Cindy's experience in Project Hodiya!

I was a volunteer in Sri Lanka when I was 17 years old.That's a great experience in my life.I worked and taught kids English at a pre school.

The children are so cute and teachers are friendly,so I did have a great time with them.I also went to the cancer hospital to see the children.We drew pictures,made cards and sang songs together.That day meant a lot for me.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with lots of natural views and the historic sites.I enjoyed taking the train to everywhere.I had ever been to Galle, Hikkaduwa,Horton Plain, Sigiriya and son on.I like the sunrise at the top of Adam's Peak and the sunset on the beach.When I was visiting the temples,I was deeply impressed by the Buddhist culture.

But I think the most biggest surprise is meeting lots of nice friends there.We worked together,lived together,traveled together.We were a happy family.

I miss everything in Sri Lanka so much,and I will go back  there one day.

Cindy Chan
Exchange Participant
Project Hodiya

Dwelling on getting an intern for your company? Look no further than AIESEC Colombo South

Why get an intern when you have perfectly experienced workforce who exceed expectations in their deliverables? or you might be one of those companies who are oscillating on the idea of interns. Yes taking an intern may seem daunting and as a tedious task.  Some might even say the investment is not worth it. We at AIESEC are here to ease your qualms and offer you the ideal solution, the farfetched idea of offering you not just any interns but an international intern.

AIESEC is the largest youth-led global organization that truly embodies leadership and entrepreneurship development.  We create opportunities that groom leaders who thrive to surpass borders and constraints.  We take pride in saying that as a youth run organization we have been able to supply superior interns to  leading companies as well as startups. Those interns that we deliver to you are those who realize that they don’t want to become another safe ship in a harbor and those who get out of the safe zone where the real journey begins. And that is why even your experienced workforce would benefit from  interns.

Presentation of a token of appreciation for Dell 

Hiring international interns has often been seen as a complicated process and somewhat of an extravagance that only large organizations can afford. However AIESEC is ready to provide you that luxury  in the most cost-effective manner. The global talent program of AIESEC is renowned worldwide as the preeminent path of getting foreign interns, which enables local companies to use differentiated talents across the world.

We provide young, passionate individuals that can bring strategic perspectives to your company while operating in a fast-paced environment. International interns who has experienced life in different cultures can bring new viewpoints to your companies. Not to mention that tapping into the international network of undergraduates will help you build up or strengthen your ties with the world. Our network includes over 100,000 members in 126 countries and territories from which you can pick interns for any of the sectors in your company. Be it management, technical or educational we are confident that we can cater to your needs not only as an affordable and hassle-free HR solution, but as a way to change the way your company works.

Among all the committees in Sri Lanka, AIESEC Colombo South (University of Moratuwa) occupies a prominent place.  AIESEC Colombo South reached the peak of completing 36 intern exchanges during last year alone, thus recording the highest number of exchanges in the term 2013/2014 in AIESEC Sri Lanka.  Having a sound set of corporate partners is a major reason why AIESEC CS could able to reach the pinnacle. We are currently partnered with a spectra of companies functioning in hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing, engineering and different other industries. Jetwing Travels, Aitken Spence travels, Microsoft, Eco Team Sri Lanka and HNB Plc, Dell and Exotic travels are to name but a few of or our most renowned partners.

Presentation of a token of appreciation for Aitken Spence Travels

At AIESEC Colombo South, we trust in the transformation power of entrepreneurship and cultural exchange to bring about a better world. Being the best in what we do is not only a promise but what we have proved over the course of time.

Contact: 

Thathsara Radeeka 

Local Committee Vice President - Global Internship Programme

e-mail : thathsara.radeeka@aiesec.net

Supuni Gunasekara

Faculty of Engineering

University of Moratuwa

Experiences that keep getting better and better! - Malitha shares "3" of his AIESEC Internships

I could say that AIESEC changed my life completely. It would take pages to write how much fun i had in all 3 internships I took. It all started with a GCDP project .

I still remember my first AIESEC Internship in Russia like yesterday which i took to have some for a vacation . But it ended up being not just fun which changed me to a different person in a good way and more confident , It motivated me to look for more International experience which lead me to take a GIP in Lithuania . 

