We arrived in Colombo at midday and were shown to the hostel where we would be staying for the week. Realizing that there were eight hundred students all living in very close quarters in basic concrete accommodation gave an initial impression of a prison.The atmosphere in the free government inner city hostel was however far from prison like and resembled a boarding school. We were really quite amazed by how much the government provides for Sri Lankan students from poorer backgrounds, providing them with free tuition, accommodation and even a monthly education allowance.
In the hostel the students immediately welcomed us and were incredibly friendly. We shared a room with six final year law students, who despite having a busy schedule, devoted a lot of time to showing us around and looking after us. We quickly got to know the many management students in the next room who very much enjoyed talking to us, and jumped at the chance to practice their English and learn about our culture. They were especially intrigued with the climate in England and bizarrely how often we had a shower.
During the week we had the opportunity to attend some lectures, most of the lecturers really enjoyed our presence and we both felt useful in helping with their English.
The highlight of the experience for us was definitely being fully immersed in the culture, living alongside the students at the hostel.
We have thoroughly enjoyed the last week, learnt a lot about the typical student life in Sri Lanka and have formed friendships with some inspirational people. We look forward to returning to Colombo University in a few weeks to see the students again.