Sri-Lanka Volunteer Program - 2016

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Changes in the 2016 program .................................................................................................................... 3-4 Location (Colombo) ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Accommodation ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Project Activities ........................................................................................................................................ 5-7 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ........................................................................................................................ 5 CHILD CARE/ORPHANGE ........................................................................................................................... 6 TEACHING............................................................................................................................................... 6-7 MONK TEACHING ...................................................................................................................................... 7 How project allocation is done. .................................................................................................................... 8 A typical day of the volunteer (Mon-Fri)* +:.................................................................................................. 8 Sample Program Itinerary ( for 2 weeks duration) ....................................................................................... 9 Program Services ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Program Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Arrival and Departure Policy ..................................................................................................................... 133

Introduction

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Idex has been offering volunteer and travel experiences to international volunteers for over a decade in India, Nepal and Thailand. Building on our diverse experience, having provided placements, travels and learning opportunities for many volunteers since the start of the programs, we have now taken our successful approach and extended it to another appealing and thrilling destination: Sri Lanka

The model of our India, Nepal and Thailand Volunteer Program has proved successful for many years, so we have taken it and applied the same principles in Sri Lanka: the participants work with the local community for improving the quality of education and care special institutions and regular schools.

Changes in the 2016 program 1. IMPORTANT – the time window for airport pickup has been changed to 10 AM on the starting date of the program until 6 AM on day 2 of the program. This change has been done, keeping in mind the time availability for the customer to check in into the accommodation and also to allow customers to join the program which begins already on Day 2 of the program. 2. We have found that a dinner with a local host family is a very popular and enjoyable cultural activity for the volunteers and for this purpose, it has been added to the experience of the program. 3. IMPORTANT: please pay attention to the sample daily schedule of the volunteers in the program and notice that volunteers now take packed lunches during the project days and spend a full day during the work time – this has been done to reduce the amount of travel during a day as well as create greater work hours and more impact from the volunteers’ work. 4. Please pay attention to the enhanced services list – these are the services that we have been offering in the program but have not been writing them in the documents. We believe that a full service list allows you to establish a better value of the program for any potential participant.

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5. Please note that we longer offer the sports program in Sri Lanka – This is due to lack of quality projects to fully engage volunteers and make use of their energy in a meaningful and worthwhile manner. 6. In 2016, the weekend excursion to Yala National Park is being replaced by visit to Galle Beach for the 1 night 2 days excursion.

Location (Colombo) Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka is known as the financial and commercial capital of the country. Located on the west coast of the island and it is the official capital of Sri Lanka or the parliament capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and ancient historical colonial buildings and ruins that offers a variety of experiences. It has the lazy charm of the historical era combined with the liveliness of a modern city. Colombo is an ideal location to start our program in Sri Lanka

Accommodation The Idex Accommodation for volunteers is located in the Battara Mula in Colombo (closed to capital of Sri Lanka) Located 13 kilometers from the Colombo city, the location is a quite region for volunteers to relax and being involved in their projects.

The main house offers a quiet, relaxing place with     

Common lounge with satellite television, Internet access, Well-manicured garden, Rooms with en-suite facilities, Dining area

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Project Activities Volunteers will have the possibility of engaging themselves in a number of activities at local projects. All volunteers need to be asked at the time of enrolment about their preference and that need to be mentioned when being booked for the program. Please read the following section for clarity on how projects are allocated to the volunteers. Themes

SriLanka

Women Empowerment

Yes

Child care

Yes

Teaching

Yes

Orphan child care project

Yes

Monk teaching project

Yes

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT A variety of educational and confidence building activities are supported by volunteers for the benefit of adolescent girls and women of the local community. These activities are geared towards expanding the horizon for this section of the community with the purpose of giving them a sense of self-worth and empowerment.

Day to day activities may include: 

Teaching basics of English and computer



Making women self-reliant through learning activities, creative workshops or vocational training



Develop conversational skills



Helping them in their household work



Help create awareness amongst girls about their rights

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CHILD CARE/ORPHANAGE WORK We are looking for people who are willing to make a commitment to help others who are less fortunate that they are. We want volunteers who are enthusiastic, like working as a team but who are also able to work alone. These child care centre cares for abandoned, Poor, Orphaned and destitute children up to 5 years of age. These centres are the prime sources for the labour & lower economic background families to leave their children to be taken care by the assistants in there. These assistants used to take care of the children meanwhile their parents are on work. The volunteers will play the same role as the assistants do in the centres.