Having stayed there for 1 year i realized how much I have developed meeting new people , learning new things everyday and exploring new cultures .

It was a struggle at first to get used to new cultures food , weather and also to make friends and more importantly cooking with what you have in the country .But that is also one skill that you learn once you have that kind of experience already and that is why I took my next GIP internship in Estonia.

And here I am applying all that experience what i learned while gaining more!

  Malitha Gamage
  oGIP EP - Estonia

Want to create your own experience? (Click here)

Pawan's Amazing Experience in Malaysia!

When I first stepped into the departure platform in the airport, I was bit nervous as well as in tense since it was my first journey abroad all by myself. I was thinking of what would happen to me, how I face if something arises. Since I had never gone through the standard procedure in the airport all by myself, I always had my dad to take care of those things. 

And to be honest I hardly had any idea of my project and what I had to do. But anyways my curiosity and my confidence that I can do anything by myself enabled me to get through all the challenges. When I first called my exchange participant (EP) manager for the first time after I came out of the Malaysian airport, I was so confused and perplexed since I couldn’t understand a single word he told me as I wasn’t familiar with their accent and all. Fortunately I managed myself to go to the station he asked me to come. Then we travelled to our university, “UKM”. When I went there I met a bunch of AIESECers which gave me some relief that I was in the right place. Next morning I was so anxious to see my group members as from the moment I woke up. When I went to cafeteria I met a bunch of strangers from all around the world whom I never thought that they would be a part of me. But then I realized after our first info session that I was in a mix cultural family and I was part of something bigger than myself.

I had never worked with a bunch of foreign students just like me before. My new family members were Aiza from Kazasthan, Adzhara from Kirigizthan, Milk from China, Abira from Pakistan, Bilal from Pakistan, Astitva from India, Donavan from Taiwan and Saiveer from India. 

When it came to choose a leader within ourselves, I was wondering where I would fit in this team of mine. Even though I wasn’t voted to become the leader I determined to contribute my best to my team. Then came our first workshop along but we basically didn’t prepare for it that much since we went to some mall to have some fun Fortunately we managed to get some slides from the AIESEC which helped us immensely in our workshop. In our first workshop we had to spread awareness of recycling specifically e-waste recycling to the students in the age group of 12-15. It was literally a disaster since we weren’t prepared and hardly anyone was interested in what we were saying. But to the end of it we pulled ourselves back from the hell and finished with a bang. But as soon as we came back we reflected back ourselves and recognized what went wrong and how we should improve ourselves for the better. It was such a team spirit I never had felt before since we worked hard and made all the slides by ourselves by handing over different sections to each and every one of us. 

Then came our first weekend which everyone desperately anticipated. At the time my new family had grown to 30 members including all the exchange participants from all the 3 projects. We decided to go to the Cameron Highlands as a family since it is rather better than splitting us and going to different places. At that time I was so overjoyed and was feeling so crazy since after we went there we enjoyed a lot and did some ridiculous things which I never ever had thought I would do. In the next week we had to teach the basic knowledge of e-waste and IT to an orphanage. Until then we never thought or experienced that kind of a thing. They were so keen on learning and here and there were cracking some jokes, we became so bonded with them throughout the week. 

After toiling hard all the week long to teach kids and make their lives for better, we went to Lankkawi island for 5 days since it was the festive season. We enjoyed and had an awesome and a nostalgic time in our lives with the beautiful beaches and breathe taking small islands. Then in the next two weeks we had to teach about Photoshop and video editing to another orphanage which even we weren’t that good. So we had to learn them by ourselves at first by watching some tutorials in youtube and staying up the whole night. Since I was good at teaching, I had to conduct the first session. When I went there suddenly a bunch of little girls and boys gathered around me and called me,” teacher teacher” with their sweet voices which I had never heard from kids. 

