In this interview, you’ll hear from Tommy Kolovos, a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Sri Lanka. Tommy shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Sri Lanka?
As a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Sri Lanka, my work centers on teaching English in provincial schools. Most of us teach Grades 6–10, though some also lend a hand in Grades 1–5 or Grades 11–13 when extra time allows. But here’s the thing, our project isn’t just about drilling grammar charts or memorizing past participles. The real focus is spoken, communicative English, getting students comfortable and confident using the language.
That means we blend reading, writing, listening, and especially speaking into lively lessons that move beyond the textbook. We want our students to have the courage to raise their hands, join in conversations, and use English as a living, breathing tool. And we don’t do this alone; we work side by side with our Sri Lankan counterparts, the dedicated English teachers assigned to our schools.
Outside of regular classes, volunteers often run after-school English Clubs, literary associations, or other creative activities. At my current school, my counterpart and I host plenty of evening classes to help students prepare for their O-Level and A-Level exams. It’s extra effort, but it’s also extra rewarding. Watching students grow in skill and confidence makes every moment worth it.
So, in short: I help bring English to life in the classroom, support teachers, and create spaces where students can use their voices, and that’s what being a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Sri Lanka is all about!
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Sri Lanka?
I first felt the spark for the Peace Corps through my mentor, Dr. Phyllis West, during a service-learning trip to Panama in my senior year of university. She suggested I consider the Peace Corps, and honestly, I scoffed. At 20, in my buckle jeans and iced-latte-a-day lifestyle, I couldn’t imagine myself doing something so bold. But the call to service, and my curiosity about the wider world, stuck with me.
I ended up serving as an Education Volunteer in Madagascar, though unfortunately, my service was cut short by COVID. Even after returning home, I felt unfinished; I still had that desire to complete my service. Nearly four years later, I reapplied. When I chose Sri Lanka, I’ll admit I was drawn to the idea of Buddhist culture and beautiful beaches. Instead, I was placed in a primarily Hindu community in the mountains, and I’m loving every minute of it.
For me, joining the Peace Corps was about saying yes to growth, challenge, and connection, and Sri Lanka has given me all of that in ways I couldn’t have planned.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Sri Lanka?
My housing in Sri Lanka is tucked away in a Tamil tea estate nestled between two major cities. The area is lush, mountainous, and full of life. Because of a nearby waterfall and tea factory, the town also gets a steady flow of tourists, but at its heart, it’s a hardworking, honest community that I feel lucky to be a part of. All Peace Corps Volunteers in Sri Lanka live with host families, which is a big part of the cultural immersion. We all have the basics, such as running water and electricity, and some volunteers even get extra perks like toilets, fridges, washing machines, or hot water pumps.
I live with a multi-generational family, which means there’s always something happening in the house, lots of laughter, lots of tea, and always someone to practice Tamil with. As for food, rice and curry are the daily staples, but when it’s not that, we’re usually eating roti, dosa, or pittu. My host family also has a green bean garden in the backyard, so I’m spoiled with fresh green bean curry, which happens to be my absolute favorite.
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
The moments that stand out most for me are always with my students. Nothing makes me happier than hearing them speak up in English, even if it’s not perfect; I can see the pride in their faces. My Grade 7 class especially has a way of keeping things lively. They’re mischievous, full of energy, and always manage to bring laughter into the classroom.
English Day competition
One memory I’ll never forget was during our English Day competition. I had the privilege of being one of the judges, and one of my Grade 7 boys participated in the storytelling competition. His task was to read an excerpt from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I remember how nervous he was at first, his hands gripping the paper a little too tightly, his voice wavering on the first few lines.
But after weeks of practice, something clicked. His confidence started to build, his pronunciation sharpened, and by the end, he was practically performing the story. Watching him step into that moment, and seeing the pride in his classmates’ eyes as they cheered for him through a small opening in a window, was one of those “this is why I’m here” moments for me.
Tamil Day
And it’s not just English Day. Being able to participate in other school events, like Tamil Day with its beautiful cultural performances, school poojas that bring the whole community together, sports meets full of cheering and school spirit, and even just encouraging students during exam days, has made me feel truly woven into their world. It’s in those moments outside the classroom, just as much as in our lessons, that the real connections are built.
