Where
Kandy, Sri Lanka
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Anyone who wants to share English, discover new traditions and feel part of local life in Kandy
Project details
In Kandy, the project supports schools and communities by creating new opportunities for learning and exchange.
Many children and adults in the areas around Kandy do not have access to quality English courses, which are often limited to families who can afford them.
This project was created to make learning accessible to everyone, from nursery schools to community centres, all the way to lessons for adults seeking better job prospects. As a volunteer, you will be part of the daily journey of students and teachers, creating practical learning moments and cultural exchange together.
This project was created to make learning accessible to everyone, from nursery schools to community centres, all the way to lessons for adults seeking better job prospects. As a volunteer, you will be part of the daily journey of students and teachers, creating practical learning moments and cultural exchange together.
Teach and experience the culture of Sri Lanka
In Kandy, the project supports schools and communities by creating new opportunities for learning and exchange.
Many children and adults in the areas around Kandy do not have access to quality English courses, which are often limited to families who can afford them.
This project was created to make learning accessible to everyone, from nursery schools to community centres, all the way to lessons for adults seeking better job prospects. As a volunteer, you will be part of the daily journey of students and teachers, creating practical learning moments and cultural exchange together.
This project was created to make learning accessible to everyone, from nursery schools to community centres, all the way to lessons for adults seeking better job prospects. As a volunteer, you will be part of the daily journey of students and teachers, creating practical learning moments and cultural exchange together.
Why participate
Share your skills
Teach English to children and adults who would not otherwise have access to quality classes, making learning more inclusive.
Why participate
Share your skills
Teach English to children and adults who would not otherwise have access to quality classes, making learning more inclusive.
Build genuine relationships
By living in Kandy, you become part of the daily life of schools and communities, building real relationships with students, teachers and families.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, the days include 4-5 hours of teaching across schools, community centres and adult classes.
The rest of the time is devoted to preparing activities, exchanging ideas with the other participants and experiencing everyday life in Kandy alongside the local community.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30English lessons and educational activities in schools or communities
11:00Break and time to interact with students and staff
13:00Lunch and relaxation
14:30Afternoon activities with village children or adults
18:30Dinner and free time with the other participants
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the area, join small trips or simply relax with the other volunteers.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Discover the spiritual heart of Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
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FAQs
During your stay in Kandy, you will be hosted in one of the residences dedicated to volunteers, located about 4 km from the city centre.
The accommodation is simple but comfortable, designed to give you a peaceful base throughout your experience. The rooms are shared (4–10 people) and equipped with the essentials: beds with linen provided, fans and running water with a hot shower. There is no Wi-Fi or mosquito nets, but you will find common areas where you can relax and a shared kitchen with a fridge available.
Meals are served every day: three during the week and two at the weekend. The food is mainly vegetarian, a mix of local and Western dishes, with water, tea, coffee and milk always available.
A few minutes’ walk away you will find supermarkets and ATMs for anything you need, while laundry services are available for an extra fee.
🛏️ Included amenities:
- Shared rooms with beds and linen provided
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Water, tea, coffee and milk always available - Safety box and lockable rooms - Common areas to socialise and relax - Constant support from the local team and initial orientation
The volunteer residence is not just a place to sleep, but a space for meeting and sharing.
Here you will meet people from all over the world, with whom you can cook together, exchange stories and share the everyday moments that will make your time in Kandy even more special.
The accommodation is simple but comfortable, designed to give you a peaceful base throughout your experience. The rooms are shared (4–10 people) and equipped with the essentials: beds with linen provided, fans and running water with a hot shower. There is no Wi-Fi or mosquito nets, but you will find common areas where you can relax and a shared kitchen with a fridge available.
Meals are served every day: three during the week and two at the weekend. The food is mainly vegetarian, a mix of local and Western dishes, with water, tea, coffee and milk always available.
A few minutes’ walk away you will find supermarkets and ATMs for anything you need, while laundry services are available for an extra fee.
🛏️ Included amenities:
- Shared rooms with beds and linen provided
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Water, tea, coffee and milk always available - Safety box and lockable rooms - Common areas to socialise and relax - Constant support from the local team and initial orientation
The volunteer residence is not just a place to sleep, but a space for meeting and sharing.
