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Want to volunteer as a teacher in the Maldives? Our Travel Roots Teaching program invites you to step into local classrooms and contribute to the long-term development of island communities through education.
You'll work alongside local teachers to support English language learning, literacy, and general academic development in a vibrant but under-resourced setting.
This isn’t just about delivering lessons—it’s about building relationships, sharing cultural knowledge, and helping students gain the skills they need to thrive in a changing world. Whether you're a qualified teacher or simply passionate about education, your support will be welcomed and impactful.
You’ll also have opportunities to engage with the wider community through after-school programs, conversation clubs, and creative learning workshops.
Key Activities:
Assist in teaching English, maths, science, and other subjects based on your skills
Support classroom planning, marking, and activity preparation
Lead conversation sessions to improve students' confidence in spoken English
Help run after-school clubs (reading, arts, music, or sports)
Collaborate with local teachers to adapt materials and exchange ideas
Share aspects of your own culture to enrich classroom discussions
Project Site:
You’ll teach at a local school on a Maldivian island—far from tourist hotspots, but full of community spirit. Class sizes are often large, and resources limited, making volunteer support incredibly valuable for both teachers and students.By volunteering on our Teaching program, you will:
Support local students in improving English and essential academic skills
Gain first-hand experience teaching in a cross-cultural, community-based classroom
Share your knowledge, creativity, and culture with curious young minds
Help build student confidence through conversation practice and interactive lessons
Collaborate with passionate local teachers and education staff
Contribute to long-term community empowerment through education
Live on a stunning Maldivian island and experience authentic daily life
What to Expect: A Day in the Life on a Volunteer Teacher in the Maldives
Each day offers the rewarding rhythm of island life mixed with the energy of a busy school. Whether you’re leading lessons or helping behind the scenes, your presence is felt in every classroom interaction.
7:30 AM – Breakfast & Lesson Planning
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at the volunteer house, followed by prep time for your morning classes.8:30 AM – School Begins
Head to the local school where you’ll assist in classroom activities, lead English lessons, and support students with reading, writing, or maths.12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at the school or with fellow volunteers. Use this time to recharge and connect with your host teachers.1:30 PM – After-School Programs
Run a creative club, support homework groups, or lead informal conversation sessions to help build student confidence.3:00 PM – Free Time or Community Engagement
Relax, swim, explore the island, or take part in local life—whether it’s a beach cleanup or sharing a coffee with a new friend.6:30 PM – Dinner & Reflection
Unwind with a communal meal and reflect on the day’s impact. Evenings often involve journaling, reading, or sharing stories with fellow volunteers.Days Off
Explore nearby islands, take a snorkelling tour, or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of island life with your toes in the sand.Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer teacher, you play a vital role in shaping futures. In communities where English is a gateway to opportunity—whether in tourism, higher education, or international work—your support can make a lifelong difference.
Every lesson you lead, every encouraging word you offer, and every bit of cultural exchange you share helps students build confidence and expand their horizons. You’re not only teaching English—you’re building bridges between cultures and empowering young learners to dream bigger.
In schools where resources are often limited and class sizes large, your presence lightens the load for local educators and creates space for more personalised, engaging learning. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or simply passionate about education, your contribution is deeply valued.
And just as you're helping others grow, you’ll be growing too—gaining teaching experience, learning to adapt across cultures, and developing real-world communication skills that will stay with you long after you leave the island.
Your Home on a Local Maldivian Island
Volunteers stay on a welcoming local island—far from luxury resorts but full of authenticity, natural beauty, and warm community spirit. You’ll be based just a short walk from the marine centre and have the choice between two accommodation options to suit your comfort and privacy preferences.
Option 1 – Volunteer House
This is our classic shared accommodation for up to three people per room. Each room includes an en-suite wet room, and the house has a communal space and kitchen with a fridge/freezer, kettle, and washing machine. Please note that the volunteer house only has cold water and limited Wi-Fi—enough for messaging, but not suitable for video calls or streaming. We recommend downloading shows or movies in advance for evenings.Option 2 – Island Guesthouse (Optional Upgrade)
Situated closer to the centre and beachfront, this guesthouse offers more privacy and comfort. Each room includes hot water, a private fridge, TV, and laundry services, plus faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for volunteers who’d prefer a quieter retreat at the end of each day. Although located closer to amenities, the entire island is walkable, and the volunteer house is just 10 minutes away.No matter which option you choose, you’ll be staying in a clean, safe, and welcoming space, surrounded by fellow ocean enthusiasts and the gentle pace of island life.
What’s Included:
Shared or private rooms (depending on chosen option)
Ensuite or shared bathrooms with Western-style toilets and showers
Fans or air-conditioning
Communal dining and lounge areas
Wi-Fi access (island-wide connectivity may vary)
Three fresh meals per day, including vegetarian options
History
Our partners on the ground in the Maldives have been active since 2000, when a group of passionate locals launched a grassroots effort to support their island community through youth programs, education, healthcare, and marine conservation. What started as a local initiative has since grown into a vibrant, international volunteer platform that connects global changemakers with meaningful, community-led projects.
