LankaCorps Fellowship Program

Explore your roots while giving back

LankaCorps is a unique opportunity for young leaders of Sri Lankan heritage to professionally engage in social, cultural, and economic development activities in Sri Lanka

Fostering understanding for young members of the expatriate Sri Lankan community

The Asia Foundation created LankaCorps to help members of the expatriate Sri Lankan community engage with Sri Lanka and to enhance their understanding of the country. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program fosters identification with Sri Lanka among young professionals with limited experience in the country of their heritage.

LankaCorps Fellows will be placed with local Sri Lankan host organizations identified by The Asia Foundation in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. These affiliations will be augmented by an orientation program, language training, and periodic activities with other young leaders. Asia Foundation staff will offer in-country advisory and logistical support for the fellows during their six-month affiliation. The fellowship will provide a travel stipend to cover roundtrip international airfare, in-country living expenses (including a monthly stipend and housing), and health insurance coverage.

Young woman poses at desk in busy office

A unique chance to

Engage with Sri Lanka

For fellows aged

21-30

Program length

6 months

Program information

Learn about the LankaCorps program, past Fellows, and their placements in Sri Lanka.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age, and not over 30, on the projected start date;
  • Have at least a bachelor’s degree with high academic achievement;
  • Have demonstrable leadership skills and civic engagement;
  • Be of Sri Lankan heritage; and
  • Have limited exposure to Sri Lanka / have not spent their formative years in Sri Lanka.

Application information

Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2023

LankaCorps Fellows will be placed in Sri Lanka from September 15, 2023 through March 31, 2024. The fellowship will provide a travel stipend to cover roundtrip international airfare, in-country living expenses (including a monthly stipend and housing), and health insurance coverage.

Candidates in all fields will be considered; however, preference will be given to those whose background and interests are likely to contribute to Sri Lanka’s development.