VOLUNTEER ABROAD PROGRAM |
SRI LANKA TEACHING14 DAY COLOMBO EXPERIENCE |
| Tour price | $1,098 |
| Online booking fee (1.75%) | $20 |
| You pay | $1,118 |
Join us in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and become part of a community-focused education programme that makes a genuine difference. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside local teachers to support young learners, assist in special needs classrooms, and help adults build confidence in their English skills. Every day brings meaningful interactions — from guiding kindergarten students through their first lessons, to teaching in rural village schools where resources are limited, to supporting adults who want to improve their communication for work and everyday life.
This programme isn’t just about teaching; it’s about connection, cultural exchange, and empowerment. Your time and energy help create inclusive learning environments where students of all ages feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to learn. By sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, you’ll play a part in breaking down barriers to education and ensuring no one is left behind on their journey to a brighter future.
Five steps, start to finish. Our local team looks after you from the airport to your last day.
1Choose any Sunday start. A $300 deposit holds your spot and the balance is due 45 days before you go.
2Your pre-departure pack covers visas, insurance, the police check, what to pack and arrival times.
3Fly into Colombo (CMB). We pick you up, take you to the volunteer house in Kandy and you meet the crew.
4Monday is orientation and a Sri Lankan culture lesson. Then Monday to Friday teaching English in local schools.
5The Temple of the Tooth, the Ella train, Sigiriya or the south coast beaches. Add onward travel with us at a discount.
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your program? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the program price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the program page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your program.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on program will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled program date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
What is the criteria to participate?
This programme is open to participants from a wide range of backgrounds. No formal teaching qualifications are required to join the Kandy Teaching Volunteer Program. The most important qualities are enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting education within local communities.
Basic Requirements: Minimum English level — Basic conversational English is required to communicate with students, teachers, and fellow volunteers. Police Check — A CRB or police background check is required during the signup process. Passport — A valid passport copy must be provided prior to arrival. Teaching Qualifications — No formal teaching qualifications or experience are required.
Additional Requirements: Medical Clearance — Participants over the age of 65 must provide a doctor’s note confirming they are fit to travel and participate in the programme. Parental Consent — Participants under the age of 18 must provide signed parental consent. Travelling with an adult or guardian is strongly recommended. Travel Insurance — Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of your stay is mandatory. Health & Vaccination Recommendations — While vaccinations are not mandatory, travellers visiting Sri Lanka are commonly advised to consult their doctor or travel clinic before departure. Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. There is no mandatory equipment required for this programme. However, volunteers are welcome to bring small teaching supplies such as books, flash cards, colouring materials, games, or other educational resources that may help support classroom activities.
Where does the program start and finish?
After passing through customs at Bandaranayake International Airport (CMB), make sure you stay on the same floor. Our Coordinator will be waiting for you in front of this entrance with a sign saying “Green Lion”. You will then be taken to our TGL Accommodation Centre. This is where your program will start and finish. Whilst on your program you can arrange onwards travel with us.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world. Group sizes vary with each program.
Do I need vaccinations?
Vaccines are recommended for Sri Lanka, consult a doctor for personalised advice based on what is best to get before coming. We recommend organising all vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Can I book extra nights?
If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book.
Who can volunteer?
For this volunteer program physical fitness and ability to engage in manual labor and construction tasks is required. You will have a supervisor on all job sites and training from and experienced project coordinator. We encourage everyone to try volunteering abroad who have a keen interest in culture, community and learning new life skills whilst making a difference. Respect, energy and the adaptability to work in a team and diverse environment is a must.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, a visa is required for all foreign nationals entering Sri Lanka who must apply online (except Singaporean and Maldivian nationals) through the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (www.eta.gov.lk) and pay the requisite application fee, which varies depending upon your nationality. It is vitally important that you obtain your visa prior to travelling as it is no longer possible for foreign nationals to obtain 30-day visas on arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka. If your passport is due to expire within 6 months of your arrival in Sri Lanka you will also need to renew your passport beforehand.
What airport do I fly in and out of?
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes. Weather safety clothing such as hat, rain jacket and fleece sweater. Modest clothing for visiting temples. First-aid kit. Small day pack. Reusable water bottle. Work clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Passport and print off all visa, insurance and vaccinations. Toiletries (insect repellent and sunscreen!).
Can I volunteer with a dietary requirement?
Yes! We do our best to cater to dietary requirements. Make sure at the time of booking you tell us any dietary requirements so we can be prepared.
How do I book?
Ready to start your volunteering abroad adventure? Select your preferred start date to start your volunteer experience. Once you book, we’ll send you a confirmation along with everything you need to prepare for your overseas volunteer program. If you’ve found the perfect volunteer project but aren’t ready to pay in full, you can secure your place today with a $300 AUD deposit. The remaining program balance is due 45 days before your departure date.
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