Kandy - Teaching Volunteer

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. About 115 km from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level. Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity and has plenty to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handicrafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy was a royal capital and the last stronghold of the Kandyan kings against foreign powers, holding out against them for about 300 years. The two main Buddhist Chapters are based here and formed the last center of independent Buddhist thought during colonial times.

- Ensure access to quality education for all ages and backgrounds.
- Enhance English proficiency and communication skills.
- Promote personal growth and cross-cultural understanding for participants and students alike.

Please specify which teaching area is of interest when booking, but this will be subject to availability.

1) Preschool/Kindergarten
As an assistant teacher at local kindergartens, your main role will be teaching English. You may also help with drama, music, or foreign language lessons. Responsibilities include assisting teachers, creating lesson plans, and fostering a fun, educational environment. Many schools provide free education and share a commitment to shaping a brighter future for children.

2) Village Kids
Due to the high cost of private English education, many children in villages lack access to quality language learning. You will teach English to these children in community centers or homes, typically for 1-2 hours in the afternoon. This project pairs well with other morning activities, giving you time to plan lessons after lunch.

3) Teaching English to Adults
This program focuses on improving English proficiency among adults, a critical skill for securing better job opportunities in Sri Lanka. You will help build their confidence in speaking and writing English, addressing gaps left by the formal education system.

During normal days the durations of the projects are as below:
1) Teaching Village Kids - 15:00 to 17:00
2) Teaching for adults - According to the time requested by the community and this can be either in the morning or in the afternoon for 02 hours
3) Teaching at preschool - 08:00 to 12:30

During school holidays only the following options will be available and the durations are as follows
1) Teaching village kids - Up to 5 hours daily based on community requests.
2) Teaching for adults - 2-hour sessions in the morning or afternoon.

We always try to cover 5 hours of work for a day and this is the main reason we offer combined projects from the above.

Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.

Monday to Friday
You will work 4 -5 hours per day.

Preschool Teaching: Teach English, drama, games, music, and art. Assist teachers, create lesson plans, and support children’s all-around development.
Teaching Adults: Improve writing, speaking, and communication skills in English.
Village Kids: Prepare lesson plans, teach English, and organize cultural and interactive activities to enhance language skills.

Get ready for an enriching experience that combines teaching, cultural immersion, and making a lasting impact on the local community!

You may be responsible for planning activities and you are welcome to bring small supplies especially for the kids to help them learn better. Individuals interested in this project must be flexible, independent and willing to take initiative. Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The project is closed on public and school holidays.

2026
01 & 28 May
29 June
29 July
26-27 August
24 November
23 & 25 December

Public Holiday on Every Wednesday
The government of Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a public holiday as part of energy-saving measures and to help manage the current fuel shortage. Teaching and Childcare placements will not be available on this day. However, all other project options will continue to be offered to participants.

School Holidays
The project is also closed during school holidays. Please note, however, that the school holidays can be changed by the government without prior notice

2026
01-30 April
08 August - 06 September
Mid-December - mid-January 2027

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Travel & medical insurance
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Passport copy required on sign-up
Copy of online Visa approval
Participants with body tattoos need to cover them and those who have visible piercings (not ears) must take the ring/studs/etc out while at the placement

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it's up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

This program can also include a Culture Week which is highly recommended but not mandatory - just inform your travel advisor if you wish to include it. This week introduces you to the culture and people of Sri Lanka. You will be given an orientation and taught about safety, transport, religion and told about other culturally acceptable practices. You will visit several temples including the Temple of the Tooth, have an Ayurvedic massage and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance. The Culture Week also includes language lessons, a Sri Lankan cooking lesson and learning Sri Lankan traditions by practice. Apart from all the sights you take in, this week will also have you eating lots of delicious Sri Lankan food.