ISLE Program

Since 1982

Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education (ISLE) offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to study in Sri Lanka.

ISLE is an atypical study abroad program. It is a demanding academic and intense cultural experience designed for highly motivated students with interests in various aspects of South Asian cultures and societies. Past students have found it challenging in many ways: intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Students who are ready to be challenged in these ways will find the ISLE program a deeply rewarding study abroad experience.  Read more about ISLE here.  Click here to apply.

Experience Sri Lanka: check out these YouTube clips. 

The ISLE Program, as a non-profit Incorporation in the USA, complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability.

Help us improve your browsing experience!

The Program's US Office at Bowdoin College as a job vacancy for Communications and Enrollment Manager. All recent graduates including those just coming out of their colleges are encouraged to apply. Please click here for more information. 

Tea Plantation, Newara Eliya Region

Kirinda Temple, South Coast

Orphanage Visit, Aruppola

Host Family Tea, ISLE Center

Children at a Drumming Village

Visiting with monks

Atop a peak, Knuckles Mountain Range

Mini World's End, Knuckles Mountain Range

Kandyan Dance Performance, ISLE Center

Trinity College Chapel, Kandy

Visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya

Studying Outdoors, ISLE Center

Traditional Transportation, Kalmunai, southern Sri Lanka

Fruit Offering, Kataragama Deveo

Check out a current student's blog! 

Emma Cutler (Bowdoin '13)

What is unique about ISLE Program?

• Very rare study opportunity – since 1982, the only undergraduate study abroad program in Sri Lanka
• Superb language teachers facilitate intimacy with people and culture
• Program long home stay further enriches cultural experience
• Leading academics – Professors from the University of Peradeniya
• Carefully supervised challenging independent study projects in student chosen venues
• Full-time faculty director from consortial school for academic supervision
• Mini ISLE campus including a library containing 5,000 titles for exclusive student use
• Program fee $19,500 includes all in country room, board, study, research expenses, reading materials, visa fees, study tours and transportation.