Here you will meet people from all over the world, with whom you can cook together, exchange stories and share the everyday moments that will make your time in Kandy even more special.
The safety of our participants is an absolute priority.
Every programme is carefully monitored, from the schools where you will teach to the volunteer house where you will stay, to ensure a welcoming and protected environment.
🔹 Participant checks and protected environments
To safeguard minors and local communities, all participants are required to provide a criminal record certificate before departure.
We can help you obtain a DBS check or equivalent if you are joining one of our programmes: we will provide all the instructions.
🔹 High safety standards
We work exclusively with schools and community centres that welcome volunteers from all over the world in reliable and well-organised environments. Participant residences are located in safe areas, with lockable rooms and constant support from the local team.
🔹 24-hour support
From your arrival at the airport until the end of the programme, you can rely on the presence and ongoing assistance of the local staff, including in the evenings and at weekends. In addition, our our team will always be reachable via WhatsApp for anything you may need.
🔹 Training and orientation
On the first day, you will take part in an orientation meeting with an introduction to Sinhalese culture, practical rules and a guided city tour. This moment is essential for gaining useful tools and living the experience safely and with awareness.
🔹 Good practices for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Sri Lanka is a welcoming and friendly country, but it is important to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid moving around alone at night.
- Prefer travelling together with other volunteers.
- Always follow the local coordinator’s advice on which areas to visit and how to get around.
💡 Our goal
is to offer you a safe and supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: sharing your time, energy and knowledge with the local community.
Every programme is carefully monitored, from the schools where you will teach to the volunteer house where you will stay, to ensure a welcoming and protected environment.
🔹 Participant checks and protected environments
To safeguard minors and local communities, all participants are required to provide a criminal record certificate before departure.
We can help you obtain a DBS check or equivalent if you are joining one of our programmes: we will provide all the instructions.
🔹 High safety standards
We work exclusively with schools and community centres that welcome volunteers from all over the world in reliable and well-organised environments. Participant residences are located in safe areas, with lockable rooms and constant support from the local team.
🔹 24-hour support
From your arrival at the airport until the end of the programme, you can rely on the presence and ongoing assistance of the local staff, including in the evenings and at weekends. In addition, our our team will always be reachable via WhatsApp for anything you may need.
🔹 Training and orientation
On the first day, you will take part in an orientation meeting with an introduction to Sinhalese culture, practical rules and a guided city tour. This moment is essential for gaining useful tools and living the experience safely and with awareness.
🔹 Good practices for enjoying the experience with peace of mind
Sri Lanka is a welcoming and friendly country, but it is important to follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid moving around alone at night.
- Prefer travelling together with other volunteers.
- Always follow the local coordinator’s advice on which areas to visit and how to get around.
💡 Our goal
is to offer you a safe and supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: sharing your time, energy and knowledge with the local community.
🧭 Orientation day
Your experience in Kandy begins with a full day dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, understand the local context and start the programme safely and with confidence.
During the first Monday of your experience, you will take part in a series of activities guided by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme presentation and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour
- Introduction to Sinhalese culture and a short Sinhala language lesson
- Tour of Kandy, visiting the main sites and receiving useful information on supermarkets, transport and local SIM cards
- Shared moments to start getting to know the other volunteers and staff
Orientation is also an opportunity to become familiar with the city, better understand the Buddhist culture that shapes the area and immediately build a connection with the group.
📌 After this introductory day, from Tuesday you will dive into the educational activities in schools and community centres.
Your experience in Kandy begins with a full day dedicated to orientation, designed to help you settle in, understand the local context and start the programme safely and with confidence.
During the first Monday of your experience, you will take part in a series of activities guided by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme presentation and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and cultural behaviour
- Introduction to Sinhalese culture and a short Sinhala language lesson
- Tour of Kandy, visiting the main sites and receiving useful information on supermarkets, transport and local SIM cards
- Shared moments to start getting to know the other volunteers and staff
Orientation is also an opportunity to become familiar with the city, better understand the Buddhist culture that shapes the area and immediately build a connection with the group.
📌 After this introductory day, from Tuesday you will dive into the educational activities in schools and community centres.
We recommend booking a flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo, on Sunday, preferably between 05:00 and 21:00.