Day to day activities may include: 

Assisting the staff in their daily activities



Assist the teachers in distributing the supplements



Assist in mid-day meal- Teach table manners, eating together



Songs, rhymes, shape concept- colouring of different shapes



Teaching basic English



Games and outdoor games



Following the time table put forth by the centre



Sensory development teaching

TEACHING Volunteers participate in educational enhancement for students of local communities specifically in the areas of English, Math, Art and Craft. In order to encourage more volunteers to participate in this program, we provide detailed workbooks and guidelines for teaching. The Idex volunteers help with the education of the children through creative, interactive teaching methods that make learning enjoyable. Imparting English language skills is extremely beneficial to children’s education and further employment. 6

Day to day activities may include: 

Teaching English, Math and social skills



Games and sports activities



Teacher motivation and training



Children attendance tracking



First – aid training and fun/recreation activities



To create play and learning atmosphere by teaching learning materials.

MONK TEACHING Our monk teaching project is located 5 kms from Colombo. This is the teaching school along with hostel facility for Buddhist (monk children). The age group of the children from 8-25 years and they have different level of grade & education.

Day to day activities may include: 

Teaching English, Math and social skills



Beatify the class room with teaching learning object



Games and sports activities



First – aid training and fun fare



Teacher motivation and training



Awareness activities.

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How project allocation is done. From 2016, we are bringing more minute details and rigor into how we manage our volunteering program as well as how people are placed there. This is being done to ensure that we have the right way to allocate projects such that each volunteer can be supported and as many as possible number of projects can have a steady flow of volunteer support. While there will be exceptions, a majority of volunteering placements will be done in the following sequence of steps: 1. You (our partner) will receive a booking from a participant. 2. You will fill up the online booking form of Idex and there you will add all the preferred placement types (based on what is available at a location) into the Priority 1, Priority 2 and Priority 3 fields. (All 3 priorities are mandatory). 3. Once we receive the online booking, we would allocate a specific project where the participant would be placed. 4. We will then send all the documentation related to the program schedules, itinerary, placement etc. to the participants (either directly or through you) – leaving them with a complete set of information they need to know everything about their upcoming experience. 5. It will be our effort to bring as much precision to the exact placement as possible and the exact placement is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond our control. +

A typical day of the volunteer (Mon-Fri)* : The schedule of the day depends on the type of project but below mentioned is just the brief outline of their normal day: Timings

Activities

7:30-8:30hrs

Breakfast at Idex accommodation

9:00-12:30hrs

Project work

12:30-13:30hrs

Packed lunch at the project location

13:30-14:00hrs

Free time/relax

14:00-16:00hrs

Project work

16:00-17:00hrs

Preparation meeting/lesson planning for next day

17:00-17:30hrs

Tea/coffee at Idex accommodation

19:00-20:00hrs

Dinner at Idex accommodation

* Please note that there is a full day schedule of going out to the project with morning work sessions, short rest, afternoon work session and preparing for the next day all being done in the same trip. +

The scheduled time table mentioned above may change due to the need of the project or any other

circumstances.

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Sample Program Itinerary (for 2 weeks duration) Day

Volunteer Program

WEEK 1:

Monday

No Meal

Arrival and Orientation

Tuesday

Arrival at Bandaranayake International airport and transfer to Idex accommodation to settle down Welcome meeting and orientation start.  Orientation includes  Talks & presentations on:  SriLanka & its culture  Social development and the role of volunteers  How to do volunteer work  Project activities  Cultural responsibility  Personal safety & Code of Conducts  Introduction to the allotted project.  Project work starts with the daily schedule of volunteering, cultural activities and free time.  Local cooking demonstration on one afternoon.  One local dinner with a host family to experience everyday life of Sri Lankan people. Free Weekend/ Optional  Transfer to Kandy (1 h 58 min weekend excursion to Kandy (116.7 km) (Orphanage elephant,  Sightseeing tour of Kandy Botanical garden, Kandy sight Temple of Tooth, Royal seen, Buddhist temple Botanic Gardens in Daldamligwa and cultural Peradeniya, GemMuseum dance) Night Stay at Hotel Free Weekend/ Optional  Drive to Colombo weekend excursion to Kandy  Sightseeing of Colombo (Orphanage elephant, Kelaniya Raja MahaViharaya, Botanical garden, Kandy sight Viharamahadevi Park, seen, Buddhist temple Gangaramaya Temple, St. Daldamligwa and cultural Lucia's Cathedral, Town Hall dance) and Colombo Dutch Museum. Transfer to Idex house  Volunteer Work with the daily schedule of volunteering, cultural activities and free time.

