Teach English to Children & Buddhist Monks

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

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ARRIVAL: SUNDAY

START: MONDAYS

ALL YEAR ROUND

MINIMUM

4 WEEKS

PRICES FROM

£1139

 

  • OVERVIEW

  • INCLUSIONS

  • FAQS

Hikkaduwa, a vibrant town on Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, is known for its stunning beaches, lively coral reefs, and a warm, friendly community. Beyond its natural beauty, Hikkaduwa is a place where education and culture intersect, offering an inspiring opportunity for you to make a lasting impact.

 

Preschool/Kindergarten

As an assistant teacher in one of Hikkaduwa’s local kindergartens, you’ll play a key role in shaping young minds. Your primary focus will be teaching English to children from village communities. Beyond language lessons, you may also assist with drama, music, and other creative activities.

You’ll work closely with the school’s teachers and staff, contributing to lesson planning and classroom organization. The kindergartens in this program are well-structured and overseen by government and private institution officers, ensuring a meaningful and well-supported experience.

Schedule: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a lunch break at your accommodation.

 

Teaching Monks

Join the unique experience of teaching English to young monks at a small temple in the Hikkaduwa area. The monks are eager to learn and improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. Your role will include lesson planning and ensuring classroom activities are engaging and productive.

This program takes place in the afternoons, allowing you to balance it with other activities in the morning. Please note, the Teaching Monks program may not run during temple events or school holidays.

Schedule: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m

 

Program Highlights

  • Immerse Yourself in Culture: Work closely with local communities and experience the traditions and values of Hikkaduwa.
  • Impact Lives: Help children develop essential language skills and assist young monks in their educational journey.
  • Unique Teaching Environment: Contribute to schools and temples, each with its own cultural significance and educational goals..

Your Role

  • Assist teachers in classrooms, focusing on English lessons and other creative activities.
  • Plan engaging lessons and organize classroom activities.
  • Provide direct teaching support to young monks and help improve their communication skills.
  • Create a positive and inspiring learning environment for children and monks alike.

Aims & Objectives

  • To improve children’s and monks’ proficiency in English by building vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic communication skills through interactive lessons and activities.
  • To foster cultural understanding and personal development for both participants and local communities, encouraging confidence and practical learning in a supportive environment.

Accommodation - a beautiful Sri Lankan house with shared single-gender rooms

3 meals per day on weekdays and 2 meals per day on weekends

Airport pickup during regular pickup times (Sunday 05:00-21:00)

Transport within program scheduled activities

Sinhalese language and cultural lesson

Program equipment, materials and tools 

Supervision by experienced local coordinators

24/7 local team support

Start Dates & Minimum Duration

To volunteer with this program, there is a minimum duration requirement of 4 weeks. This is due to the nature of work involving young children and ensuring they have enough time to ethically form a relationship with you as a volunteer. We do recommend volunteering for longer durations if possible, but the very minimum duration for our programs involving children is 4 weeks. 

 

This volunteer program runs all year round and starts every Monday. However, we recommend arriving on the Sunday to check into your accommodation and prepare for your program to start the following morning.

 

Please note that program start dates could be affected by local holidays. However, we will give you as much notice as possible if any days of your program may overlap with holidays.

What are the requirements to take part in this program?
  • Age limit: 18-65
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Minimum basic level of English
  • Genuine interest in teaching English and working with people of different ages and personalities

What will be my working schedule?

Monday to Friday

Morning: Preschool/Kindergarten Program

  • Start your day with breakfast before heading to the kindergarten.
  • Assist teachers in preparing the classroom before the children arrive.
  • Support lessons focused on teaching English, helping kids expand their vocabulary and improve pronunciation.
  • Once classes end at noon, help tidy up the classroom.
  • Return to your accommodation for lunch and some well-deserved rest.

Afternoon: Teaching Monks Program

  • Use the early afternoon to work on lesson plans for the day. Coordinators are available to guide you if needed.
  • Head to the temple to conduct the Teaching Monks program from 2 pm to 4 pm, focusing on improving the monks' English communication and reading skills.
  • After the session, return to the accommodation to unwind and reflect on your day.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

What is the accommodation like?

You will be accommodated in a beautiful house in the South of Sri Lanka, very close to the beach! Single-gender rooms and bathrooms will be shared with 4-10 other volunteers.

What meals are included?

You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are mainly Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You are also free to eat out at any of the local restaurants!

What can I do in my free time?

A beautiful area in the South of Sri Lanka known for its stunning beaches, is home to several must-see sights and natural attractions. Along with great snorkelling and diving spots where you can see many coral reefs, turtles and other marine life, you can also visit beautiful temples, a large Buddha statue, the tsunami memorial museum and a large Buddha statue that stands as a memorial for those affected by the tsunami. There are also nearby lagoons, mangroves, and jungle stretches that allow for nature trails and birdwatching. With a mix of marine attractions, cultural sites, and natural beauty, South Sri Lanka offers a well-rounded Sri Lankan experience.

What facilities will I have access to?
  • Fan
  • Bed linen
  • Bathroom and shower
  • Laundry facilities available at an extra cost
  • The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 10 minute walk away from the house

Airport Pickup

An airport pick up is included on Sundays between 05:00-21:00. We recommend booking your flights to arrive during this pickup window.

 

If you're unable to make the pickup window, please contact us to let us know that you can make your own way to us, or arrange an additional pickup at an extra cost.

 

The arrival airport is CMB (Bandaranayake International Airport). The drive to your accommodation from the airport is around 3 hours.

Secure your spot for only £49!

4 WEEKS FROM ONLY £1139

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