Description

Many Sri Lankan families do not have access to good educational facilities, so Buddhist temples help out by acting as community centres where children can receive education and advice. This gap year program gives you the opportunity to work alongside Buddhist monks, teaching in village temples and improving education in rural villages around Kandy.

Gap year volunteer role: This is a truly unique opportunity to teach in Sri Lanka! Buddhist temples are commonplace in Sri Lankan villages but many are over 100 years old. The temples act as both a focal point for religion and an active community centre, where children can receive free or low-cost education, which helps to improve their opportunities for the future.

The Buddhist temples try to serve their local community as best they can and are run with care by resident monks, but the support of gap year volunteers can make a real difference. As a volunteer teaching in Sri Lanka you can work alongside monks in the temple compounds, teaching English and improving education.

Classes usually run in the afternoon, when you'll help children to improve their conversational English, but student volunteers may be asked to arrange special English classes for monks in the morning. On this teaching abroad programme you'll work with children from different age groups, in small classes, where you'll have scope to use your creativity and teach using interactive activities. Gap year volunteers need no previous teaching experience and the monks will be at hand to help and support you.

Highlights

Your gap year experience: This is a fantastic gap year program where volunteers can work with delightful and highly motivated students in a spectacular tropical setting! Most of the temples are based in rural areas so the children would have no opportunity to develop their English language skills without your help. Learning English can make a big difference to the lives of local Sri Lankans, particularly if they want to get jobs in the tourist industry.

The experience of contributing to disadvantaged communities is very rewarding, however, many volunteers feel that they gain more themselves. Teaching in Sri Lanka in Buddhist temples will help you to gain greater confidence and you'll learn a lot as you flex your creativity and imagination in the classroom. On top of that, by living and working alongside Buddhist monks you'll learn to appreciate Sri Lankan culture and the simplicity of rural village life. This gap year program guarantees a memorable experience!

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary, but volunteers should have an interest in teaching and education.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for more information

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

All of our Sri Lanka volunteer projects include a one week induction, which is your first step towards making the most of your gap year! This is an action packed and fun-filled week that lets you get to know the Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture firsthand. You will get time to meet local people, taste local cuisine and familiarise yourself with Sri Lankan customs. The introduction week takes place in Kandy and is included in the price of all teaching projects. To find out more please speak to a GapGuru advisor.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application
• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.