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Teach Basic English or German & Join a Language Exchange

The experience

At our peaceful home in rural Thalawa, near Anuradhapura, we welcome volunteers who want to share knowledge, culture, and language. Your time here will be simple, meaningful, and full of local life.

You’ll help with:

Teaching basic English to local children (about 1–2 hours a day, if children are available)
Language exchange with our family (we’ll teach you Sinhala, and you can help us with English)

What you offer

18 hours of help per week

Teaching Languages: Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 10 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers and Materials for volunteer activities

Description: As a host living in a rural village, I do my best to create a meaningful and relaxing environment for volunteers. To continue offering fresh food, clean rooms, and a family-like experience, I kindly ask for a $10/day contribution. It helps us both — I can provide better care, and you’ll enjoy a full cultural immersion, not just a free bed.

What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate German

Between 18 and 50 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Sri Lanka

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

We welcome friendly, open-minded travelers to join us in Mahabellankadawala, Thalawa, near Anuradhapura. This is a peaceful countryside village where you can experience authentic Sri Lankan life while helping us with language exchange (English or German).

Activities & Shift

⏰ Working hours: Around 3–4 hours per day

🗓️ Working days: 5 days a week (2 days off – flexible)

🕗 Suggested schedule:

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Light farming or outdoor work

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Language practice or English teaching

Afternoon: Free time to relax, explore the village, or help with creative tasks

Shifts are flexible based on weather and your strengths — we value your help, not strict hours!



you can help with a mix of the following tasks, depending on the day:

🗣️ Language exchange (English or German) with our family and neighbors
👧 Teaching basic English to local children (if available)
🌱 Farming help – watering, planting, weeding, harvesting
🧹 Household chores – cleaning common areas, helping in the kitchen

Rules

To ensure a safe, respectful, and meaningful experience for both our volunteers and children, we kindly ask all volunteers to follow these simple rules:
1. Respect the Children and Staff

Treat every child with kindness, patience, and dignity

Respect local staff, teachers, and house mothers at all times

2. Dress Modestly and Appropriately

Please wear modest clothing, especially when working with children

Shoulders and knees should be covered (no crop tops or short shorts)

3. Be Punctual and Responsible

Attend all scheduled activities on time

Inform us in advance if you are sick or cannot attend a session

4. No Physical Punishment or Aggressive Behavior

Physical punishment or yelling is strictly forbidden

Always use positive reinforcement and gentle guidance

5. Respect Privacy and Sensitivity

Do not take photos of children without permission

Do not share personal details about the children on social media

6. No Alcohol, Drugs, or Smoking on Premises

Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs is not allowed at the homestay or children’s home

7. Build Healthy Boundaries

Be friendly and supportive, but maintain appropriate boundaries

Avoid favoritism or overly personal relationships with any one child

8. Ask When in Doubt

If you're unsure about anything, just ask us—we’re here to support you

Always communicate openly and respectfully with the Akuratatha team

9. Keep the Place Clean and Orderly

Please help keep your living space and shared areas tidy

Respect the home and treat it as your own

10. Be Present and Enjoy the Experience

Limit phone use during activities

Engage fully, learn from the culture, and enjoy this special journey