Saturday

Free weekend/ optional visit to Galle Beach

* Drive to KirandaTissamaharama *Visit to Galle Beach *Overnight Stay at Hotel

Sunday

optional visit to Galle Beach/ Transfer to Bandaranayke airport after 20:00 hrs. (Please

*Drive to back to Battaramulla

Only breakfast during excursions. All meals during camp stay

Wednesday to Friday

Saturday

Sunday

WEEK 2:

Monday To Friday

refer to arrival and departure procedure for details)

Volunteer and travel Program

*Overnight Stay at Idex house (for longer program duration) / Transfer to Bandaranayke airport after 20:00 hrs. (Please

Meal Plan

B,L,D B,L,D

B,L,D

Only breakfast during excursions. All meals during camp stay

B,L,D

refer to arrival and departure procedure for details)

B,L,D : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Program Services Included Services: The following services are offered as part of the overall experience in the program. The schedule of some activities may change due to local exigencies. Additional services are available on the Volunteer + travel program as detailed below. 1. Airport arrival pickup, within the prescribed window from 10 AM on Day 1 of the program until 6 AM on Day 2 of the program. 2. Overnight accommodation post arrival pick up. 3. Accommodation throughout the program at an IDEX accommodation facility with upto 4 participants per room with same gender (Note: please note that not all of our rooms in Sri Lanka offer en-suite facilities and the participants need to be aware of this possible difference in rooms that are offered on a first come and first serve basis) 4. A thorough orientation up arrival on various matters related to information about the program as well as about volunteering. 5. 3 meals per day as per local cuisine (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the entire duration of the program. For exact meal plan, please refer to the day to day meal plan. 6. Cultural workshops and activities during the first 2 weeks of the program ( subject to schedule changes) on a. Local cooking demonstration. b. Evening dinner and interaction with a local family 7. Presence of a dedicated program coordinator at accommodation to support, resolve issues and help with regular enquiries. 8. Presence and support on site by a English speaking translator and helper to ensure that work can be carried out effectively by the volunteers on a daily basis. 9. Every day transportation from accommodation to project and back. 10. Best available internet facility in the region, free of cost. 11. Extensive pre-departure information, post-arrival printed material, regular training and support by IDEX for preparing the participants for their experience.

Additional services for Volunteer and Travel program participants (details of excursions, below): 1. 1 night, 2 days excursion to Kandy 2. 1 night, 2 days excursion to Galle Beach

Excluded services: 1. Any air fares. 2. Visa fee. 3. Travel Insurance. 4. Vaccinations. 5. Meals not mentioned in the sample itinerary. 11

Program Dates Please note 1. The mentioned start date is Day 1 of the program and pick up is available from 10 AM on this date. 2. Airport departure transfer is available from 2000 hrs on the previous date until 1000 hrs on the program ending date as mentioned. Start Date 04-Jan-16 18-Jan-16 01-Feb-16 15-Feb-16 29-Feb-16 14-Mar-16 28-Mar-16 11-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 09-May-16 23-May-16 06-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 12-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 10-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 19-Dec-16

2 Weeks – End Date 18-Jan-16 01-Feb-16 15-Feb-16 29-Feb-16 14-Mar-16 28-Mar-16 11-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 09-May-16 23-May-16 06-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 12-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 10-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 19-Dec-16 02-Jan-17

3 Weeks – 4 Weeks – End Date End Date 25-Jan-16 01-Feb-16 08-Feb-16 15-Feb-16 22-Feb-16 29-Feb-16 07-Mar-16 14-Mar-16 21-Mar-16 28-Mar-16 04-Apr-16 11-Apr-16 18-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 02-May-16 09-May-16 16-May-16 23-May-16 30-May-16 06-Jun-16 13-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 27-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 11-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 25-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 08-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 22-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 05-Sep-16 12-Sep-16 19-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 03-Oct-16 10-Oct-16 17-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 31-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 28-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 12-Dec-16 19-Dec-16 26-Dec-16 02-Jan-17 09-Jan-17 16-Jan-17

6 weeks – End Date

8 weeks – End Date

12 weeks – End Date

15-Feb-16 29-Feb-16 14-Mar-16 28-Mar-16 11-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 09-May-16 23-May-16 06-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 12-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 10-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 19-Dec-16 02-Jan-17 16-Jan-17 30-Jan-17

29-Feb-16 14-Mar-16 28-Mar-16 11-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 09-May-16 23-May-16 06-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 12-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 10-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 19-Dec-16 02-Jan-17 16-Jan-17 30-Jan-17 13-Feb-17

28-Mar-16 11-Apr-16 25-Apr-16 09-May-16 23-May-16 06-Jun-16 20-Jun-16 04-Jul-16 18-Jul-16 01-Aug-16 15-Aug-16 29-Aug-16 12-Sep-16 26-Sep-16 10-Oct-16 24-Oct-16 07-Nov-16 21-Nov-16 05-Dec-16 19-Dec-16 02-Jan-17 16-Jan-17 30-Jan-17 13-Feb-17 27-Feb-17 13-Mar-17

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Arrival and Departure Policy Arrival Procedure 1. All arrival from 2016 Idex offers the pick-up in a window from 10 AM on the start date of the program until 6 AM on the following day ( Day 2) of the program. 2. Arrival pickups outside of these times are available on extra charges. 3. Check in at accommodation is available from 12 noon on Day 1 of the program, even though, it’s our attempt to have the customers, checked in at the accommodation, as early as possible. 4. Please advise all your customers to look for the Idex logo (as below), instead of their Personal name, unless specified.