They were absolutely so eager to learn which inspired me so much to use all my energy and effort in teaching. I have to say that I had never seen such a bunch of kids who were interested in learning. Their affection towards me motivated me to strive hard and teach all throughout the two weeks. The look on their eyes is still is in my heart and their sweet little voices still is echoing in my ears. I then finally realized the real purpose in my life, I had gain a lifelong satisfaction which I can never earn by money or whatever. At the brink of desperation and at the time I had lost hope in myself and the world, those kids gave me a new purpose a new life a vision to worth living for. We were so much bonded and attached to them since we played with them, shared our experiences with them simply we spend all of our time with them. At the end , just before we had to leave , some little girls asked me ,” Teacher teacher are you coming back?” , which brought some tears into my eyes and for the first time I felt that much of an agony which burned me of love affection to them. So reluctantly I had to say good bye to them. Then they hug me and thanked me for teaching. 

They were the best days of my life and they are the best students I have. Then I determined to come back in the future and make heaven for their lives. In that weekend we travelled to Pangkor Island with our mentor Vincent for our project work. Second day morning we cleaned the beautiful beach of the pangkor and then we made some new innovative stuff by using waste. It was so much fun for the team since we came up with the most crazy and ridiculous creations ever. Then at the night we had to collaborate with the local children and help them to make some upcycling creations of their own. In that situation we faced the most challenge of all was that none of the children could understand English not even a little. 

Then our saviours, our Chinese guys came into action and helped us get through that challenge as well. In the next morning we had to spread awareness of recycling to the locals by distributing leaflets to houses. So I teamed up with Milk since she could speak Chinese so I had to do nothing while 
she did all by herself. Then we came back to our university again. Next two weeks went into flyer and the days literally flew. When it came to the last 3 or 4 days I was beginning fell afraid to go back to home since then I would lose my new family. Again I was in a confused situation and was in two minds whether to go back or not. At that time we were like a real family, we shared everything and we knew everything about each other including all the darkest things.

Then came the global village which we had to maintain a stall for our respective countries by ourselves. I, Insaf and Yasiru did a great job in preparing and making ours the best stall in the event. At then I realized by seeing all the stalls and my mates what was the meaning cross cultural experience. We all were dressed in our national attires and our stalls were filled with our cultural trifles. It was a wonderful and a marvellous event. In the next night we were given the certificates in the award night. It was the last night we all were together as one family for the last time. At the end of the night everyone became so emotional of leaving one another and almost everyone cried that day. And then with a broken heart I came home of losing my second family. 

"Through my amazing experience thanks to AIESEC I have gained the life essence of friendship, love, passion, affection. And I have realized the purpose of my life"

Want to know more about going on an exchange?

Pawan Samarakoon

Faculty of Engineering

University of Moratuwa

"I experienced something beyond a normal project." - Erandi Galappaththi from organizing Committee of Fuegosticka 2.0 shared her experience

As a member of team Fuegosticka 2.0, I came across with many worthy experiences. At the   beginning of the project I contributed to process of collecting sponsorships, banners and other external relations stuff. This process helped me to develop my communication skills in various ways. After EPs arrived to our country from the very beginning I developed good relationships with them. It helped them to work in our project successfully. This was a brand new experience for me.

Though this was an android game development project, I experienced something beyond a normal project. Our project continued for 6 weeks and every week we had a session on android technology and many kind of workshops. As an undergraduate of Information Technology, this technological sessions really helped me to develop my android and game developing field. This project directly connected with the IT industry and it helped me to get a good exposure to the industry and professional bodies, especially because most of the sessions and workshops were done by professional people whose expertise for android in the industry.

I was fortunately privileged to have the best organizing committee in my project Fuegosticka 2.0. Especially our team leader Sehan Rathnayake had a great capability of leading this project to the success that we achieved. He guided us very well and that’s the secret of our success. Not only him every other member had a huge contribution. For myself they helped me a lot to cover up my work and they were always a helping hand. This team spirit lead us to the pinnacle of success.

"Fugosticka is one of the unique concepts and initiative by AIESEC – Colombo South." - Shafraz Rahim from Dialog Ideamart shared some thoughts about Fugosticka 2.0

Fugosticka is one of the unique concepts and initiative by AIESEC – Colombo South. This competition encourage teams build competitive Android based games, critically analyze users experience with the game, market an application, application monetization, working with stakeholders, building team spirit, enrich and empower  tech entrepreneurship. This time we had 16 teams competing for one title and the games which were produced encouraged to market within two months’ time. Dialog Ideamart is proud to be the main sponsor of this event since we provide support for app development life cycle to taking application production live to funding.

