My time as a volunteer and coordinator within SLV was priceless. I would not have been able to attain my current job two weeks after my return from Sri Lanka if it was not for the invaluable experience across many different things. I have grown in confidence not only in my teaching abilities but in my ability to deal with people in sometimes difficult situations. I loved working with those who had either a mental illness or a disability, it made me realise I wanted to pursue a teaching career which involved those who may be disabled or have additional needs. It also allowed me to immerse myself in a culture which has helped me cultivate a more informed world view and I have made life long friends as I have done so. The SLV staff are all utterly fantastic, both UK and Sri Lankan Project Managers. I honestly could not have continued throughout doing things to as high a standard as I could if it wasn't for the staff reassuring me I was doing a good job and being there any time you needed them. I would advise anyone to do this, whether they are in uni or have been out of uni for a couple of years as I had. It is wonderful. Thank you SLV for giving me this experience.