Name: SLV.Global
Rating: 4.48

“I loved every minute in Sri Lanka! I will be forever grateful to SL Volunteers for the amazing opportunity they gave me. Lucy and Yasintha were greatly supportive and my placement was the most enriching experience I have ever had. I loved the philosophy of SLV which discourages the awful concept of "Volontourism" and I felt privileged to give my little contribution to this fantastic company. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and, if I could I would definitely go again. Keep up the fantastic work!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Hi Laura, thank you for your commitment to the team and taking the time to write this. We enjoyed having you on the team. Please do keep in touch and all the best for the future!

Posted 8 years ago

“A sheer delightful bunch of people to work with. Very well organised and an invaluable experience! Visiting people in the community who were very generous especially in their warmth in welcoming the SlV team. Highly recommend it!”

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Posted 9 years ago

Hi Zarah, thank you so much for taking the time to share your views. We loved having you on the team! Please do keep in touch and we wish you all the best for the future.

Posted 8 years ago

“This experience taught me a lot of useful skills. This experience helped me to rediscover the beautiful country as being a Sri Lankan myself, I did not think that I would have new things to discover about Sri Lanka. However, I learnt a lot about Sri Lanka and the people of Sri Lanka whilst volunteering with SLV. During the weekend travels, you get to discover beautiful places that differ from one to the other, around the country. The staff are very friendly, helpful and understanding. They will help you through the placement journey. Furthermore, though you receive a lot of help and guidance, the placement teaches you about the importance of teamwork as you plan all of your sessions together. This helps you to observe and learn at first, from the volunteers who have already been there for a while. Moreover, the homestay families are very caring, attentive and kean to learn a lot about you! The families love to share their way of life and culture with you and are eager to do so. After spending 12 weeks as a Special Needs volunteer/coordinator, I learnt a lot about myself and lots of new skills as to how it is important to be responsible, friendly and how important it is to really care about others. Furthermore, being on this placement taught me a lot about, how helpful therapy is as I do not come from a psychology background. All in all, SLV really cares about YOUR experience and it also values teamwork, which combined together provides you a great platform to gain an absolutely great and useful experience in Sri Lanka.”

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Posted 9 years ago

“I spent 8 weeks in Sri Lanka on the Psychology placement and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. I gained so much from working at the projects and also met some friends for life in other volunteers. I had never been to Asia before but I felt so well supported by both the National and International staff at SLV, it was such an incredible experience I wish it wasn't over!”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I did a 6 week placement in Sri Lanka and was so sad to come home! I wish I had extended now. It's such great fun to do something completely out of your comfort zone. It was truly a great experience, the people, the homestay, the projects and of course - the weekends! Initially it can be quite daunting and overwhelming, but you soon get so wrapped up in the Sri Lankan way of life, you forget about all these worries. You are constantly on the move, which is great as it keeps you busy. The projects are fun - some more enjoyable than others. I was on a Psychology Placement and actually found that I enjoyed the teaching projects the most - even though that was what I was most nervous about. Have made some life-long friends and some great memories - thanks SLV :)”