Today, their marine centre is one of the region’s most impactful operations for turtle rehabilitation and ocean awareness, supported by both local and international volunteers. Every project they offer is deeply rooted in their island culture and designed to meet real needs while creating life-changing experiences for those who come to help.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to create lasting positive impact through community development and environmental conservation. By aligning local needs with global support, they ensure that every volunteer hour contributes to something meaningful—whether it's rehabilitating injured turtles, teaching English, or assisting in medical outreach.
They believe that volunteering should be both purposeful and joyful. Their vision is a world where helping others goes hand-in-hand with adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable connection. Volunteers are welcomed not just as helpers, but as friends, and invited to experience the “real” Maldives—idyllic islands, vibrant reefs, and a community ready to share its heart.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Teaching Program Fees
Duration Total Fee (€) Weekly Equivalent
3 Weeks €1,700 €567/week
4 Weeks €2,214 €560/week
6 Weeks €3,246 €541/week
8 Weeks €4,225 €528/week
10 Weeks €5,088 €509/week
12 Weeks €6,028 €502/week
Upgrade to the guesthouse option is available at an additional cost: €42/week (solo) or €52/week (shared).
What’s Included
✔️ Accommodation in the volunteer house (or optional guesthouse upgrade)
✔️ Three nutritious meals per day
✔️ All project materials and resources
✔️ Domestic return transfer from Malé to your island base
✔️ 24/7 volunteer support and program orientation
✔️ Field training and supervision
✔️ All scheduled conservation activities and excursions✔️ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ And so much more...
Your Investment in Education, Cultural Exchange & Personal Growth
Your program fees don’t just fund accommodation and meals—they help sustain classroom support in underserved Maldivian communities, while empowering you with valuable teaching experience, confidence, and cultural awareness.
This program is a personal investment in your future as much as it is a contribution to the local students. You’ll gain practical skills, global perspective, and real-world insight that can be applied to careers in education, development, and beyond.
Where You’ll Be – A Real Island Experience in the Maldives
Your journey takes place on a local island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, far from the polished luxury of resort life and deeply connected to the everyday rhythms of Maldivian culture. Here, you’ll be surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a welcoming island community that invites you to experience the Maldives as it truly is—beautiful, raw, and inspiring.
The marine centre is located just minutes from the beach, where you’ll see turtles swimming in the lagoon, locals fishing at sunrise, and kids playing in the sand after school. While the island is small, it’s full of life—local shops, schools, cafés, and colourful homes painted in tropical hues. You’ll be living where the work matters most.
About the Maldives
The Maldives is a breathtaking island nation made up of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Famed for its turquoise lagoons, thriving marine life, and palm-lined beaches, it’s also one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world—making conservation efforts here more important than ever.
Beyond the postcards, the real Maldives is a place of contrasts. Traditional fishing villages meet rising sea levels. Coral reefs bloom beside coral bleaching. But through it all, there’s a strong sense of community, resilience, and connection to the ocean.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Wake up to the sound of waves and the call of reef herons
Live in a safe, tight-knit island community
Explore snorkelling spots, hidden beaches, and colourful coral gardens
Learn about traditional Maldivian life and its deep ties to the sea
Witness both the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems
Your downtime is just as meaningful as your volunteer hours. When you're not working hands-on with turtles or supporting marine outreach, you’ll have the chance to explore the magic of island life in one of the most stunning regions on Earth.
Snorkelling Coral Reefs
Swim among parrotfish, eagle rays, reef sharks, and vibrant corals—some of the best snorkelling in the world is just a few fin-kicks from shore.
Island Hopping Excursions
Join boat trips to nearby islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, to experience local life, remote beaches, and untouched sandbanks.
Night Fishing with Locals
Try your hand at traditional handline fishing under the stars—an authentic and peaceful way to connect with the culture.
Cultural Evenings & Events
Take part in Maldivian music and dance nights or help cook traditional dishes like mas huni and coconut roshi.
Sunset Beach Walks
End your day with a walk along the shore—watch fruit bats soar overhead and bioluminescent plankton light up the water after dark.
Scuba Diving Add-Ons
Optional PADI courses are available through a trusted local dive shop, allowing you to explore reefs and wrecks beneath the surface.
Turtle Releases
If you're lucky, be part of a turtle release day—watch your hard work come full circle as a rehabilitated turtle returns to the ocean.
Free time Activities
& Tours
What Happens Next?
You’ve found a cause that speaks to your heart and a destination calling your name - so what’s next? Here’s how your unforgettable volunteer journey begins, step by step. It’s easy, exciting, and we’ll be with you every step of the way!
Step 3
Step 1
You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
Step 2
Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
