English Teacher - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Sri Lanka - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Aug 2, 2025
About The Job
Apply by :
January 1, 2026
Know By
March 1, 2026
Depart On
September 10, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, first welcomed Volunteers in 1962 and since then more than 500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in the country. As the fourth cohort to arrive to Sri Lanka since 2023, new Volunteers will require a high level of flexibility, ability to deal with ambiguity, and a steadfast commitment to learn and grow. Volunteers in the first few years of the new program will have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help establish the foundations of the program. Volunteers should anticipate considerable interest and attention on their work performance and cultural integration by their Sri Lankan colleagues, the Ministry of Education, and the broader public. The highest degree of professionalism at all times will be expected.
Patience, flexibility, good humor, and resilience will be essential, as all aspects of the program design, training, and operations will be in its beginning years. Trainees will receive training in one of two languages: Sinhala or Tamil. Trainees must commit to learning and practicing language skills, as language is essential for cultural integration during Volunteer service.
The people and government of Sri Lanka highly value English language education as an advantageous job skill and a “link” language between the two national languages, Sinhala and Tamil. The Ministry of Education promotes and supports trilingual education for its students. Peace Corps Sri Lanka’s English Language Education project will support the development of English language capacity of teachers and students.
Volunteers will be paired with one or more Sri Lankan teachers at secondary schools, equivalent to U.S. grades 6-10, in rural towns and communities. The English Language Education project will particularly focus on working alongside counterpart teachers and school administrators in developing the speaking and listening skills of students and teachers, and on building capacity for the teaching of speaking and listening skills. Strengthening teaching methodologies, use of enrichment materials, and lesson planning are also aims of this project.
Beyond classroom teaching, Volunteers will achieve these goals through partnership with a co-teacher, school-based teacher communities of practice, or through more formal teacher development workshops in collaboration with provincial/zonal education offices. Volunteers may also support the demand for English language practice through after-school activities and special interest clubs, or camps held during school breaks.
Due to teacher retirement limitations by the Sri Lankan government, applicants must conclude their service prior to the age of 60.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
Apply by :
January 1, 2026
Know By
March 1, 2026
Depart On
September 10, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, first welcomed Volunteers in 1962 and since then more than 500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in the country. As the fourth cohort to arrive to Sri Lanka since 2023, new Volunteers will require a high level of flexibility, ability to deal with ambiguity, and a steadfast commitment to learn and grow. Volunteers in the first few years of the new program will have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help establish the foundations of the program. Volunteers should anticipate considerable interest and attention on their work performance and cultural integration by their Sri Lankan colleagues, the Ministry of Education, and the broader public. The highest degree of professionalism at all times will be expected.
Patience, flexibility, good humor, and resilience will be essential, as all aspects of the program design, training, and operations will be in its beginning years. Trainees will receive training in one of two languages: Sinhala or Tamil. Trainees must commit to learning and practicing language skills, as language is essential for cultural integration during Volunteer service.
The people and government of Sri Lanka highly value English language education as an advantageous job skill and a “link” language between the two national languages, Sinhala and Tamil. The Ministry of Education promotes and supports trilingual education for its students. Peace Corps Sri Lanka’s English Language Education project will support the development of English language capacity of teachers and students.
Volunteers will be paired with one or more Sri Lankan teachers at secondary schools, equivalent to U.S. grades 6-10, in rural towns and communities. The English Language Education project will particularly focus on working alongside counterpart teachers and school administrators in developing the speaking and listening skills of students and teachers, and on building capacity for the teaching of speaking and listening skills. Strengthening teaching methodologies, use of enrichment materials, and lesson planning are also aims of this project.
Beyond classroom teaching, Volunteers will achieve these goals through partnership with a co-teacher, school-based teacher communities of practice, or through more formal teacher development workshops in collaboration with provincial/zonal education offices. Volunteers may also support the demand for English language practice through after-school activities and special interest clubs, or camps held during school breaks.
Due to teacher retirement limitations by the Sri Lankan government, applicants must conclude their service prior to the age of 60.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English