We would like to wish all the very best for future endeavors of AIESEC – Colombo South.

"It was really an honor for me to join Fuegosticka 2.0 group."- Ela Zhang from China shared her experience in Fuegosticka 2.0

When I arrived in Sri Lanka lately in the night, a pile of local AIESECers had already been waiting for me out of the international airport. At that time I didn’t think too much. I just followed them and sat into the van, without any awareness of that it was the beginning of an life-changing experience. I didn’t expect anything before I came to Sri Lanka. But this country is so tolerant. She welcomed me with her best parts: golden beaches, waving sees, shining stars, bitter beers, tasty coconuts, original trains, beautiful sunsets, roof parties, sacred mountains, ancient cities and those warm-hearted, enthusiastic and passionate local guys. All of those were beyond my imagination. It was really an honor for me to join Fuegosticka 2.0 group. It is a project aimed at promoting Android Games developed by local students. By doing presentation on marketing & monetization and doing interviews and evaluations, I knew a lot more about marketing strategies. It was because of this project that I gained friendships, teamwork skills and sense of responsibility. It was because of this project that I got courage to walk out of my comfort zone. It was because of this project that I regard Sri Lanka as my second home.

Yes, I love this country.

I love Sri Lanka, the ”Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.

Because I love you guys from Fuegosticka 2.0 group.

 Because I love you,  AIESEC Colombo South.

" I can say that I found myself in Sri Lanka" - Artur Mayoral from Brazil shared his experience in Fuegosticka 2.0

I spent 2 months in Sri Lanka, and i can say that i really wanted to have had more time there. I had the pleasure to be a part of Fuegosticka 2.0, and interact with lots of students of Moratuwa University, along with my fellow interns. The project was a real challenge and demanded a lot in terms of responsibility, commitment and leadership. But we faced those challenges with the great help and support of the OC and delivered a great project! The experience was amazing, the share of thoughts, ideas and culture affected me a lot; more that I can even imagine. I can say that I found myself in Sri Lanka, the project showed me that I really love marketing and now I can pursue this passion with much more confidence! It’s unbelievable how much I miss those days and the friends I made there. The culture, language, people, places and tuktuks seem like a dream now that I am back in Brazil; so again, I really wanted to have had more time there.

Charana shares his exchange experience

Hello, I'm Charana Udugama from Sri Lanka. I'm studying Computer Engineering in University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Thank you so much AIESEC in Sunway for selecting me as one of the Exchange Participants for your project THUMP 2.0. Being a non AIESECer, I got to know about this opportunity from an info session conducted by the members from AIESEC Colombo South collaboration with AIESEC Pera. There I met Sandaru Karunasiri (My Exchange Participant Manager). He suggested me Sunway since he was there for his own Internship Programme. I asked my parents about it. Usually they don't allow me to travel. But surprisingly they agreed. So I took it considering the fact that this being my only vacation until my retirement. It was a bold decision and it eventually paid off. I'm proud to say that I'm the first Out Going Exchange realization from my university.

 

It all started with an interview by Ms. VeeVian Yong. I was so nervous. But it went well. After couple of days I got the news that I was selected. I took a flight on 30th November early morning. I was kinda scared and shaking because it was not the best of the times in terms of airplanes. I reached Kuala Lampur International Airport at about 0700h. VeeVian, Abraar(Exchange Participant  from Mauritius) and also Tan Chee Lin was waiting for me. Came to the EP house which was a really nice place to stay. And also I got the master bed room. 


 
The very next day we started the planning right away. A meeting with the Organizing Committee President and my fellow Exchange Participant . After two days Vivek (Exchange Participant  from India) came and we carried out the project. Couple of workshops by Michelle Lee and Tan Chee Lin. We had such an awesome Organizing Committee. Esther Yong, my beloved Organizing Committee President  who was always there to motivate and help us in everything. Yip Vyona, VeeVian Yong, Onnyi Lam Su Zanne and Celine were the other Organizing Committee members who helped us in every way for THUMP and also for the experience in Malaysia. 

