Sri Lanka Kandy
AboutKandy
City Population: 1,415,000
Language: SINHALESE
Currency: SRI LANKAN RUPEE
Attractions: TEMPLES, BEACHES, SURFING
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Sri Lanka - the "teardrop of India" - is an idyllic destination, with its tropical climate and many miles of beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Modern day Sri Lanka is a mixture of cultural influences, especially in aspects such as architecture, music and cuisine. At the same time the ancient traditions are maintained in a fiercely proud national identity.
Work the World Sri Lanka is based in Kandy, the capital of the Central Province, where it lies nestled in the foothills of the highlands. An important religious centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy is arguably the most picturesque city on the entire island, with the beautiful man-made Kandy Lake one of a number of focal points. The climate here is pleasant all year round and Kandy also forms a central transport hub, with roads leading away from it to a number of major destinations.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Introduction to the Work the World location of Kandy, Sri Lanka
Our staff
Our Work the World staff in Sri Lanka will be there to provide guidance and support throughout your stay. They’ll pick you up at the airport when you arrive, give you a tour of the area, accompany you on your first day of placement, introduce you to your work colleagues, and generally make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible for you. Program Manager Nandika Nanayakkara and Assistant Program manager Mewan Amarakoon are always available to offer help and advice. Mewan also acts as interpreter and guide for our Ayurvedic Medicine program.
Housekeeper Champika keeps the Kandy house clean and running smoothly—and has great advice on where to shop for the best bargains! Our talented caterer Aloysius formerly worked at top-rated hotels, including the five-star Ceylon Continental in Colombo.
Students who are present in Kandy during July and/or August have the opportunity to witness the glorious Esala Perahera festival, when the Sinhalese and Hindu new year are brought in amid a spectacle of dance, drumming, fire-eating and nightly elephant parades.
Read more about Our StaffAccommodation & free time
Our Work the World house in Kandy is a large, bright and modern property located in a quiet, residential area a short distance from the city center. The house is close to the Temple of the Tooth and offers stunning views over the beautiful Kandy Lake.
The house accommodates up to 36 people, with comfortable shared bedrooms, verandas, a garden and spacious living rooms for relaxing or learning Sinhala in the evenings. All placements are within easy reach by tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) which are readily available.
There are a multitude of options for weekend activities in Sri Lanka - students regularly head down to the white-sand beaches with world-class surfing, visit stunning ancient temples, discover the elephant orphanage at Pinnewela, or let their hair down in the nightlife of bustling Colombo. There is something for everyone in this remarkable country.
what else is included?Ayurvedic Medicine Experience
Though much of the western world still considers Ayurvedic medicine to be alternative therapy, it is an integral part of the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Around 70% of rural folk will accept no other form of medicine, and many city dwellers use it to complement their hospital treatments.
During our week-long Ayurvedic Medicine Experience, you’ll live in a rural village and work at a local Ayurvedic hospital alongside a much-respected Ayurvedic doctor.
You will be accompanied by a Work the World guide will be your translator, and involve you in local activities, including visiting a sacred herb garden. You’ll stay in a comfortable local guesthouse, which you’ll share with other Work the World students. Clean sheets, purified water and meals are provided.
An excellent contrast to your Kandy placement, this experience will benefit you both professionally and personally and give you direct insight into Sri Lankan traditions and rural beliefs about healthcare.
Read more about the Ayurvedic Medicine ExperienceMedical student Philippa talks from Sri Lanka about her experiences with Work the World
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Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful people and so much to teach any student who is willing to learn
Kaitlin Freienmuth, Robert Gordon University 2013
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I was able to see a variety of cases, including pediatric cases such as cerebral palsy and sternocleidomastoid tumors. Other adult cases included fractures, burns, Guillian Barre and a lot of different MSK cases
Louise Bishop, Professional placement 2013
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Kandy is stunning and I have never taken in so much culture from one place before. I came home a different person and know it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Alecia Gillett, University of Salford 2012
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