Volunteer Teaching English in Sri Lanka!

Volunteer to Teach English in Sri Lanka

Gorgeous sceneries like lush jungles and pearly white beaches, deep history, culture, and spirituality await you in Sri Lanka.

Being a developing country, Sri Lanka is economically and educationally disadvantaged. However, Sri Lanka is keen to improve its educational infrastructure, and its people are hopeful and work hard to achieve a more prosperous life. The importance of conversational English is very significant in Sri Lanka, as English fluency helps secure higher-paying jobs and provides a gateway to further opportunities for the future.

In Sri Lanka, young people are in search of a strong English foundation so that they can lift themselves and their communities out of the clutches of poverty. Unfortunately, public schools are often underfunded, and there is a shortage of qualified teachers. This seriously hurts the children of low-income families who can’t afford expensive private education. This is where you come in.

By joining our volunteer teaching program in Sri Lanka, you will help children who have been deprived of a quality education by teaching them vital English skills. By sharing your love and passion, you will make a difference by bridging the educational gap, providing much-needed manpower to assist the local staff while experiencing the breathtaking country of Sri Lanka.

Volunteer Teaching in Sri Lanka: At a Glance

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed for you to join the teaching English volunteer program in Sri Lanka. However, you must be willing to help the needy and be ready to work hard. It is also important that you are compassionate and have a passion and love for caring for children. Good skills in teaching English are also necessary for you to provide maximum benefit to the kids.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact

When you join this volunteer English teaching program in Sri Lanka, you will teach in elementary or middle schools in Galle. Depending on your experience, you can choose to teach independently or as an assistant to a local English teacher. Sri Lankan schools have their own books and curriculum, which you will be using to teach the students.

As a teacher, you will spend 4-5 hours a day teaching young children in public schools between the ages of 6 and 13 years. Additionally, you will organize extracurricular activities such as art, music, and sports, as well as assist with administrative tasks when needed.

A strong command in English language is fundamental in today’s globalized world, and your support will be vital in ensuring happy and prosperous lives for these disadvantaged kids. The love and passion you share with them will go a long way to ensuring that the children are motivated and inspired to reach their full potential.

Volunteer Schedule

Every day in your teaching placement in Sri Lanka will be filled with fun and excitement. You will have new experiences every day and feel greatly rewarded as you see the enthusiasm the children show for your classes.

First Day : On your first day, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff and the children you will be working with.

Weekdays : You will start teaching on your second day, and while your days will be varied, this is what your typical day will look like:

7.00 to 7.30 AM: You will share a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast with your host family.

7.45 AM: You will then head out to your placement for a full day of activities. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.

12.00 PM: Lunch break, you can either go back to enjoy a cooked meal with your host family or share with fellow teachers.

3.00 PM: Work at the placement usually ends around this time. You are free to travel home, prepare for the next day or help the children with their homework.

Dates and Fees

Program Date

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Please be aware that schools in Sri Lanka are closed during the following times:

Our Fees

Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which makes it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax-deductible.

Sri Lanka Teaching English Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

Accommodation and Meal

While you join the volunteer teaching English program in Sri Lanka, you will be welcomed into the home of a carefully selected local host family. Each family is thoroughly vetted by IFRE to ensure that they meet our high standards for safety, hospitality, and cultural exchange.

These families have years of experience hosting international volunteers, and they are highly recommended with positive feedback from previous participants. Your host family will provide you with three authentic Sri Lankan meals daily, giving you a true taste of the local cuisine.

Beyond just providing accommodation, they will treat you as a member of their family, offering a warm, welcoming environment where you can immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture. Whether it’s sharing stories, learning traditional customs, or participating in family activities, you will have ample opportunities for cultural exchange and a genuine connection with the local way of life.

Your safety and comfort will be a priority, allowing you to focus fully on your volunteer work while feeling secure and at home.

Read more about our amazing host families in Sri Lanka.

Program Location, Free Time, and Weekend Exploration

Galle is a charming coastal city located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle boasts a well-preserved colonial architecture, with the famous Galle Fort offering a unique glimpse into the city’s colonial past.

During your teaching volunteer program in Sri Lanka, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore Galle’s picturesque streets, visit local markets, and experience the city’s relaxed atmosphere. In your free time, you can unwind on the beautiful beaches, take a boat ride to nearby islands, or explore historical sites such as the Dutch Reformed Church and Galle Lighthouse.

