Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies will love the world-class surf, trekking and rafting whilst animal-lovers can swim with dolphins and track wild elephants in the national parks. Into history and culture? The UNESCO temples are something to behold. There are even a few tropical beaches thrown in for good measure.
Sri Lanka Highlights
- Take a safari through untamed jungle to spot leopards, jaguars and more
- Explore the town’s bars, restaurants and traditional street food
- Visit lush tea plantations to get a sense of rural life
- Visit an ancient temple said to hold the Buddha‘s tooth
- Unwind on paradise beaches at the weekend
The Work The World House
Our house in Kandy will be a focal point during your trip with us to Sri Lanka. You can think of it as your home away from home. You’ll live with other healthcare students and graduates from around the world and this gives the house a lively, social character.
Our Kandy house is situated in the heart of the city and a stone’s throw from Kandy Lake.
Hop in a tuk tuk just outside the house and you can visit ancient temples, have fun in the local bars and restaurants, cool off in a hotel pool, or ride up to the Big Buddha statue to watch the sunrise over the bustling city below.
The house itself is open and airy — perfect for the warm climate — and there are plenty of social areas for you and your housemates to unwind after a day on placement.
In-Country Team
Management team: Based in the house, they oversee your entire Work the World experience — 24/7 — from the moment you land to the moment you leaveCatering team: Cook a variety of both local cuisine and familiar home comforts, accommodating all dietary requirementsHousekeeper: Keeps the house clean and tidy from top to bottom, making sure you're comfortableLanguage teacher: Visits the house twice per-week. During their lessons, you’ll learn everyday phrases and clinical terminology to help you get more from your placementSecurity team: Monitor the house 24/7 for your peace of mind
Support in the Hospital
Before you start your placement, our team in Kandy will take you to your hospital. They’ll introduce you to your supervisors (and other staff you’ll be spending time with), which will help you settle in. From then on, the team will visit you throughout the rest of your placement. This is to make sure things are running smoothly.
We will assign your in-hospital supervisors prior to the start of your placement. If you’re willing to build rapport with them, your supervisors will give you insight into the healthcare system that only a local practitioner can.
The fundamental point is that we support right the way through your clinical placement if and when you need it.

Electives in Kandy
AYURVEDA WEEK
In addition to your main placement in Kandy, spending an optional week at our Ayurveda Experience is something you won’t forget. Each morning you’ll head to the small health clinic where you’ll learn the ancient art of Ayurveda. The doctor is a skilled healer who creates medicines from plants and barks.
Each afternoon you’re free to take part in activities like canoe trips along narrow jungle rivers, ox and cart rides, wild elephant safaris and even full body massages at an Ayurvedic spa.



"Doctors are so revered in Sri Lankan culture that patients rarely speak against them or challenge them."
Daisy Tudball, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry 2022
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"My time in the hospital was really interesting. The saying ‘you only get out of it what you put into it’ could not be more accurate. I had the four best weeks of my life."
Michiel Notelaers , Universiteit Gent 2022
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"The hospital staff were really welcoming and keen to get me involved. Most spoke really good English, and it was fascinating that all patient notes were in English too."
Samantha Jolliffe , University of Surrey 2022
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When I first went to the hospital I couldn't believe how busy it was. There was a constant flow of people.
Charlotte Tincknell, Kingston University 2022
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"There were stark differences when it came to confidentiality, privacy and dignity."
Jennifer Pilling, Manchester Metropolitan University 2019
Read moreWhat healthcare disciplines do Work the World cater for?
Work the World organise supervised healthcare electives for the following disciplines: - 1. Nursing (all branches) 2. Medical 3. Midwifery 4. Physiotherapy 5. Radiography 6. Pharmacy 7. Dentistry 8. Occupational Therapy 9. Paramedic Science
What is the Work the World house like in Sri Lanka
Our house in Sri Lanka is situated in the heart of the city of Kandy. The house itself is open and airy - perfect for the warm climate, and there are plenty of social areas for you and your housemates to unwind after a day on placement.
What travelling opportunities are there for me whilst I’m in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies will love the surf, trekking and rafting whilst animal-lovers can swim with dolphins and track wild elephants in the national parks. There are even a few tropical beaches thrown in for good measure.