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High School Study Abroad in Sri Lanka

“The Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka, is an epitome of diversity. Between the Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians who’ve lived here, and the Portuguese, Dutch, and British who fought over its control, Sri Lanka is brimming with a wide palette of sounds and beliefs. European colonizers targeted Sri Lanka for its spices and gemstones, and now, visitors come to enjoy the spicy curry, beaches, elephant spotting, and more. High school programs in Sri Lanka will give students the chance to experience cool animals, chill out among cinnamon fields, and expand their education into an international context.
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Maximo Nivel students

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14 High School Trips to Sri Lanka

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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GoBeyond Student Travel

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GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Projects Abroad

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Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

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A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Sri Lanka

Locations

Sri Lanka is a small country, but it has a lot to take in. Until 2009, Sri Lanka was amidst a civil war that raged for nearly 30 years. Today, the government has stabilized and tourism is gradually booming. When it comes to high school in Sri Lanka, all you have to do is see what looks best to you and jump in, and you are sure to have plenty to discover!

As the commercial capital and largest city in the country, Colombo offers much to do. Tour the art and historical artifacts at the Colombo National Museum, walk near Beira Lake, or catch a game of cricket (the country’s most popular sport). One of the biggest pastimes here is to watch the Sri Lankan national team play; in fact, even businesses shut down for the latter special event. After a game, take a stroll along the Galle Face Green, a promenade along the Indian Ocean, or visit the Gangaranya Temple.

Negombo is a city with a no-frills vibe. Join the locals who walk in the tree-lined streets for shade in the noontime heat, admiring the colonial architecture as you stroll along. On the way to the beach, pass by sights of handicraft boutiques while smelling aroma of freshly caught fish. If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a fishing trip or go diving to explore a nearby 50-year-old shipwreck. After sightseeing, you’ll be hungry. Dig into some spicy curry and rice cooked in coconut milk; just watch out for sambols (pastes), made of scraped coconut mixed with chili peppers, dried fish, and lime juice.

How sweet would it be to visit Kandy, the island’s second-largest city? Major corporations and IT centers have branches here, and the city’s many program opportunities attract high schoolers seeking programs that involve teaching, legal work, and business. In your downtime, head to the Temple of the Tooth Relic; it’s not just a UNESCO world heritage site, it’s one of the most sacred places of worship and pilgrimage in the Buddhist world. If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka in August, check out the Esala Perahera Buddhist festival, during which decorated elephants and dancers parade through the streets.

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