Abstract
This research report explores the reasons that makes the Colombo, Sri Lanka a good place to study English. The author used 12websites to research English education in the Sri Lanka. The author’s analysis shows that the Sri Lanka is a good place to study English because, English is an official language, it is very cheap to go, and the facilities of town and universities are good.
Keywords: Colombo, Sri Lanka, English, study abroad, university
Introduction
Sri Lanka is a home of more than 20 million Sri Lankans (Worldometer, Sri Lanka Population 9/8, n.n) and about 15% of the population speak English. (evaneos,10/26 2018, David Debrincat) In fact, “Sri Lankans learn English as a second language at school starting from primary grades.”(mai globe,n.d,n.n) Most of students think about USA or UK when they study English in abroad, however Sri Lanka is an excellent place not many people know about. The aim of this research is to explore the reasons that make the Colombo, Sri Lanka a good place to learn English.
Literature Review
As stated by CNN travel, 12 foods you should try in Sri Lanka, Mark Wiens, for CNN • Updated 19th May 2017, curry and rise is the most popular food in Sri Lanka. Also, according to Cultural Atlas, Training and Resources, Religion, “Buddhism is the major religion followed in Sri Lanka, with 70.2% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Of the remaining Sri Lankan population, 12.6% identify as Hindu, 9.7% identify as Muslim and 6.1% identify as Christian.” This means there are many kinds of religion. So, we can also learn about religion, too. Religion is not so much strict, so don’t mind.
In Sri Lanka, Colombo is the big city and facility is good, too. In Colombo, according to NUMBEO, Quality of Life Comparison between London and Colombo, 2021, August, safety and climate is moderate, cost of living is very cheap, and also health care is better than London. So, there are no worry about living at Sri Lanka. Moreover, according to Wi-Fi map, Free Wi-Fi hotspots in Sri Lanka, there are 3951 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Sri Lanka, so it is useful. Also, we can learn about how to live in unfamiliar places with their own. Moreover, Sri Lanka is not so much famous as other English-speaking country, so there are not so much Japanese. This means we must speak “only” English. Additionally, there are famous university, Colombo. As stated by University of Colombo HP, About Us, “the University of Colombo has nine faculties with 56 Academic Departments, a Campus, a School, 7 Institutes and 8 Centers and Units. Many undergraduate and postgraduate study courses in the fields of Arts, Science, Medicine, Management, Finance, Law, Education, IT, Aesthetic Studies. Molecular Biology etc. are conducted by the University. The University also offers several other services, such as library services, career guidance, and services for differently-abled students.” Facilities are fully equipped. Also University of Colombo is the No.1 university in Sri Lanka ( Scimago Institutions Rankings, 2021), so if you go to Sri Lanka, live in Colombo and go to University of Colombo is recommended.
To study at university of Sri Lanka, foreigners need about 3,000~12,500 dollars (about \300,000~\1,250,000) according to Global Scholarships 8 cheap universities in Sri Lanka written by Scholarships for International Students, 2019, 10/26. This is cheaper than other English speaking countries such as USA and UK. Moreover, as stated by University of Colombo HP, Scholarships for International students, “The University of Colombo offers 100 scholarships for international students for Masters and PhD studies. The prospective applicants can contact the International Office, University of Colombo for further information.” So, there are no need to worry about money. As stated by NUMBEO, Cost of living in Sri Lanka, “A single person estimated monthly costs are 40,847.33¥ (73,642.63Rs) without rent. Cost of living in Sri Lanka is, on average, 62.29% lower than in Japan. Rent in Sri Lanka is, on average, 70.17% lower than in Japan.” Therefore, it is kind for students.
Conclusion
At now, Sri Lanka is not so much famous to study abroad. However, we can use it that chance. Because the environment of Sri Lanka need to speak only English. Therefore, we can learn more effectively than other famous English-speaking countries, such us USA and UK. Also, it is very cheap and University of Colombo have a scholarships, so it is kind for university students. Moreover, the facilities are good. For example, many free Wi-Fi hotspots, and good health care. In University of Colombo, there are many courses that can learn in English, and also a big library. Facilities are very good comparing with cost. Therefore, Sri Lanka (Colombo) is a good place to study English because it is effective to learn English than others, it is not expensive, and the facilities are well done.
References
David Debrincat, (26 October 2018), The most important vocabulary to know during your trip in Sri Lanka, Author: https://www.evaneos.co.uk/sri-lanka/holidays/survival-vocabulary/
https://www.maiglobetravels.com/language-in-sri-lanka
Mai globe, Languages in Sri Lanka, Author:?,(n.d) https://uscollegeinternational.com/2019/10/26/cheap-universities-in-sri-lanka/
Global Scholarships 8 cheap universities in Sri Lanka Author: Scholarships for International Students(26 October 2019)
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sri-lanka-must-try-food/index.html
CNN travel, 12 foods you should try in Sri Lanka — from sour fish curry to coconut relish Mark Wiens, for CNN • Updated 19th May 2017 https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/sri-lankan-culture/sri-lankan-culture-religion
Cultural Atlas, Training and Resources, Religion,2021 https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Sri+Lanka#:~:text=Family%20of%20four%20estimated%20monthly,lower%20than%20in%20United%20States.
NUMBEO, Cost of living in Sri Lanka (n.d) https://www.wifimap.io/countries/131-sri-lanka-free-wifi
Wi-Fi Map Cities with free Wi-Fi’s in Sri Lanka https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/compare_cities.jsp?country1=United+Kingdom&country2=Sri+Lanka&city1=London&city2=Colombo&tracking=getDispatchComparison
NUMBEO, Quality of Life Comparison Between London and Colombo, (2021, August) https://cmb.ac.lk/about-us/
University of Colombo HP, About Us (2016) https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?sector=Higher+educ.&country=LKA
Scimago Institutions Rankings, University of Sri Lanka, (2021) https://cmb.ac.lk/scholarships/
University of Colombo HP, Scholarships for International Students, (2016) https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/sri-lanka-population/#:~:text=The%20current%20population%20of%20Sri,the%20latest%20United%20Nations%20data.
Worldometer Sri Lanka Population, 9/8