Departure transfer procedure: 1. Airport transfer on departure is available from 8 PM on the 2nd last day of the program (for ex, Day 14 in case of 2 week program) until 10 AM on the last day of the program (for ex, Day 15 in case of 2 week program). 2. As per the new transfer structure, the departure transfer will be available at gaps of 2 hours and the customers will be asked to take the most convenient transfer for them. The available departure times will be: 8 PM, 10 PM, Midnight, 2 AM, 4 AM, 6 AM, 8 AM and finally at 10 AM. 3. Departure transfers outside these times or schedules are available on extra charges. 4. During departure, check out time from the accommodation is 12 noon on the last day of the program (for ex, Day 15 on a 2 week program). Important: all the program and services are available as per schedule only. If any deviation or reschedule occurs then it will cost extra and there would not be any cost settlement or reimbursement.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – SRI LANKA FAQ

Contents 1. Arrival / Departure Policy and Procedure ....................................................................................................................... 5 A. Where should I arrive?............................................................................................................................................. 5 B. When should I arrive? .............................................................................................................................................. 5 C. How should I find the Idex representative at the airport? ...................................................................................... 5 D. What should I do if I can`t find the Idex representative? ........................................................................................ 5 E. Where should I wait? ............................................................................................................................................... 5 F. When should I book my departure? ........................................................................................................................ 5 G. What is the address of my accommodation? .......................................................................................................... 5 H. What if I arrive on an earlier or later flight of program start date? ........................................................................ 5 I. Is it possible to arrange a transfer outside the included hours? ............................................................................. 5 J. How Much cash should I carry while travelling? ..................................................................................................... 5 K. Should I change money at airport on arrival? ......................................................................................................... 6 L. What should I be aware of when arriving? .............................................................................................................. 6 2. Project Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 A. What is the schedule?.............................................................................................................................................. 6 B. What are the working hours per day? ..................................................................................................................... 6 C. How is my project allocated? ................................................................................................................................... 6 D. What activities are done at each project? ............................................................................................................... 6 E. What experience do I need? .................................................................................................................................... 6 F. What standard of English Language do I need? ...................................................................................................... 6 G. What if my English is below this standard? ............................................................................................................. 7 H. Can I change projects during my stay? .................................................................................................................... 7 I. How will I get to and from my project? ................................................................................................................... 7 J. What support will I get at the project? .................................................................................................................... 7 K. Will I get the certificate for my work? ..................................................................................................................... 7 L. Will I teach or assist in teaching? ............................................................................................................................. 7 M. What is the reality about corporal punishment in Sri Lanka? ................................................................................. 7 N. Can I bring materials and donations to support my project? .................................................................................. 7 O. What does my money get spent on? ....................................................................................................................... 8 P. Why is my program fee not donated? ..................................................................................................................... 8 Q. Why do I have to pay to volunteer? ........................................................................................................................ 8 R. How will I receive my lunch during project hours? ................................................................................................. 8 S. How would I know what to do in my volunteer work?............................................................................................ 8 T. What is the distance between the project and my accommodation? .................................................................... 8 3. Daily Life of a Volunteer ................................................................................................................................................. 8 A. What happens during the average day of a volunteer? .......................................................................................... 8 B. What can I do during my free time? ........................................................................................................................ 9 4. Visa Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 A. B. C. D.

What type of visa should I apply for? ...................................................................................................................... 9 How long is the tourist visa valid for? ...................................................................................................................... 9 Can I extend my visa after arrival?........................................................................................................................... 9 What documents do I need for a tourist visa? ........................................................................................................ 9

