Sri Lanka has been such a phenomenal experience through the GT program. It was the first time any of us had been to Sri Lanka and the first time this program had been run there, which made it even more special.
We all met in Colombo and instantly clicked as a group. From there, we travelled by private van to Batticaloa, stopping along the way to visit a national park where we saw beautiful elephants in their natural habitat. We also had the opportunity to climb Pidurangala Rock, with incredible views overlooking Sigiriya (Lion Rock). The history of Lion Rock was amazing to learn about.
Arriving in Batticaloa, the school completely stole my heart. The campus was surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, creating such a peaceful environment to learn in. We were welcomed with so much kindness and gratitude by Father Roshan, and it didn’t take long to build genuine connections with the staff.
My time at the school was truly unforgettable. I was surrounded by an amazing team, and I formed such strong connections with both the students and staff. I loved seeing the different ways they approached learning, and they were so open and excited to embrace some of the teaching strategies I shared. Leaving the school was incredibly difficult because the relationships we built became so meaningful. Receiving personalised cards from the students and staff was such a thoughtful gesture that I will always treasure.
After our time at the school, we had the chance to unwind in the beautiful beaches of Pasikudah before travelling to Kandy, where we enjoyed an incredible cultural dance performance. We also added Bentota to our journey, which was the perfect way to finish the trip with a relaxing river safari before returning to Colombo.
A huge thank you to Mike, whose leadership, flexibility and support throughout the trip were exceptional. He made the experience seamless and enjoyable for everyone.
This trip has given me memories that I’ll cherish forever, friendships, and experiences that I will never forget. I cannot recommend Sri Lanka enough. It is a country filled with breathtaking beauty, incredibly kind people, and experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.