay away from busy patterns which can be distracting on mental health projects.Even a hint of knee is way too much flesh. I don't think we even need to mention that the tattoo should be covered with a bandage or long sleeved top.She may be trying to hide behind her shades, but her whole outfit just isn't going to cut it. Her top is revealing her midriff and that slit has got to be sewed up before she even considers packing it for Sri Lanka. This is a prime example of failing the 'sunlight test': an item of clothing that seems opaque when worn indoors becomes translucent when the sun hits it. Not to worry, this can be solved with a petticoat (available at all good Sri Lankan markets) for as little as 200rupees.We'd see her underwear if she was wearing any. Slightly translucent tops can be paired with thick strapped vest tops, but try to keep the colour neutral so that the outline of your body isn't revealed.