At a glance
- Gain international work experience whilst finding out more about the way of life and workplace culture in Sri Lanka.
- The country has a rapidly growing economy, making the business sector an exciting one to work in.
- You can specialise in your field of study, as we offer placements in a wide range of sectors, and put your knowledge into practice.
Start Dates:
Completely flexible dates
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Four Weeks
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.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in or around Colombo. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Sri Lanka and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Sri Lanka is well-known for its diverse landscapes. From beaches to tropical jungles, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant country.
The buzzing Pettah Market is a must-see. You can chat to friendly vendors, buy handmade products, and enjoy the electric atmosphere around you. For cultural enrichment, you can spend an afternoon in the National Museum of Colombo. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is also a highlight, with its vast collection of artefacts.
The town of Galle is a sea port with a strong Dutch heritage and plenty of old colonial buildings to explore. You can also venture inland to hike in the hills, swim in the cool waterfalls, and visit traditional hill towns.
Sri Lanka's national parks include safari parks where you can spot wildlife like leopards and elephants. Or spend an early morning bird-watching in one of the wetland sanctuaries. There are also rainforest reserves crammed full of tropical biodiversity.
You’ll be sharing this unique experience with many other volunteers. This means you can travel solo or spend your free time with the friends you make during your trip.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Meet the team in Sri Lanka
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