English Teacher in Sri Lanka

Job description

We are looking for U.S. citizens who want to be a part of something bigger and are willing to go the distance to make a difference. Is that you?

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps Volunteers are putting their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities – growing, teaching, learning, and making change together.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you'll live and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects, receiving a stipend and other support as you immerse yourself in a new culture. You’ll build relationships, exchange knowledge, and help transform lives for generations.

About the project

Classrooms across Sri Lanka are seeking recent graduates and experienced educators to support English language learning.

English is widely recognized in Sri Lanka as an important skill for employment and as a crucial “link language” between Sinhala and Tamil speakers. Although the Ministry of Education actively promotes trilingual education, many Sinhala speakers do not understand Tamil, and many Tamil speakers do not understand Sinhala. This makes English an essential bridge for effective communication. Despite this need, opportunities to practice English with fluent speakers remain limited, particularly in rural areas where exposure to natural, conversational English are rare. These challenges, combined with the increasing need for English proficiency in higher education and in both local and international job markets, create a strong need for additional support.

As an English Teacher, you will work alongside school staff to strengthen speaking and listening skills for both students and teachers. Together, you will enhance classroom instruction through improved teaching methodologies, creative enrichment activities, and more effective lesson planning. Through everyday interactions, you will also help deepen intercultural understanding between Sri Lankans and Americans.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Sri Lanka project page.