E. Should I say that I am going to do volunteer work? ................................................................................................ 9 F. What should I do if my visa gets denied? .............................................................................................................. 10 G. Will I be refunded my program fee if I can’t get my visa? ..................................................................................... 10 H. Who should I ask for a visa invitation letter (if required)? .................................................................................... 10 I. What should I do if I want a long term visa? ......................................................................................................... 10 5. Customized start dates / Special Itinerary and Prices ................................................................................................... 10 A. Can I come on my own date or a pre-fixed date only? .......................................................................................... 10 B. Why do you recommend pre-set dates? ............................................................................................................... 10 C. How can I get a customized program? .................................................................................................................. 10 D. How can I find the people that I will be travelling with? ....................................................................................... 10 6. Facilities and Services ................................................................................................................................................... 11 A. Is the pick-up at the airport included?................................................................................................................... 11 B. Where do I stay on the day of my arrival? ............................................................................................................. 11 C. Will someone accompany me during journeys? .................................................................................................... 11 D. What can expect from train journeys in Sri Lanka? ............................................................................................... 11 E. Is food included in the program price? .................................................................................................................. 11 F. What kind of food will be offered? ........................................................................................................................ 11 G. Can I cook my own food?....................................................................................................................................... 11 H. What should I do if I have food allergies?.............................................................................................................. 11 I. How many meals per day are served? ................................................................................................................... 11 J. What type of transport does Idex use? ................................................................................................................. 11 K. Can you tell me about the workshops during the program? ................................................................................. 12 L. Can you tell me about the trips/excursions included? .......................................................................................... 12 M. Can you tell me about the camp facilities? ............................................................................................................ 13 N. Can you tell me about the Idex camp Staff? .......................................................................................................... 15 7. Emergencies ................................................................................................................................................................. 15 A. Who will support me during medical emergencies? ............................................................................................. 15 B. What kind of support is available during medical emergencies? .......................................................................... 15 C. Who pays for medical emergencies? ..................................................................................................................... 15 8. Health and Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 A. What health precautions should I take? ................................................................................................................ 15 B. What vaccinations should I get? ............................................................................................................................ 15 C. What are the procedures for signing in and out of the camp and why? ............................................................... 15 9. Additional Services ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 A. What additional services are available? ................................................................................................................ 16 B. What is the cost of these additional services? ...................................................................................................... 16 C. How do I buy and pay for additional services? ...................................................................................................... 16 10. Criminal Background Check ........................................................................................................................................ 16 11. Safety Features with Idex ............................................................................................................................................ 16 12. Program Administration .............................................................................................................................................. 16 A.

What can the online booking system are used for? .............................................................................................. 16

B. What is the cancellation and modification policy? ................................................................................................ 16 C. Can I book combination programs? ....................................................................................................................... 17 D. What is the invoice and payment schedule? ......................................................................................................... 17 13. Under 18`s ................................................................................................................................................................... 17 14. About Idex .................................................................................................................................................................. 17 A. B. C. D. E.

What is Idex?.......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Is Idex for profit? .................................................................................................................................................... 17 When did it start? .................................................................................................................................................. 17 What does it do? .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Where does my volunteering money go?.............................................................................................................. 18

1. Arrival / Departure Policy and Procedure A. Where should I arrive? Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka. B. When should I arrive? All arrival from 2016 Idex offers the pick-up in a window from 10 AM on the start date of the program until 6 AM on the following day ( Day 2) of the program. C. How should I find the Idex representative at the airport? Look for the person with a placard mentioning “IDEX” at the airport outside the arrival gate. D. What should I do if I can`t find the Idex representative? Don’t Panic and call one of the following numbers as per your airport of arrival. You can call from your own phone, a public phone booth, or borrow a phone from someone(Sri Lankan people are very helpful). The number to call is +94-715890048. E. Where should I wait? We are expected to wait just out of exit where a lot of people waiting for their known along with “IDEX” placard. F. When should I book my departure? Departure is available from 8 PM on the 2nd last day of the program (e.g. Day 14 in case of 2 week program) until 10 AM on the last day of the program (e.g. Day 15 in case of 2 week program). G. What is the address of my accommodation? 47/58, Perera Mawatha, Thalangama,Pelawatte. South battaramulla Colombo, Sri Lanka,

Contact No. - +94-715890048. H. What if I arrive on an earlier or later flight of program start date? Book additional transfers (at extra costs) or make your own way to the accommodation. I. Is it possible to arrange a transfer outside the included hours? Yes! By booking an additional transfer or making your own way to the accommodation. J. How Much cash should I carry while travelling? It’s recommended that you carry minimum US $100 (or equivalent) to have some local expense.

K. Should I change money at airport on arrival? Yes! You can change your currency at airport to have some local money with yourself. L. What should I be aware of when arriving? Read the relevant section of your pre-departure information pack.

2. Project Information A. What is the schedule? Schedule normally starts at 0900 hours for customers in a project area. It depends on the type of project a customer opts. B. What are the working hours per day? Work hours start normally at 0900 hours and will be 5 hours per day, which is flexible. If somebody wants to return early from project work then they need to make their own way to reach Idex Camp. C. How is my project allocated? Work placement allotment is a combination of your choice of project and its availability and the requirements of the community. We chose to provide you the project from your three work placement priorities mentioned in booking. D. What activities are done at each project? We have a detailed project information guide for you to refer to. E. What experience do I need? None! The volunteering activities are designed to meaningfully engage participants that do not have any prior training or experience in doing the kind of work that is done. You will be provided training on how to do your work and also onsite support will be provided to you on regular basis. F. What standard of English Language do I need? Generally an intermediate knowledge of English is required. If your English levels are not intermediate or you are not confident about work that involves communication in English, then our other tools to prepare Teaching Learning Material (T.L.M.) and daily preparation meeting will help you to intermediate with the project beneficiaries.