Your weekends are entirely free, providing you with two full days to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. You can go on weekend trips to nearby attractions such as Yala National Park, famous for its wildlife safaris, or visit the coastal town of Mirissa for whale watching. Whether you choose to relax or embark on adventurous excursions, Galle offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation during your volunteer experience.

Learn more about Sri Lanka and the places you can visit while volunteering .

In-Country Support

IFRE will support you from the time you land in Sri Lanka to when you finish your project. We will assign you an in-country coordinator who will be available 24/7 to help you if you need anything. We also have a safety net of fellow volunteers who will assist you if you need any help, and all our accommodation and project facilities are carefully vetted and routinely inspected to ensure the highest safety standards.

Read more about our safety procedures and network of in-country support coordinators.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

While volunteering as an English teacher in Sri Lanka, you’ll have countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life. For a richer cultural experience, you may have the chance to live with a welcoming host family, offering you an authentic glimpse into Sri Lankan daily routines, family values, and traditions.

If your stay coincides with local festivals or religious celebrations, you might witness—or even participate in—Sri Lanka’s vibrant cultural events. These colorful and spiritually significant gatherings provide a unique window into the country’s heritage and community spirit, making your teaching journey not only impactful in the classroom but also deeply enriching on a personal level.

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs

Who can volunteer to teach English in Sri Lanka?

All individuals who are fluent in English and passionate about education can volunteer to teach English in Sri Lanka. This includes gap-year students, university graduates, working professionals, retirees, and travelers seeking an English volunteer abroad in Sri Lanka experience. Volunteers from all nationalities are welcome, and no prior international experience is required.

Do I need teaching qualifications to join an English teaching volunteer Sri Lanka?

No. A formal teaching qualification or ESL certificate is not required to join this English teaching volunteer program in Sri Lanka. Volunteers are guided by local coordinators in their tasks.

What age groups will I teach during the Sri Lanka volunteer teaching program?

Volunteers teach English to children in Sri Lanka aged from 6 to 14 years old. Teaching volunteer projects in Sri Lanka mainly focus on primary school children.

What type of English will I teach?

Volunteers teach conversational English in Sri Lanka, focusing on speaking, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, and everyday communication. Volunteers give interactive lessons, helping students gain confidence.

Where are English teaching volunteer placements located in Sri Lanka?

Our English teaching projects are based in Galle, a historic coastal city in the south of Sri Lanka. Placements are carefully selected to support local schools and community initiatives.

How long can I volunteer to teach English in Sri Lanka?

Volunteers can join the teach English volunteer program in Sri Lanka for a minimum of one week and extend for twelve weeks if desired. Longer stays allow volunteers to build stronger relationships.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Volunteers stay with local host families, where they can experience local customs, food, and daily life in a safe and welcoming environment.

What meals are included during the program?

Volunteers are provided with traditional Sri Lankan meals, including rice, vegetables, lentils, curries, and seasonal fruits. Vegetarian options are widely available, and further dietary arrangements can be made.

How does this program support community teaching programs in Sri Lanka?

Volunteers help develop English communication skills, which enable students access better education, employment, and global opportunities.

Will I work alone or with local teachers?

Volunteers work alongside local teachers. This collaborative approach ensures ethical teaching practices and enhances the overall Sri Lanka volunteer teaching experience for volunteers.

Are teaching materials provided?

Yes. Teaching materials and lesson guidance are provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring creative ideas, games, or conversation topics to enrich lessons.

What cultural expectations should volunteers be aware of?

Volunteers should dress modestly, respect local customs, and approach teaching with humility and openness. Cultural sensitivity is essential for successful cultural exchange teaching in Sri Lanka.

How does this program encourage cultural exchange?

Volunteers have daily interaction with students, teachers, host families, and communities that fosters mutual learning and understanding.

Why Volunteer to Teach English in Sri Lanka with IFRE?

Trusted Since 2006 – Join over 22,000 volunteers for safe, meaningful experiences teaching English in Sri Lanka.

Affordable and Impactful – Starting at just $235/week, teach English and help open doors to better opportunities.

Your Safety Matters – A fully vetted program ensures your safety and an impactful experience in trusted schools.

Inspire and Educate – Teach English in underserved schools, helping students gain confidence and communication skills.

Understand the Local Education System – Gain insight into Sri Lanka’s education system while working closely with local teachers.

International Teaching Experience – Build your resume with hands-on teaching experience in a cross-cultural setting.