The urban mapper project took place in a PPR named “Kota Damansara”. Whch was 1 hour drive from Sunway. My part was to facilitate the Engagements, a presentation relating to “Critical Thinking” and also teach them Chess. I also need to thank Chris from UNDP who taught us Chess. Having a 3 months of experience in teaching maths and science to kids in my home country, it was not too hard to get along with them. I taught them how think critically and find answers in tough situations in their life through my presentation. I used some puzzles and riddles as practical examples. Esther helped me in translating it to Malay. After that I conducted a Chess session using a presentation and interactive sessions again with the help of Esther. 

Actually dealing with kids was a sensitive job. Teaching them something and seeing them learning it, is such an amazing feeling. I consider my self a good teacher. So I did my very best and after 5 engagements they were really good in Chess. 6th engagement was a Chess competition. 

Besides the project, living in Malaysia was such an unique experience. It was my first time abroad. I should note something about people in Malaysia . They are really friendly and helpful. They don't honk and they are very patient. Transportation there is costly but comfortable. A lot of people prefer driving rather than using public transport. Cities are very clean and highly developed compared to my country.

I explored Malaysia with my fellow Exchange Participants and Organizing Committee members. Specially Esther took us around KL and did her very best to give us the best experience by making us try different kinds of food. Being a part time photographer I was lucky enough to capture some great pictures and moments. 

 

The best part of this experience was mixing with the culture. I learned some phrases in BM and it was fun using them with local people. Actually I learned a lot about people of different cultures. How they talk, eat, dress, behave etc. 

It was truly a life changing experience. I was a different man when I was leaving Malaysia.

I've developed my skills in handling a workshop, delivering presentations, working with a team etc. I took a step from my comfort zone. And it wasn't easy. But I made it through. Even though almost all the people I worked with are younger than me I learned a lot from them. Relating to the profession and also relating to life. Above all I gained some good friends from different countries. 



The project wasn't a walk in a park. We faced many hardships and obstacles. But most importantly we sticked together. I need to thank my fellow Exchange Participants and Organizing Committee members for that. Without them this project won't see the end it saw. From my point of view the project was a SUCCESS. 

Thank you Esther for being the best Organizing Committee President ever. Thank you Vyona, VeeVian Yong, Onnyi Lam Su Zanne and Celine for being such an awesome OC. Thank you Abraar Surooprajally and Vivek Khan for being good partners and also better friends. 

Also I need to thank Michelle Lee, Tan Chee Lin, Figo Chin WH and other AIESECers who helped us to get the best experience in Malaysia. 


At last but not least. Thank you AIESEC in Sunway for being such a great host. 

Now I've already started my AISEC career. I've joined GCDP function,which will be starting a 
project in next month. And I applied for the TL OGX for the next term in AIESEC Pera

 

Best of luck AIESEC Colombo South for your future goals and aspects. I will not hesitate to recommend your LC for my fellow AIESECers for an internship in future.

Best Regards,

Charana Udugama
Faculty of Engineering,
University of Peradeniya

Iris Visser shared her experience in "E Guru Gedara" project

Iris Visser

Sri Lanka. My destination which I had chosen quite randomly. One of my first ‘motivation e-mails’ went to his project called ‘E guru gedara’. Oshada, the guy who later appeared to be my housemate, interviewed me. Or I can better say, I interviewed him with all those question I had to ask because my mother wanted to know things like if the traffic would be really that dangerous (or maybe she didn’t really wanted to know, since I would decide to go to Asia anyway). Despite of the bad connection – so Oshada and me had to combine chatting and talking – I had a good feeling about choosing Sri Lanka and this project, so I just decided to go for it.

I hardly did know anything about Sri Lanka. Furthermore there was not much time to gather information since I had to finish my bachelor thesis before my internship and also there was a study trip to Budapest & Belgrado on the planning in April. Two weeks before this study trip I booked my flight (to leave my country at the 28th of April), called the doctor for some vaccinations and did only the most necessary preparations. Somehow I finished my bachelor thesis in time, so I could leave without any study obligations.

And there, on April 28, I was sitting at the window side of this huge plane of Etihad Airlines. No way back. An adventure of me, myself and I. About 24 hours later I arrived at the airport of Colombo. Sehan, a really nice (and unexpectedly tall) guy picked me up and brought me to my accommodation, called ‘the lc-house’ (lc = local committee, referring to the local committee of AIESEC). Because of his accent it was really hard to understand him, so had to ask ‘what?’ and ‘can you please repeat that?’ all the time. Luckily I got used to this accent quite soon.