What I’ll carry with me long after my service ends aren’t just the competitions or the big milestones, but the small things too: doodles slipped onto my desk, goofy role plays that end in a classroom full of laughter, or a quiet “thank you, sir” from a student who’s usually shy. Those are the memories that make this experience so meaningful.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Sri Lanka?
What has surprised me most about living and working in Sri Lanka is just how multiethnic and multi-religious the country really is. Before coming here, I knew a little about the Sinhalese majority, but I didn’t realize the full richness of the island’s diversity. Sri Lanka is home not only to Sinhalese, but also to Up-Country Tamils, Eelam Tamils, and Muslims, as well as smaller minority groups. That diversity extends to religion too; Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam all play vibrant roles in everyday life, and you really feel that blend during festivals and community events.
What has been especially eye-opening for me is learning about the Up-Country Tamil community, who are often described as among the most marginalized or disenfranchised groups in Sri Lanka. Many of my neighbors and students proudly tell me, “We are Indian, we come from India,” and then share stories of how their families came to work on the tea estates and how that history continues to shape their lives today. Hearing their perspectives, what it means to be Tamil in Sri Lanka, to live in these lush mountainous tea estates, and to carry both pride and struggle in their identity, has given me an entirely new understanding of the island’s history and its people.
I expected to learn about Sri Lanka’s culture and history, but I didn’t expect to be so deeply moved by the stories of one specific community. Their honesty, resilience, and willingness to share their experiences with me have been some of the most surprising and rewarding parts of my service.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Education work, and how did you respond?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the classroom is navigating Sri Lanka’s very indirect communication style. Many students are hesitant, or even fearful, to speak English, not because they can’t, but because they’re afraid of making mistakes or receiving harsh feedback from teachers.
Early on, I realized that my job wasn’t just to teach English, it was to build trust and create a safe space where students felt comfortable experimenting with language. To do this, I try to show them that mistakes are okay, even funny sometimes. I’ll intentionally say something wrong in Tamil and laugh at myself, which gets the students giggling and helps them see that errors are just part of learning.
I also sing songs in class, play word games, and include movement-based activities that make English feel less like a test and more like play. Even on the days when answers are completely off or the classroom is bouncing off the walls, I focus on encouragement and celebration of every effort.
Something our M&E specialist, Rashomi, once told me really stuck: we are here planting ideas into our students’ minds about fairness, empathy, softness, and kindness. That philosophy guides everything I do. By showing patience, modeling imperfection, and keeping lessons fun and interactive, I’ve seen students start to take risks, raise their hands, and even speak English with confidence.
In the end, responding to this challenge is only possible by creating an environment where students feel safe to try, fail, and laugh along the way. And those moments, the smiles, the giggles, the small breakthroughs, are what make all the effort worth it.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
During my service, I’ve had the chance to dive into a bunch of fun secondary projects that go beyond the classroom and get students and even teachers excited about English! One of my favorites was writing a SPA grant to build a library and multimedia center at my school. Thanks to amazing donations from Darien Book Aid and the International Book Project, we stocked it with a huge collection of English books. Even better, my counterpart and I showed teachers how to use media and interactive tools to make lessons more engaging and get students talking in English.
Another highlight was the Jungle-Themed English Camp we threw for our Grade 7 class. It was a full day of games, songs, and hands-on activities where students got to use English in a totally fun, stress-free way. Seeing them run around, laughing, and practicing English without fear was priceless.
I’ve also loved working with teachers outside my school through the Regional English Support Center (RESC). Leading trainings, I get to share creative ways to help students speak English and watch other teachers light up as they try new approaches in their classrooms.
All of these projects are about making English come alive, whether it’s in a library corner, a jungle adventure, or a teacher training session. And honestly, seeing students and teachers alike get excited, curious, and confident? That’s what keeps me motivated every day!
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Education volunteers in Sri Lanka?
My advice to future Education Volunteers in Sri Lanka is this: there will be plenty of moments that frustrate you. The culture, the educational system, and the realities your students face aren’t perfect, and they will challenge you more than you can ever imagine. You can spend time feeling upset or angry about these things (and, full disclosure, I’ve spent a fair portion of my service doing exactly that), or you can channel that energy in a way that really matters. Instead of letting frustration take over, try to transfer it into love, patience, and support for your students in the classroom.
