Backpacking or traveling in Sri Lanka?

• One of the most popular destinations among backpackers, a milder version of India and nowadays again a relatively safe country. Sri Lanka has a huge amount to offer and is ideal for both travelers and backpackers. You can spend weeks or even months there, spotting the highlights or immersing yourself in the surf culture and spending time with the locals. 
• Activity spotting: nature is the biggest attraction - spot elephants, leopards, bears, monkeys.... immerse yourself in local culture - from Ayurvedic herbal drinks to intense massages, take surfing lessons in Arugam Bay and surf on some of the best waves, visit Unawatuna, admire the sacred tooth of Buddha in Kandy, taste tea from British Nuwara Eliya tea plantations, feel the warmth of sunrise over Little Adam's Peak, taste the world's best cinnamon on Ganduwa Island, go on a bird watching tour in Bundala National Park, climb Pidurangala, camp in the Haputale Mountains, experience the train ride from Colombo to Ella and enjoy all the delicious Sri Lankan food. 

Studying in Sri Lanka?

• The quality of education in Sri Lanka is not bad, but universities are not well regarded either. However, there is increasing investment in them by the government. So for now, not necessarily an impressive degree, but a great time in a beautiful country. Popular studies include business administration, engineering, computer science, biosystems technology, agriculture, education and medicine. 
• Study cities: Colombo, Moratuwa, Kandy, Jaffna, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. 
• Language: English! 

Internship in Sri Lanka?

• Sri Lanka is quite a developed country and there are many internship opportunities. For example, internships are available in large international companies, you can do medical internships and you can intern in the education or conservation sector. 
• Competencies: cultural sensitivity, adaptability and flexibility, friendliness and hospitality, community involvement, teaching skills. 

Volunteer in Sri Lanka?

• Volunteering in Sri Lanka is not a wrong choice! And if you don't yet know exactly what you want to do, here are already some options: work with elephants, child care, work as a medical volunteer, teacher, turtle conservation... Find a nice place, and you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime. 

Working in Sri Lanka?

• For temporary work, you can work in hostels, as a surf instructor or a yoga instructor, for example, but pay attention to visa regulations. For more permanent work, a good job search is in tourism, education or international trade, for example. Also, especially the IT sector is growing in Sri Lanka, further you can try to find work in international companies/organizations. 

Working as a digital nomad in Sri Lanka?

• Sri Lanka is heaven for digital nomads. It is full of delicious food, beautiful nature and lots of (social activities). You're sure to meet many other digital nomads there at one of the many meetups. It's also relatively cheap and the amenities are relatively good, especially in Colombia and Mirissa.
• Just keep in mind that the Internet is not equally good everywhere (buy a SIM card) and the two rainy seasons. 
• Favorite locations: Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Dikwella & Hirikiteya Bay. 

Living in Sri Lanka?

• Living in one of the world's most popular travel destinations, that sounds like a dream right? Living in Sri Lanka offers tremendous charm and, at the same time, considerable challenges. 
• The Sri Lankan people are tremendously friendly and hospitable, there is much cultural diversity and people enjoy a quiet, simple life. In general, the cost of living is relatively low, there are increasing numbers of expats and you can find lots of fresh fruit and good food everywhere. 
• Health care is pretty good and the country is also relatively safe. 
• However. Diseases occur including Dengue, especially in the two (!!!) rainy seasons, public transportation is not very reliable, and the same goes for electricity. Also, gender roles are still quite strong. So be aware of this and read up well. That way you can limit your culture shock a bit!
• Also make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Sri Lanka