G. What if my English is below this standard? No problem. We will assign you projects that require only basic English communication. H. Can I change projects during my stay? We do not recommend changing projects during stay, as it would impact project beneficiaries also. If participant is facing any problem then Idex will consider it. I. How will I get to and from my project? It depends on each project and location. It may be with a private vehicle or public transport or rented bicycle. J. What support will I get at the project? You get a wide range of support. The following are the main ones:    

Managerat your location who is taking care of all the aspects of your volunteer project. You get assistance on sites for some days to help you onsite, at the project. Every day you will get support in work and lesson planning to schedule for next day. You will get access to materials, resources, and work reports from previous volunteers to help you plan your work

K. Will I get the certificate for my work? Yes! You get a certificate from Idex. L. Will I teach or assist in teaching? Both are applicable, depending of your experience, need, interest and the availability of local teachers. M. What is the reality about corporal punishment in Sri Lanka? Corporal punishment is illegal & not accepted in Sri Lanka. N. Can I bring materials and donations to support my project? Idex does not receive donations as Idex is for profit Travel Company. If participants want, they can donate through guidance of camp team. Direct donations are not permissible. We actively discourage direct donations in any form like money, materials, etc, because donated money to be spent based on the need of community. Donations should be use for development of community and not to make greedy community. Note: Make sure to get receipt against your donations from concern NGO.

O. What does my money get spent on? On services that you avail, like your accommodation, food, transportation, trips, airport transfers, intercity travel, weekend excursions (if included), workshops, some materials that you use, for people who support you. P. Why is my program fee not donated? Your program is a travel program where the money paid by you covers the costs of the above mentioned services so that you can have a great experience of the local culture. Your program fee does not include a donation. Q. Why do I have to pay to volunteer? You have to pay as this is a travel program where you support some community project with your time andeffort. And it costs a significant amount of money to provide you with food, transportation, travel etc. If the local project which you support had the money to pay for all these then they are much better off hiring someone local who would speak the local language and be around for a much longer time, than a volunteer from abroad. R. How will I receive my lunch during project hours? Depend on each project. You may get a lunch pack or you may finish your work before lunch time and then come back to Idex accommodation for your lunch. S. How would I know what to do in my volunteer work? You will get extensive support in preparing for your work every day that includes how to do your work, what is the work for next day and TLM or games will be useful for work etc., T. What is the distance between the project and my accommodation? Anywhere from 200 meters to up to 15 kilometers (you will be provided transport for reaching your projects and coming back).

3. Daily Life of a Volunteer A. What happens during the average day of a volunteer? A typical day in a volunteer’s life includes:  Breakfast 7am to 8am  5hours volunteer work  Lunch  Periodic workshops from 5pm to 6pm (or time off)  Dinner from 7pm to 8pm

B. What can I do during my free time? A number of things like:  Visit the local markets and places of interest.  Surf the internet and get in contact with people in your life.  Read, play games, watch a movie  Plan for your work on the next day or an excursion on an upcoming weekend.

4. Visa Information A. What type of visa should I apply for? We strongly recommend applying for Tourist visa. B. How long is the tourist visa valid for? Sri Lankan Visa is generally issued for 3 months according to the visa application and depending on the fee. After your application is approved you will get an entry permit called ETA. It is valid for entry in Sri Lanka for three months. When you arrive in Sri Lanka holding an ETA, you will get a 30 days visa. There are certain countries with different arrangements though so check with the Sri Lankan consulate nearest to you to confirm. Please refer to our Visa Processing Options link: https://srilankavisa.org/in/visa C. Can I extend my visa after arrival? After entering Sri Lanka for a specific duration as allowed, you may want to extend or renew your Sri Lankan Visa to stay longer. For further information please visit below link: http://www.immigrationlanka.com/Info-2-15.html#link_73 D. What documents do I need for a tourist visa? The visa application form may vary from country to country, so you need to take the form from the specific Embassy where you will obtain your visa. Submit that filled form with your required documents accompanied by the visa fees. For more information and for document list please visit below link for your reference: http://www.immigrationlanka.com/Info-2-15.html#link_73 E. Should I say that I am going to do volunteer work? No! It may cause refusal of your visa. Technically, you are on a travel program that includes

cultural activities, excursions and community interactions. Volunteer work means a number of different things and it will confuse your embassy. F. What should I do if my visa gets denied? The best is to apply through post (whenever possible) and if the visa is refused then you can contact us for more documentation support. G. Will I be refunded my program fee if I can’t get my visa? All program fees will be refunded as per the refund and cancellation policy. H. Who should I ask for a visa invitation letter (if required)? Ask the organization through which you are booking your program or Idex may provide, if it is necessary. I. What should I do if I want a long term visa? The visa process may vary from country to country. For further information please visit below link for your reference: http://www.immigrationlanka.com/Info-2-15.html#link_73

