Join our Business internship in Sri Lanka and gain international work experience. The country has a rapidly growing economy, which makes the business sector an exciting one to work in.
You can specialise in your field of study and put your knowledge into practice. We offer placements in a wide range of sectors, from human resources to business administration. You’ll learn to do business like a local while building your CV. It’s also a great way to find out more about the way of life and workplace culture in Sri Lanka.
You’ll be based in the bustling city of Colombo, and live with a friendly host family. For a well-rounded experience abroad, take advantage of your time off and explore this beautiful island nation.
When you apply you only pay $495, which comes off the total price.
Looking to do more than one project? Call us on 1300 132 831 to see if we can offer a discount.
Project Overview
Trip Format:
Flexi Trips - A flexible project that gives you the support and independence you need as you volunteer
Project Name:
Sri Lanka > Business
Start Dates:
Completely flexible dates
Minimum Duration:
Four Weeks
Placement Location:
Colombo (Read More)
Accommodation:
Host family Read More
Requirements :
Anyone aged 18 or over can join
You need to speak intermediate English.
Is a Business internship in Sri Lanka right for me?
Are you looking for international business experience? Consider yourself punctual, professional, and hard-working? This internship is ideal for business students and recent graduates looking to build their CVs. Put your knowledge into practice while experiencing working life in a completely different culture.
In order to join this project, you need to be 18 years or older, and have an intermediate level of English. This means that you need be comfortable speaking, reading, and writing English. This internship is available year-round, but you need to stay for a minimum of three months or longer.
You will have a supervisor for the duration of your placement. Their role is to ensure you get the most out of your time abroad. They will be there to mentor you, assign tasks, and answer any questions you might have.
To ensure you have the best experience, we work hard to tailor the internship to your interests. We have business placements available in a number of different fields, from HR to business administration.
What will I do at my Business placement in Sri Lanka?
The great thing about business internships is that the tasks are varied and interesting. Specifics will depend on which placement you choose. Options include:
- Training
- Research
- Consultancy
- HR
- Quality management
- Accounts and bookkeeping
- Business administration
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Travel and tourism
- Marketing
You can get involved in:
- Conduct research for current or future projects
- Liaise with clients on behalf of the business
- Attend meetings alongside colleagues from the office
- Assist with business administration
At your Business placement in Sri Lanka, your work will focus on the following areas:
Conduct research for current or future projects
Research is a fundamental part of creating business plans and company projects. You can given the task of conducting market research, gathering information about your consumers’ needs and preferences. Or you’ll look into potential partners, suppliers or new opportunities.
Liaise with clients on behalf of the business
Communication is another vital aspect when it comes to conducting business. You can be tasked with liaising with clients on behalf of the business. This can involve keeping them up to date on progress, proposing new initiatives, or obtaining their approval for the final work.
Attend meetings alongside colleagues from the office
Meetings are an inevitable part of business life, whether they take place online or in person. You may have the chance to join in on these meetings, which will give you insight into how business is conducted. Interns might be asked to take notes, or even contribute where necessary.
Assist with business administration tasks
There are so many tasks that go into the daily running of a business. You can help:
- Draw up job descriptions for staff
- Sit in on candidate interviews
- Plan events
- Keep track of accounts
- Work on bookkeeping
This will give you experience in the necessary and varied field of business administration.
Where in Sri Lanka will I work?
Colombo
You’ll be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial hub and former capital. It’s an exciting place to work, and a city of contrasts. Colombo boasts a blend of historic and modern buildings, street stalls, luxury shopping malls, and small sidewalk cafes and beachside restaurants. With an extensive and affordable public transport network, it’s easy to get around.
Many Sri Lankan businesses have their headquarters here, including our partner firms. Major industries include:
- Chemicals
- Tourism
- Textiles
- Information technology
- Agricultural products
Spend your lunch break on Galle Face Green, relaxing on the grass with some delicious street food from one of the vendors or a packed lunch from your host family. Explore historical temples, historic buildings, and local museums during your time off, or bask on the beach with fellow interns. Don’t forget to pop by the local markets for some souvenirs or fresh produce!
A typical day on the Business Internship
Once you’ve enjoyed breakfast with your host family, you’ll travel to your work placement. You might be able to walk there, or take a bus or rickshaw. On your first day, our staff will accompany you to show you the way.
A typical day on this project runs from 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Some placement options may require evening or weekend work as well.
The specific activities you’ll get involved in will vary according to the placement you’ve chosen. You may end up joining in on client meetings, discussing the progress on a current project. Or you’ll be busy with research that will form the basis of a product development plan. Whatever the activity, you’ll be undertaking work that contributes towards the goals of the business.
At the end of the day, it’s time to relax. Get a taste of local cuisine sharing dinner with your host family. Join in on one of our regular socials, making friends with fellow interns and volunteers. Take time to explore the city, absorbing the sights and smells of your new home.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The main aim of this internship is to provide you with an educational and practical work experience in a professional setting. You’ll gain international experience while learning how business is conducted in Sri Lanka.
Working alongside qualified local business people, you’ll be able to share knowledge and ideas. It’s a great way to take part in cultural exchange and build working relationships.
Gain business work experience in Sri Lanka as an intern, and prepare for your future career in the business world. Learn new skills, enhance your CV, and experience working life in a growing economy.
Measuring Our Impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Meet the team in Sri Lanka
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