During this time window, our welcome and transfer service to Kandy is available.
Arriving on Sunday morning/afternoon (05:00–21:00): airport pick-up to the Kandy residence is included (journey time 3–4 hours).
Arriving on Saturday: this is possible, but an extra night supplement will apply.
Arriving outside the time window: you can request a private transfer (for an additional fee) or reach us independently by taxi.
Arriving after 21:00 or very early: we suggest spending the night in a hotel near the airport and joining the transfer the following morning.
📍 Meeting point
Outside arrivals, you will find one of our coordinators holding a sign with your name, or the name of the host organisation. Do not leave the meeting point: the coordinator will meet you there. You may need to wait for other participants before departing for Kandy.
📱 Useful tips
- Buy a local SIM card as soon as you land: it will be useful for communicating with the team and your family.
- Bring a printed copy of your ETA visa, passport and criminal record certificate (CRB): in , the certificate can be requested online free of charge and without stamp duty if you are taking part in one of our programmes.
- Be prepared for a 3–4 hour drive to Kandy, which you may share with other volunteers arriving on the same day.
📞 If you do not immediately find our staff
Stay at the meeting point: the coordinator will meet you there. In case of emergency, you will be able to contact our coordinator directly!
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return flight
Check-out from the accommodation is on Saturday by 12:00. Transfer to the airport is not included, as participants leave at different times. However, our team will still be available to help you book a taxi or arrange a shared transfer with other volunteers.
We recommend booking a return flight on Saturday evening or Sunday, bearing in mind that the journey from Kandy to Colombo Airport takes about 4 hours.
If you have a very early morning flight, you may need to leave during the previous night. In any case, our staff will help you organise the transfer, and you may be able to share the journey with other volunteers staying there!
🗓️ If you are continuing your trip in Sri Lanka
Let us know in advance if you plan to stay longer or travel to another part of the island: we will give you practical and safe advice to help you organise your route.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive a detailed document by email with:
- All the updated instructions
- Local emergency contacts and local team contacts
- Practical guidance to help you prepare for your trip in the best way possible
During this time window, our welcome and transfer service to Kandy is available.
Arriving on Sunday morning/afternoon (05:00–21:00): airport pick-up to the Kandy residence is included (journey time 3–4 hours).
Arriving on Saturday: this is possible, but an extra night supplement will apply.
Arriving outside the time window: you can request a private transfer (for an additional fee) or reach us independently by taxi.
Arriving after 21:00 or very early: we suggest spending the night in a hotel near the airport and joining the transfer the following morning.
📍 Meeting point
Outside arrivals, you will find one of our coordinators holding a sign with your name, or the name of the host organisation. Do not leave the meeting point: the coordinator will meet you there. You may need to wait for other participants before departing for Kandy.
📱 Useful tips
- Buy a local SIM card as soon as you land: it will be useful for communicating with the team and your family.
- Bring a printed copy of your ETA visa, passport and criminal record certificate (CRB): in , the certificate can be requested online free of charge and without stamp duty if you are taking part in one of our programmes.
- Be prepared for a 3–4 hour drive to Kandy, which you may share with other volunteers arriving on the same day.
📞 If you do not immediately find our staff
Stay at the meeting point: the coordinator will meet you there. In case of emergency, you will be able to contact our coordinator directly!
🚖 Recommendations for departure and your return flight
Check-out from the accommodation is on Saturday by 12:00. Transfer to the airport is not included, as participants leave at different times. However, our team will still be available to help you book a taxi or arrange a shared transfer with other volunteers.
We recommend booking a return flight on Saturday evening or Sunday, bearing in mind that the journey from Kandy to Colombo Airport takes about 4 hours.
If you have a very early morning flight, you may need to leave during the previous night. In any case, our staff will help you organise the transfer, and you may be able to share the journey with other volunteers staying there!
🗓️ If you are continuing your trip in Sri Lanka
Let us know in advance if you plan to stay longer or travel to another part of the island: we will give you practical and safe advice to help you organise your route.
💡 After your participation is confirmed, you will receive a detailed document by email with:
- All the updated instructions
- Local emergency contacts and local team contacts
- Practical guidance to help you prepare for your trip in the best way possible
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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