5. Customized start dates / Special Itinerary and Prices A. Can I come on my own date or a pre-fixed date only?  Certain programs can be customized to suit your needs for the date of travel. Ask the organization through which you are booking your program.  There are likely to be extra costs for arrangements that will be made for you. B. Why do you recommend pre-set dates?  For being able to travel with other travelers from different parts of the world.  You would get the benefit of well-organized program with all the richness of content at a lower cost. In case of customized programs, some features become prohibitively expensive. C. How can I get a customized program? Contact the organization through which you are booking your program and they will support you in creating a customized program. D. How can I find the people that I will be travelling with? Ask your sending organization and they will be able to tell you.

6. Facilities and Services A. Is the pick-up at the airport included? Yes, pick up is included fromBandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB). B. Where do I stay on the day of my arrival? You will transfer direct to project at Idex accommodation. C. Will someone accompany me during journeys? We are committed towards our customer’s safety and accordingly arrangements are been made. D. What can expect from train journeys in Sri Lanka? We are committed to provide you safe and guided train journeys for your program. Depending on the sector of travel, your location manager will give you detailed information. E. Is food included in the program price? Yes. 3 meals a day during your volunteering activities and during journeys meals are not included in the program price. F. What kind of food will be offered? Mostlylocal food with some elements of continental food like pasta, pizzas, etc. G. Can I cook my own food? No! Our kitchens are meant for our cooking staff only. H. What should I do if I have food allergies? We always have a number of food items on offer so you have many options to eat. As well before you opting for the program with Idex we used to ask about allergic information to your sending organization at the time of booking. We receive and accept to manage accordingly. I. How many meals per day are served? 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). J. What type of transport does Idex use? I. Intercity transportation, how is it done? Depend on the sector: train, bus, or flights.

II. Public transport, is it use for intercity transfers? Yes. Safe public transport may be used. III. How I will commute to project area? Through public or private transport, depend upon the distance of project. K. Can you tell me about the workshops during the program? I. What workshops are included? Depend on your program, location and duration. Normally in Sri Lankathe following included:  Local cooking demonstration.  Evening dinner and interaction with a local family II. Cost of workshops, is there any? No! All workshops offered are either free or already included in your program cost. III. Workshops, who does them? Depending on the nature of workshops and level of expertise required, the work-shops are done by our staff or by locally available experts. L. Can you tell me about the trips/excursions included? I. Excursions, when are they planned? Usually excursions are within the 1st week of your program or during the weekends. II. Excursions are they included or not? Check your program details of the list of included excursions. Other excursions may also be bought locally and for that you may take details from the location manager at your Idex camp. We however recommend that you buy all the required excursions from beforehand to avoid overbooking or other uncertainties. III. Excursions, what is including in them? Excursions are usually for 2 days and 1 night and normally included accommodation, sightseeing/activities, local English speaking guide and transportation. Finally you will get this information from the location manager at your Idex camp. IV. Excursions, where can I go? The following is a list of standard excursions that are offered in our programs and there are others that can be created on your request locally:  Kandy

 Colombo  KirandaTissamaharama  Yala National Park V. Buying excursions, can I buy? Yes! You can buy excursions locally also but we recommend that you purchase your excursions before arrival in Sri Lanka to avoid overbooking and to be assured your trip being organized. VI. Change my excursion, can I do this? Yes! You can change your excursion with a minimum of 1 week notice and by paying any difference in costs for the one that you are choosing. If your pre-booked excursion is more expensive than the one you are choosing, there will be no refund. VII. Buying before or later, what should I do? Plan and purchase your excursions beforehand and have assurance and peace of mind about your program/trip. M. Can you tell me about the camp facilities? I. What facilities are available? All basic facilities are there like rooms on sharing basis, common Recreation lounge, free internet, common dining room, television with satellite connection, purified water, fridge with small freezer, Travel desk. II. Accommodation profile, where can I find this? You can find this information on this link: https://app.box.com/s/mbztflpi5cjrkc9ww9a3 III. Occupancy, what occupancy is available? All our programs are based on sharing of 4 people per room. IV. Double or single occupancy, can I upgrade? Yes, you can upgrade if there is availability and by paying additional charges. We reserve the right to offer or refuse any changes in occupancy. V. Bathroom, Is it shared or private? Sri Lanka Idexcamp location, we have shared bathroom facilities for its occupants.