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Posted 10 years ago

“The best experience of my life! I got to explore Sri Lanka and all of its wonderful culture, whilst teaching some of the most amazing kids and adults I have ever met. I got to see how the other side of the world copes and treats mental illness and it was an unforgettable eye-opening experience, definitely one of a kind. I would happily volunteer with SLV again and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a memorable opportunity. I couldn't have asked for anything more.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“An incredible experience! I worked on the mental health project and loved every second of it! SLV staff were always helpful and there to talk and answer any questions. Wonderfully professional people and a joy to work with. I would recommend this organisation to anyone looking for experience in mental health, I couldn't fault it.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“A great way to broaden your horizons and consider different perspectives whilst knowing your contributing to part of something bigger.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I volunteered with SLV from June to September 2014, originally I was supposed to stay in Sri Lanka for just 5 weeks but loved it so much I asked to extend and completed a total of 10 weeks. I was promoted while out there to a volunteer coordinator and psychology manager. I loved every minute of my time with SLV, and fell in love with every single project I was a part of especially the special needs projects. The SLV staff are fantastic and are there for you from start to finish of the placement. It is also such a lovely touch getting to stay with families in Sri Lanka as it was so nice to get fully immersed in the culture and feel even more a part of the Sri Lankan culture. I had the opportunity to meet some fantastic people, who will definitely be my friends for life and it was such a great opportunity to meet people who had so much in commen as me. I would definitely recommend being part of SLV to anyone who is considering taking part, it is such an amazing experience I could not recommend more. Sri Lanka is such a beautiful county you will love discovering on your weekend adventures. I would definitely love to go back if opportunity allows, I love it all so much!!”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I absolutely loved my time in Sri Lanka, the slv team were so supportive and helpful through out the whole time, and made the experience so much easier. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and would definitely go again!”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I have recently returned from the 5 week psychology placement with SLV and can truly say it was the best experience I have ever had. The country, SLV, the culture, the food, the projects and the other volunteers were beyond incredible. I would highly advise anyone to go not just for the invaluable work experience but to live in such a wonderful culture and meet the lovely people. My only regret is not extending for 10- weeks.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I have recently returned from the 5 week psychology placement with SLV and can truly say it was the best experience I have ever had. The country, SLV, the culture, the food, the projects and the other volunteers were beyond incredible. I would highly advise anyone to go not just for the invaluable work experience but to live in such a wonderful culture and meet the lovely people. My only regret is not extending for 10- weeks.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“The work SLV are doing in Sri Lanka is absolutely incredible and so inspirational. The staff are dedicated to their work and are extremely caring and helpful towards all of the volunteers. They provide a wide range of projects and give volunteers the opportunity to greatly broaden their experience.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“The entire experience was incredibly insightful, educational and hands on. It has helped me to decide what sector I would like to work in and is also something I would highly recommend to others to participate in. It can't be faulted.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I had such a great experience with SLV! It was really fun to combine travelling to a new place, meeting new people and gaining mental health and special needs experience altogether. It is so difficult to gain experience within mental health settings in the UK and my experience in Sri Lanka has definitely opened my eyes to what a career in mental health could involve and has also helped me with applications back here in the UK! If you are thinking about joining SLV you should go for it - definitely worth it for both the challenges and rewards it throws you!”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I would say to date, the SL volunteering experience has been one of the most inspiring opportunities that I have come to experience thus far. As a psychology student at the time, that was planning to enter the mental health sector, I gained invaluable knowledge about a non-western approach to mental health, and the differences these convey not only in treatment, but also the communities view which has a very large impact on the individual, within a collectivistic environment. - I also loved the fact that I remained within the community that we were helping to support, and not far removed, as this would lessen the entire experience. Overall, I would actually like to thank the organisation for the perspective I was able to gain, whilst appreciating the increased humility from the work and what we were able to achieve. all the best”

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Posted 10 years ago

“Joining the SLV team and heading out to Sri lanka was by far the best decision that I have made so far! I had the most incredible time in Sri lanka and met the most amazing people! I had the pleasure of meeting and working with some inspirational people and got lots of work experience that you would never get the chance of getting back home in the UK. The SLV team were amazing and the work that they do out in sri lanka changes peoples lives for the better and sure puts a smile on a lot of peoples faces. As well as working with people with mental health issues, special needs and shadowing clinical psychiatrists, you also get to travel at the weekends and see more of beautiful Sri lanka. I would recommend anyone to join the SLV team!!! You would certainly have an experience to remember. It was my best summer BY FAR! Thank you so much SLV! I miss you all x”

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Posted 10 years ago

“Absolutely loved my time in Sri Lanka. The family we stayed with were so lovely and helpful - I had my birthday whilst we were there and they threw me such a sweet little party. The projects were eye opening and hard at times but still enjoyable. An experience that has helped me with working in hospitals in England and one I won't be forgetting any time soon.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“I volunteered with SLV for 5 weeks on the Psychology placement and was based in Kotte. I would describe my time in Sri Lanka as a volunteer as one of the best experiences of my life. It was everything I hoped for, for my first time travelling alone and I think this is largely a result of how organised and caring SLV are about their volunteers. Knowing that they are on call 24/7 is very reassuring, however I never experienced any issues whilst out there. The placements that have been set up in Sri Lanka are phenomenal and even in the first week it is clear to see how much impact they are having on the local community and the service users. I was blown away by the solid relationship that had been built with the projects and as a volunteer this is amazing to be a part of. As with everything, there was a slight negative to the psychology projects in the sense that what was implied with the role wasn't necessarily as hands on and psychology orientated as I expected. However, the experience of going into psychiatric wards and working so closely with patients is something that's very hard to come by in the UK which makes the volunteering experience so unique. When I first saw my timetable I was slightly disappointed at there being two half days a week psychology based projects, however I began to realise that this was necessary as anything more would've been too intense after a number of weeks. The other placements that were offered alongside it were something I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the teaching. Alongside the placements I'd like to commend SLV on how great their setup in Sri Lanka is, the idea of volunteers living with families is an excellent aspect and was something that made the trip what it was. It is clear to see that the families who have been selected have the volunteers and organisations best interests at heart and are all genuinely lovely people. Living with the families and other volunteers really made me feel at home whilst being in Sri Lanka as well as feeling truly immersed within the culture and customs of the locals. Overall I would say my time in Sri Lanka was incredible and I'd simply like to thanks SLV for facilitating this amazing experience, I'd recommend people considering it to go in a heart beat.”

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Posted 10 years ago

“Honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made! SLV gave me the oppertunity to work in so many different settings and roles, and it really opened my eyes to many specific aspects of psychology in practice. Also I feel SLV developed me a lot as a person and I would most certainly do it all again. The team are really nice and I was always given enough support and training. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for worthwhile expereince abroad. Habeeb.”

Helpful Report

Posted 10 years ago

SLV.Global Reviews