Kandy is a bustling city and as capital of the hill country, people travel from miles around to visit the hospitals and clinics. The city enjoys a relatively good healthcare system, offering a range of care and specialities, and we have developed strong relationships with both government and private hospitals. For those interested in making more of their elective by splitting their placement, there are some fantastic opportunities that will really help you learn more about Sri Lankan healthcare.

We have dedicated in-country staff there to support you and will work with you before you leave to ensure you have a structured elective in an area that matches your interest. Once you reach Sri Lanka you will meet your placement supervisor who will help you reach your elective or placement objectives.

Our Work the World house is based in the hills of Kandy overlooking the city and lake. Accommodating approximately 18 elective students in shared bedrooms, most of which have en-suite bathrooms, there is plenty of space to relax in the large living rooms and open balcony areas. We also have an outdoor balcony area in which we run regular free Sinhala language lessons as well as cook up delicious weekly barbecues. For larger groups we also have the option of extending into a neighbouring property which makes Sri Lanka a great option for groups of placement students travelling together.

All meals are included during your placement and we have a caterer and housekeeper that will ensure you get a hearty breakfast and dinner every weekday, as well as making sure you have a fully stocked kitchen and plenty of drinking water. Anything else you may need is likely to be found at the markets in Kandy.

Kandy has plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained, whether you want a taste of Sri Lankan food and music or just to relax with a beer after your placement. It’s also a great place to wander and you can spend hours soaking up the culture of the city, visiting temples or shopping in the antique and jewel markets. If you would rather escape the city, it’s easy to walk out into the cashew and tea plantations for some peace and quiet. At 500m altitude Kandy feels a world away from the hot, humid coastline. Just a short walk will provide stunning views as well as the chance to breathe in the deliciously fresh air.

Heading out of Kandy on weekends is easy. Based in the centre of Sri Lanka, most of the country is in easy reach and there are lots of buses and trains to take you wherever you want to go. Many of our students group together to visit the world heritage temples nearby, the beautiful white sand beaches of the south west coast or to visit the throbbing city of Colombo with its exciting nightlife.

Our base in Kandy also offers students visiting at the end of the month of Esala (July / August) the amazing opportunity to witness the famous Esala Perahera festival. Dancing, drums, fire displays and nightly elephant parades make this the biggest Hindu party of the year.