Sri Lanka November 2022 TRIP DATES ARE TENTATIVE

• Saturday, November 12 to Sunday, November 13 – Team travels to Sri Lanka; arrival at Colombo airport; transport to Tangalle; check in to hotel and acclimatize
• Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18– PROJECT WORK in Tangalle
• Saturday, November 19 to Sunday, November 20 – Free days for some R and R
• Monday, November 21 to Friday, November 25 – PROJECT WORK in Tangalle
• Saturday, November 26 – Return to Colombo, travel home or continue travel

How much does it cost?
The cost of this trip is displayed at the top of the page. This cost includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs, and a donation to our host partner in their respective country. It does not include airfare. The entire trip is 100% tax deductible. A $1000 non refundable deposit ($600 for trips prior to 2024) is due once the trip is confirmed which is then credited towards your trip cost. Flight costs vary and can either be booked yourself or through our recommended travel agent to receive a tax deductible receipt. Your trip cost is due in its entirety 45 days prior to departure. If your flight is booked through our recommended travel agent, your flight cost is due within 10 days. Trip costs may be adjusted if flight or accommodation upgrades are requested or if flight deviations are required. Select trips may be subject to additional cultural activity fees. US volunteers may be subject to administrative fees/exchange rate adjustments.

Are accommodations included and what are they like?
DWC books your accommodations for you, and it is included in your Trip Cost! Your team will stay at a local hotel that is comfortable and clean. Rooms are booked as shared double occupancy. You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, where possible. We will do our best to accommodate adjustments

Are meals provided and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
All meals are included in your trip cost. Some meals will be at the hotel, while others at local restaurants. The food is prepared hygienically, and dishes range from local to standard western fare. Volunteers submit a health form to DWC and all requests for dietary restrictions will be provided to the Team Leader, hotel, and host partner, to be accommodated wherever possible. We want you to be as comfortable as possible! Your Trip Cost does not include tips, alcohol, or snacks.

Can I add personal travel onto this trip?
Absolutely! We want you to have the best travel experience possible. If you choose to add personal travel onto the front or back end of your trip, you are welcome to book your own accommodation and transportation arrangements for early arrivals or late departures, however you are required to arrive in time to fully participate in the volunteer experience with your team. Personal travel would not be covered in your tax-deductible receipt.

Can my family come on the trip with me?
The trip cost listed is a per person rate. Family members can participate in the trip as part of the volunteer team by paying a separate trip cost. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
Children under 12 are unable to participate in our program due to the nature of the volunteer work involved. Children 12-17 wishing to participate in a volunteer trip require a parent/guardian with them.

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need special skills or training to be able to help. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace, within your own comfort level, five days a week from about 8AM to 4PM. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing.

What is the work site like and what is the intensity of the labour?
There is a building manager and translator on site. Tasks on the work site vary and you will only be asked to do what you are comfortable with and within your physical abilities. There is no pressure!

Why should I volunteer?
Support sustainable change with us. Learn about the world and yourself, lend a hand and build hope. Every bit of time spent on a DWC project is helping a person, a family, or a community. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. DWC matches teams of volunteers and resources with people and organizations in developing nations to alleviate poverty and inspire hope and your efforts do have impact. The experience is enhanced by working as a team. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

Are DWC trips religious or political in nature?
DWC has no religious or political affiliations.

Each trip is coordinated by DWC with the help of a Team Leader, who has travelled with DWC previously, is First Aid Certified, and has completed a Criminal Record Check. Your Team Leader will liaise with DWC and ensure all your questions are answered. Your Team Leader will handle all team finances through the trip and travel with you to ensure the best possible travel and volunteer experience for their team! They also facilitate fun, cultural experiences where possible, ensuring group cohesion. See your Team Leader Biography here:

Jen Erickson

Jennifer Erickson has travel in her blood. She is passionate about exploring new places and cultures.
Her first trip with DWC was to India in October 2015 where she worked on a project to build a women’s shelter. This project hooked her on the kind of engaged travel that DWC trips provide. In 2016/17, she took a one-year leave of absence from work to travel and participated in two DWC projects – building a home in the Philippines and a return to India as a team leader. Jennifer is a public servant in her work life, working for the Ministry of Health in Victoria. In addition to India, Jen lived in France and has travelled to places as varied as Peru, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Asia and East Africa. She is passionate about community development and empowering people to contribute to improving their lives.