VI. Internet, is it available? Yes. Internet is available and is slow in some of our locations due to their rural setting, server issue and lack of infrastructure. VII. Air-conditioning, is it available? Not really. VIII. Valuables, where can I keep them? There are safety vaults available at each location and you are expected to care for your own valuables. Please ask the Camp Manager to provide you with a safety vault. IX. Hot water is it available? Yes! X. Showers, are they available? Yes, each bathroom have shower facilities XI. Code of Conduct (COC), what is it and why to have it?  The CoC is a set of guidelines and rules that are expected to be followed by all our customers in the interest of their safety, maintaining a favorable image of the volunteers in the local communities, having a good environment in our accommodations and overall workability of our programs.  If customers are found in breach of the CoC repeatedly or for some serious actions, then they can be asked to leave the program and no refund will be processed. XII. Medical facilities are they available? Yes! Medical facilities are available near our location and transport to medical facilities is offered with additional cost. XIII. Medical emergency, is my travel insurance valid? Yes! You will need to have be handy, a copy of your travel insurance policy and the contact details to inform your insurance company. XIV. Visitors, can I invite them?  Yes! You can invite visitors to visit you and they are allowed in public areas only and not your living areas of our accommodation facilities.  If you have visitors wanting to stay with you then you need to have that be cleared with your location’s manager and extra charges will apply (A local person as visitor

will not be allowed). XV. International calls, is it available? No! You can receive international calls but not make international calls from our accommodation facility telephones. N. Can you tell me about the Idex camp Staff? I. Which staff is available? Each of our locations has a location manager, Local coordinator(s), cooking staff/ housekeeping staff. II. Staff presence for 24 hours, is it available? Yes! In the interest of your safety, we have our staff that is available 24 hours.

7. Emergencies A. Who will support me during medical emergencies? Our location manager and other staff will support you during medical emergencies. B. What kind of support is available during medical emergencies? The support includes, our staff is there to help for arranging all medical emergency requirements like transport to medical facilities, information to your sending organization or family and providing other support during your treatment. We strongly recommend getting travel / medical insurance done before departing from your own country to get your medical expenses refund in case of medical emergency. C. Who pays for medical emergencies? All costs for medical emergencies are to be borne by the customer (transportation, medicines, etc). You can claim the expenditure from your travel insurance later.

8. Health and Safety A. What health precautions should I take? Please refer to the pre-departure information pack. B. What vaccinations should I get? Your local medical practitioner will be the best person to advise you on the required vaccinations. C. What are the procedures for signing in and out of the camp and why? Whenever you go out from your accommodation you have to mention (your name, departure

time, expected return time) in register and we do this because of security reasons.

9. Additional Services A.     

What additional services are available? Out of included hours, pick up and drop from your airport for arrival Customized trips and customized programs Program extensions to your program Upgrade your room occupancy to twin or single And many more

B. What is the cost of these additional services? The cost of each additional service is calculated individually and will be communicated locally. C. How do I buy and pay for additional services? We recommend deciding and purchasing your additional service at the time of booking your program through your sending organization for most organized program. You can however also buy these services locally.

10. Criminal Background Check We recommend it and do not require it.

11. Safety Features with Idex    

Trained staff available at all time Hygienic food Fire safety Airport to airport programs

12. Program Administration A.     

What can the online booking system are used for? Making, changing, cancelling bookings Find out who is coming in which program Book additional services Get program information Accounting details

B. What is the cancellation and modification policy? There is no modifications/Cancellation fee charged before 14 days of program start date. In case we receive any cancellation/modification in/or less than 14, full fee will be charged.

C. Can I book combination programs? Yes! Multiple programs, locations and countries can be combined to make a really interesting program. You can combine program themes mentioned below:  Volunteering + Travel in Jaipur, Goa and Himalayas in India  Volunteering + Travel in India, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.  English + Internships in Jaipur in India  English + Travel + Volunteering in India  Travel Experience program in India, Nepal, Srilanka, Thailand and Vietnam D. What is the invoice and payment schedule? The payment of invoices is due within 14 days before the arrival of your client.

13. Under 18`s Yes! With permission release letter of parents.

14. About Idex A. What is Idex? Idex is a travel company that originated in India in the year 2000 and since then has grown to many different countries. Promoting and standing for Travel that Matters, Idex creates and runs travel programs that allow the travellers to gain great cultural experiences as well as make a positive contribution to the country that they are travelling to. This intention is served through many programs such as volunteering, internships, group travel and such. Our promises to program participant are safety, fun and personal growth. B. Is Idex for profit? Yes. We have a team of about 90 staff members that organize various types of services required for our programs ranging from training, travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, support during the programs etc. C. When did it start? Idex was founded in the year 2000. D. What does it do? With its motto of Travel that Matters Idex continuously develops opportunities for people so that they can travel in a manner that is useful for them ( as against, travel for solely recreational purposes) and also make a positive contribution to the country that are visiting. This is delivered in the form of group travel programs, volunteering and language learning.

E. Where does my volunteering money go? The program costs paid by participants of volunteer programs and other programs go in making arrangements for their food, accommodation, travel, transportation, workshops, translation, support and other related services.