Volunteering with Travelteer – Sri Lanka

Name: Freya Mould

Academic School: Biosciences

Where did you go? Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa – Travelteer

What type of placement did you complete (Study/Work/Volunteering/Research)?
Volunteering (ISP)

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
I was motivated to step out of my comfort zone and to gain hands-on experience in conservation whilst immersing myself in a completely new culture. I’ve always been conscious about sustainability, so the opportunity to take this abroad felt like the perfect way to contribute meaningfully, whilst developing global awareness and overcoming new challenges.

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad?

1. The weekend activities such as the safari where we got to see elephants and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
2.  Working with local schoolchildren on the English programme and building genuine connections despite language barriers.
3.  Experiencing a new culture first-hand through traditional food and working with volunteers from around the world.

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was adapting to the limited resources and a different way of life than what I was used to. It helped that I was on a volunteering programme as everyone around me was finding it hard being away from home too, this helped me to settle in super quick.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career?
It has developed transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication which are all invaluable for my future career path, working within research. Leading activities in schools pushed me to be confident and creative, whilst conservation work required more patience and an ability to learn quickly in a practical setting.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left?
I wish I knew how quickly two weeks would fly by, I definitely would’ve chosen to stay for longer if I had known!

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?
I would say to not let nerves and the unknown hold you back. I gained so much more than I imagined, not only CV skills but so many friendships and memories too.

Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination

Food: The best place to eat for breakfast was Sunny Side up, they did really good coffees and smoothie bowls. Everybody went there at lunchtime in our break. Some good places for dinner were Amaroo, Natura, Friends Indeed and Spaghetti and Co!

Travel: The cheapest way to travel was by TukTuks which you book ONLY on the app PickMe (don’t accept rides from random strangers!!).

Activities: If you have the chance, GO SURFING! It was by far the best day we had and we all loved it, the instructors were so helpful and it was really cheap too (≈£6 for an hour lesson!). Also, if you have the time stay one night in a hotel in Colombo on your last night as you are able to get 5-star hotels for only £30, and being closer to the airport means you can have a better lie-in too!

What are 3 things to do in your host destination? 

Weekend activities – safaris, white water rafting, surfing, snorkelling etc

Galle Fort – about 30 minutes from Hikkaduwa, it’s a good afternoon out!

Explore the restaurants along the town and have local food (Kottu).

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence 

Two unforgettable weeks that strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective and helped me to make a difference.