Our Projects
VOLUNTEERING IN TEACHING PROGRAM
Join our volunteer Teaching Program in Sri Lanka and help disadvantaged students improve their English conversation skills. As a volunteer, you’ll encourage children to practice speaking with you, helping them build confidence and learn to express themselves in English. This is a wonderful way to gain practical classroom experience, boost your resume, and make a positive impact at the same time.
United Volunteer partners with rural and underserved schools in Galle, a beautiful southern coastal town, and Wattala, a suburb close to Sri Lanka’s capital. We offer free English lessons to children in these communities and also support both primary and secondary schools, giving you the perfect mix of formal classroom experience and informal community-based teaching.
Immerse yourself in a warm, welcoming environment and discover the vibrant, diverse culture of Sri Lanka while making a real difference.
Your Role as a Volunteer English Teacher
As a volunteer, your main role will be teaching English within the local community — sharing your time, knowledge, and skills to empower children with the language tools they need for a brighter future. Your presence as an international volunteer will not only help improve their conversational English, but also inspire confidence and offer them a window into different cultures and ways of life.
While English will be your primary focus, you’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in other subjects such as maths, art, music, drama, and sports. And don’t worry — it’s not all work! There’s always time to play outside, laugh with the children, and introduce fun and educational games.
You’ll have the chance to lead your own classes, either alongside other volunteers or under the guidance of a local teacher. If you’re teaching in an after-school, community, or vacation class organized by United Volunteer, you’ll enjoy the freedom to design your own lesson plans. However, if you’re placed in a government primary or secondary school, you’ll follow the local curriculum. For community classes, we highly encourage collaboration with other volunteers to build on existing lesson plans and ensure continuity for the students.
If you love working with children and are looking to gain valuable international work experience, this program is a unique and meaningful opportunity. It not only strengthens your CV but also offers immense personal growth and fulfillment.
Where Will I Be Staying?
Your accommodation depends on whether you choose to volunteer in Wattala or Galle, and we’ve made sure both options offer comfort, cultural immersion, and convenience.
Wattala Program – Homestay Experience
If you join our teaching program in Wattala, you will stay in a highly rated local homestay. Your homestay “mom and dad” have lived, worked, and studied in England for many years, giving them excellent international exposure and a warm, welcoming attitude. The homestay includes three delicious home-cooked Sri Lankan meals each day.
Wattala is just 11 km from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital. In just 30 minutes, you can reach key attractions such as Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and the bustling city center. Negombo’s golden beaches are also nearby, offering the perfect weekend escape.
Galle Program – Homestay or Hotel Upgrade
In Galle, you can choose between a friendly homestay or upgrade to a standard hotel for an additional USD 30 per night. The homestay includes three traditional Sri Lankan meals daily, while the hotel option provides breakfast and lunch.
Our Galle homestay is located in a peaceful suburb, just 5 minutes from the iconic Galle Fort, beautiful beaches, and the historic old city. Enjoy your evenings by the golden sand beach lined with palm trees — a true paradise where you can unwind and watch unforgettable sunsets.
Just 10 minutes away is Unawatuna, a lively backpacker town filled with restaurants, beach bars, surf shops, and vibrant nightlife. Here, you can go snorkeling, surfing, and diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish — and even spot sea turtles!
For those looking to explore further, Mirissa, a charming fishing village 30 minutes in the opposite direction, offers a more traditional coastal lifestyle. It’s famous for whale and dolphin watching.