In the lc-house I was warmly welcomed by Oshada and Elena. Elena is a German girl who had just finished her project. I was happy she was there to tell me about her experiences and that she could give me some banana’s because I was a little hungry arriving late in the evening…

The next morning I found this note, lying at my feet when I woke up: ‘GOT EXAMS, WILL BE BACK IN THE EVENING, take Elena to get some food, - Oshada’. I remember, the moment reading this note, as the day like yesterday, while it is already more than three months ago and so much happened. Anyway, my first day I went with Elena to Bentota and Casgoda to spot some sea turtles. Unless my mum’s talk about suicidal bus drivers, we went by bus. Bus 02, to be specific. During our bus ride we had to listen to a really terrible Sinhalese version of Enrique Iglesias while watching some flickering lights around little Buddha statues above the front window of the bus.

Buses were one of the first eye-openers of a different culture. You don’t only have a bus driver, but also a ‘bus worker’ (as I call it) who gathers the money from all the passengers (some of them try to receive more money of foreigners so you have to be careful by giving to fast your money, always ask ‘how much?’ before giving some random amount of rupees). Some of this bus workers also scream quite a lot, most of the time they only use two words: ‘HARRY HARRY HARRY HARRY’ and then, as far as I know, let the bus driver know it’s time to move on, and: ‘BAYLA BAYLA BAYLA BAYLA’ when the bus driver might start driving too fast while still some passengers have to get off.

Writing this experience story, I am thinking about what kind of ‘culture shock’ I have experienced, about which the AIESEC-organization was previously warning me about. To be for the first time in Asia, for the first time leaving ‘comfortable’ Europe. I guess calling it a ‘shock’ is a little effusive. I saw some poverty this first taxi ride from the airport… riding close to really small houses and seeing the people living there staring at our car… But that was only for a few minutes, the rest of Colombo seemed – through my eyes – quite developed (I drove about one hour from the airport to the lc-house in Moratuwa). And of course it was really hot, but I already could expect th
at. The first cold shower is definitely part of my ‘warm welcome’.

Elena told me about all the people who would stare at me. Lots of Sri Lankan people hardly see white people (or some even never have seen before) and might think you are ‘too’ beautiful (or extraordinary and in that way special? I should have asked this people why they were staring). She said it would not really mind if you’re wearing shorts or not, people would stare anyway (for the information: it’s normal to cover at least your knees and shoulders in Sri Lanka). Elena was right, the first days I really felt all those eyes looking at me. Later I got used to it.

Perhaps it’s because I am an open-minded and flexible person, but I never had a moment I felt this ‘culture shock’. One reason for that might the fact that I never have felt alone during my two month stay in Sri Lanka. There were always so many nice people around me, during my travelling but also during my internship I made friends with the trainee teachers of my age… Also I was not expecting any luxury. I was fine with the ants walking in colonies through our house, having no fridge (why do you need one when the take-away food is just so delicious? Especially the egg kohttu!). I had the basic things: a bed, a ventilator and a cold shower. An additional important aspect is that I felt safe at my ‘home’.

I spend my second day by reading my travel guide and planning where to go, feeling confident enough to just leave the next morning, together with my backpack, to start a little journey through Sri Lanka, alone. I didn’t like to leave Elena behind but also I really felt I wanted to discover the country and use my time as efficient as possible.

So I left the comfortable lc-house, took a 100 or a 101 bus to the railway station in Moratuwa, paid too much but didn’t want to start a discussion, went from the Moratuwa railway station to Colombo Fort and from there to Kandy (from there to Sigirya, Dambulla and Matale), Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Embilipitiya (from there to the Udawalawa National Park) and a week later, after meeting a lot of nice people (except for one tuk-tuk driver which tried to kiss me), seeing beautiful places, I arrived back at the lc-house.

Elena had left but Nora was back in her place, another German girl who was luckily really nice too (I knew I would live with her at the lc-house for a longer time). She already started the project (btw, didn’t tell yet: teaching English at the Girls High School in Mount Lavinia) a few days earlier so I decided to go along with her the next day, just ignoring the tiredness of my first incredible journey I just had.

