Volunteering to teach English in Sri Lanka is a great way to help young people unlock future opportunities. Learning English is an essential skill that opens doors to better career prospects and greater possibilities. By interacting with fluent English speakers, students will gain the confidence to improve their language skills. If you're enthusiastic and full of energy, this project is perfect for you!
Background to the Teaching Program
Sri Lanka offers universal public education for children aged 6 to 18. However, many government schools, especially in rural areas, lack sufficient funding and resources. Classrooms are often overcrowded, with up to 40 to 60 children in a class, making it hard for teachers to provide individual attention. Speaking English is becoming increasingly important in Sri Lanka due to the country's reliance on tourism and migrant workers in the Middle East, both of which require English-speaking skills. However, the quality of English teaching in government schools is often limited. Teachers' English skills are basic, and the focus is typically on memorization rather than understanding. Only middle and upper-class children can afford private English lessons, leaving children from lower-income families with minimal access to language education.
Many children attend government schools but can't afford additional tuition classes that are crucial for academic success. These classes are expensive, and the public education system doesn't allocate enough time for English instruction. As a result, children from low-income families often have little to no exposure to English. The aim of this volunteer program is to give these children the same opportunities to learn English as their wealthier peers, helping them improve their language skills and future career prospects.
In addition to teaching English, there are also opportunities to volunteer in animal welfare and other community projects in Sri Lanka.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Options
As a volunteer, you will be placed at one of our English teaching programs. You will mainly help in local village communities through our after-school education program. There's also the opportunity to teach young Buddhist monks at local temples.
Community Village School Projects
These after-school education programs, initiated by Eurasia Exchange in 2013, are the core of the volunteer teaching project. Volunteers work in several villages around the Ambalangoda district, providing free English lessons to children from low-income areas. Your role will involve teaching English to students aged 6-18 years old, divided into smaller groups based on their English proficiency. Classes typically range from 4-15 children, allowing for focused instruction. These lessons take place in community centers or makeshift classrooms in the village.
The aim is to provide these children with additional English language education beyond what they receive in school, helping them improve their language skills. Volunteers can expect to work alongside local coordinators who will provide support, and the schedule usually allows time for other volunteer activities in the mornings.
Temple Schools
In addition to the afternoon community projects, volunteers have the option to teach English to Buddhist monks in local temples. Classes usually take place in the mornings for 1.5 hours. Many of the monks speak very little English, and the temple schools welcome local children from surrounding communities as well. Each class typically has 5-10 students, aged 6-18 years.
Participation in the temple school project is optional, but all volunteers are required to join the afternoon community school project. The temple school project offers a great opportunity for volunteers to deepen their experience and further contribute to the community.
Experience & TEFL Course
Experience is not necessary for teaching English, as simply being a native English speaker is already incredibly valuable. As long as you are creative and enthusiastic, you will have a positive impact on the students' learning.
However, if you'd like to prepare further, we recommend taking our 60-hour Online TEFL course. It’s an affordable, internationally accredited course that costs only $150 USD. It will help you maximize your effectiveness as a volunteer
Resources
Resources for teaching English in Sri Lanka can be limited, so we encourage volunteers to bring their own materials, such as teaching aids or educational games, to enhance the learning experience. Proper preparation will help you make the most of your time teaching and contribute to the children’s education.
Through your involvement in this project, you’ll help transform the educational opportunities for children in Sri Lanka, giving them the tools they need to build a brighter future.
Top Destination
Sri Lanka is often regarded as one of the best volunteer destinations due to the exceptional local support, great value for money, and the overall experience in Ambalangoda. The local team goes above and beyond to ensure that every volunteer has an unforgettable experience, which is reflected in the positive feedback received. This makes it an ideal choice for first-time travellers seeking extra support, a variety of organised weekend trips, and the opportunity to participate in meaningful local initiatives in an exotic setting.
Return Airport Transfer
Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist with arranging transfers to the airport or other destinations from the volunteer accommodation. It’s more flexible to make these arrangements once you’re in Sri Lanka, as travel plans can change, and you might be able to coordinate with others on similar flight schedules. The cost will vary depending on your transport method and final destination, and if you’re traveling with other participants, it can often be shared. We strongly advise against using public transport or ridesharing apps for your airport transfer, as while they may be cheaper, they are less convenient and pose additional safety risks.
Weekends
Weekends in Sri Lanka are free, allowing you to relax or explore the country. Most participants take this opportunity to travel, while others enjoy downtime at the volunteer accommodation. We provide a Sri Lanka Weekend Travel Guide with top tips for making the most of your weekends. Additionally, before you depart for Sri Lanka, you can sign up for one of our exciting weekend trips, including the Adventure Hill & Country Trip, the Cultural Triangle & Elephants Trip, and the Maldives Chill Out Trip. These trips run every month, giving you plenty of chances to join in. Your project work is from Monday to Friday, so you’ll have plenty of time to experience Sri Lanka’s beauty and culture.
