Different career paths within TEFL: Volunteering in Sri Lanka

Have you ever considered volunteering as a TEFL teacher?  teflhub is running a series of articles and interviews to help you decide if you’d like to take the next step in what must be an incredibly rewarding experience. The second article is an interview with the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) which is an NGO based in Sri Lanka.  Marco Polo described the country as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of all the places he had visited – that’s quite a recommendation.

1. What do you think is the biggest draw for TEFL teachers aiming to volunteer in Sri Lanka?

The opportunity to enrich their lives by interacting and helping derserved children and communities in rural Sri Lanka, while also integrating with the charming village life.

2. Is the voluntary position supported by subsidised meals, transport, etc?

The volunteer will receive subsidised accommodation at the FoG accommodation centres for the duration of stay for qualified teachers.

3. Will a volunteer have to pay anything to be involved with FoG?

FoG does not charge a volunteer fee but the volunteers will need to take responsibility for their own expenses during their stay.

4. How long are the standard contracts?

Standard volunteer periods begin at a minimum of 3 months.

5. What would be an average day at work for a volunteer TEFL teacher?

9 am – 1 am and 2.30pm -5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, Sunday and Monday are free days.

6. What are the challenges of the position?

Not all of the FoG coordinators are able to communicate fluently in English and may therefore not be able to communicate clearly with the volunteer.

The accommodation also have some regulations ties to it including no smoking or drinking on the premises or while wearing the FoG t-shirt and a 11 pm curfew on weekdays which can be negotiated in advance.

7. What do most TEFL teachers describe as the most rewarding aspects of the position?

The opportunity to work with students who are truly enthusiastic and dedicated to learn English and become a part of the rural community.

8. How much support do volunteers receive when they are in-country?

The volunteers will get support and advice from FoG staff throughout their stay.

9. What should a TEFL teacher bring with them to Sri Lanka?

The FoG provides all volunteers with a list of recommendations to bring, including appropriate clothing upon confirming their placement.

10. Do volunteers get time to explore the country?

FoG programmes take place from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am – 5 pm and are free to travel and explore during their free time and can request for a few additional days off.

11. Do volunteers return again and again?

Yes.  : )

To find out more about volunteering with the Foundation of Goodness in Sri Lanka visit http://www.unconditionalcompassion.org/indexc.php .