It was quite easy taking a bus to Mount Lavinia, you only have to know where to get off since there is no one who will mention any name of a bus stop. From the right bus stop it was only a five minute walk to our school. 2000 girls from all ages were just walking around in and between all the buildings when we arrived. We walked into the staff room and then some kind of traditional Sinhalese song started and everyone stood up. I think this song takes too long, even if you understand what it’s about. Somehow we found a teacher who was apparently responsible for the timetables. Too bad there would not be any periods on my first two days at the school due to the preparation of ‘the exhibition’ and the exhibition itself.

Even though there was not much to do for Nora and me, we wanted to look around the classes at what the students were making (funny thing: some ware making a landscape of the winter, without they had ever seen it with their own eyes). Some students were really busy, using their creativity. Most of the students had no any clue about what to do and for most of the teachers this also seemed the case. I can describe my first impression in one word: chaos. At the same time I need to say that all the teachers and students were really friendly to me. Some students are really excited about seeing this two white girls walking around their school, yelling ‘HII! HOW ARE YOU?’, others are really shy. One moment Nora and I decided to sit down for a while (it was hot anyway). However, we ended in the middle of a big crowd of big brown eyes students asking for our signatures and drawings (their favorite: the peacock).

Sometimes you don’t know whether it’s an advantage or a disadvantage to be white.

After the weekend a fresh new week started. After some time and discussions I got my own fixed class: grade 8A. Unfortunately, I could only teach them English one period a day (of the nine periods a day). Every teacher has to be present from 7.30am till 1.30pm, so what to do with the rest of the time? I helped with the drama of a grade 7, who had a really nice teacher who brought many times banana’s from her garden (‘’without chemicals! Good for you’’), preparing the classes a little and sometimes I played piano to support the singing of the primary school students of some other English teachers.

So Nora and I tried to take initiative to make our days worth it, but some days were just boring and too hot to do active stuff. Several teachers were also quite unmotivated, but I can imagine that when the weather is hot and your salary is low, plus no one who is really controlling your work (I am wondering about the last one). Also the trainee teachers, with whom Nora and I talked a lot in the breaks or when we had no periods, were not that satisfied with the organization of this school. Still I won’t call my experiences bad at all. The students were although this conditions motivated to learn. Well at least I assume my students were, since they listened so well to me. Some of them didn’t make their exercises but I don’t think that’s because of a lack of motivation but rather about having no clue what to do or just feeling insecure about writing English.

I liked to teach. More than I expected. You might think 45 students of 13-14 year old would be a quite hard job, but I enjoyed to spend time with my grade 8A. Teaching them different things, sometimes serious grammar exercises, sometimes games like the hangman, making word clouds or a word snake. Also the students must have liked me. Every ending of a period they told me: ‘Please, come again!’. Besides teaching English I also taught them some Dutch and French words. I also would have like to do some research, interview teachers and give them advice about how the school could be improved. But, I wonder if that would have made a lot of sense. You have to respect the culture and I was already happy that they trusted me to do the things I did. The positive part of the culture is that people are really hospitable. One teacher asked Nora and me to have dinner at her place… Such things would never happen here in the Netherlands.

Before you know the six weeks of teaching already passed. The last day was the ‘English Drama day’. Some English teachers, Nora and me went to another school to see the drama’s of our school and two other schools. Our drama appeared to be the best and we won. It was nice to see that our students were so happy and so thankful that we helped them with the drama. Perhaps a good moment to finish our internship but it was also really hard to leave… some students even began to cry.

The combination of teaching English, being there on this Girls High School, travelling around before, after and in the weekends during the internship, was perfect. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of Sri Lanka (more than the moderate Sri Lankan person), met a lot of people (locals as well as other travelling people and interns) and learned a lot about the Sri Lankan culture. For example: I can eat with my hands and I know the taste of arrack, coconut and all kind of strange fruits.

I can write a lot more about of my experiences but I think I just wrote down the most important things. I can recommend everyone to visit Sri Lanka. It’s a nice country to travel around but it’s also really nice to do an internship to just understand the culture better and talking with the local people. If you have the chance, take it!

Climbing Adam’s peak and realize it’s too misty…

The lovely trainee teachers… eating with their hands