Every lesson, every interaction is a chance to plant ideas about fairness, curiosity, kindness, and confidence into their minds. The small moments when a student laughs at a game, tries a new word in English, or raises their hand despite nervousness are worth far more than dwelling on the things that frustrate you. At the end of the day, your students will remember your encouragement, your patience, and the safe space you create more than any complaint about the system. If you can focus on nurturing them and being consistent in your support, the impact of your service will go far beyond what you ever imagined.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
Peace Corps training in Sri Lanka was really one-of-a-kind, especially being part of the first cohort here since 1998. We got to experiment a lot with the staff on what would actually help volunteers succeed, which made everything feel hands-on and real.
Language training was probably my favorite part. I use my Tamil all the time, whether I’m joking around with students, chatting with other teachers, or just running errands in the community. It’s helped me build relationships in ways that English alone never could. PDM (Project Design and Management) training was also super helpful. It gave me the tools to actually plan and run my library project, and honestly, it’s a skill I know I’ll use long after Sri Lanka.
And the teacher trainings during PST were also super fun. I learned tons of fun songs and activities from Lankesh that still get my students laughing and speaking English, things like Penguin’s Salute, Father Abraham, and Somapala’s Scooter. Those small action-based songs make teaching feel like play, and the kids really respond to it. All in all, training didn’t just prep me for teaching; it gave me practical skills, confidence, and a bunch of creative ideas that help me connect with students, support teachers, and just enjoy being part of the community.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
Colombo, the capital, really has everything you could ever need, so you don’t have to overpack. That said, there are a few things I’d definitely recommend bringing with you. Extra phone chargers are a must; I went through way too many! I also brought some of my favorite snacks (Sour Patch Kids were a serious lifesaver), and personal toiletriesthat I like, you can find most things locally, but it’s nice to have your favorites on hand.
Honestly, beyond that, most things are easy to get in Colombo. You can even do online shopping from your site and have items delivered, which makes life pretty convenient. As for what to leave behind? Don’t stress about bringing lots of clothes, kitchen gadgets, or fancy electronics. Space is limited, and most everyday things you’ll need are available locally. Focus on the little comforts that make your transition smoother, and the rest you can pick up as you go.
11. How has language learning been for you in Sri Lanka?
I’ve been learning Tamil, which is a minority language in Sri Lanka. It’s one of the coolest and oldest languages in the world, though the grammar can be tricky. Our LCFs make it look effortless, so don’t worry about studying ahead if you get placed in Tamil. I really started diving into the language during PST, and by the end, I was testing at Intermediate Low.
What’s helped me the most is immersing myself by talking with people at school and in my community, listening to Tamil influencers on Instagram, and watching Tamil dramas. But honestly, mistakes are part of the fun and have been my best way to learn the language. For example, I once misheard my host mom asking if something in the curry was bitter, he said“kassupu?”—but I thought she said “kassipu,” which is the local moonshine. So I confidently asked in Tamil if she had put moonshine in the curry! We all burst out laughing, and it was a great reminder that mistakes are actually a wonderful way to learn.
Then there was the time in class during a lesson on animals. My students were talking about a lion and said “singgam”(lion), but I heard “assingam” (ugly). Without missing a beat, I asked, very seriously, why they were calling the lion ugly. The room erupted in laughter, and we all had a great moment bonding over the mix-up. Moments like these have made learning Tamil both hilarious and rewarding, and they’ve taught me that making mistakes is not only okay, it’s one of the best ways to connect with people and really improve.
Final Thoughts
12. What final advice would you share with future volunteers?
My final advice to future volunteers is super simple: embrace the experience with patience, curiosity, and a sense of humor. There will be moments that frustrate you, days when nothing goes as planned, and times when the system or culture feels challenging, but those are also the moments that teach you the most.
Also, it is so important to invest in your relationships at site! Whether it’s your students, your host family, or your counterparts, the connections you build will shape your experience far more than any lesson plan or project. Listen, laugh, and be willing to make mistakes through those moments that you’ll grow and truly connect with your community. Remember that you’re planting seeds. Every bit of encouragement, every game, every story shared in class is planting ideas about confidence, curiosity, kindness, and empathy into your students’ minds. Some of those seeds will grow immediately, others may take years, but your impact will be there, even if you don’t see it right away.
Finally, have fun. Laugh at miscommunications, celebrate the small victories, and allow yourself to be fully present. If you approach service with love, openness, and patience, your time in Sri Lanka will be challenging, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Tommy, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect.
Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Sri Lanka Government.
