The verdict in three sentences
In Saint-Louis, many professionals in tourism, hospitality and development projects understand English but freeze when speaking, because they translate in their heads. The breakthrough comes from speaking aloud with ready-made expressions, not from grammar: Kolonell's course offers 24 hours of guided practice for 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR or 125 USD), against 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA per term at an institute. On the job market, spoken fluency often means a salary gap of 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per month depending on the role.
Why you understand English but cannot speak it
A receptionist at a hotel on the island, a guide at Djoudj park, a monitoring officer on a project funded by an English-speaking donor, an employee of a company linked to offshore gas: in Saint-Louis, English is everywhere in emails. Speaking is another matter. When an American client or a Ghanaian expert asks a question, the sentence comes too late, or not at all.
The block has three known causes: word-for-word mental translation, fear of mistakes and a lack of ready-made expressions to buy time. A classic grammar course does not address them. You need to speak every day, record yourself, fix word stress and repeat speaking frameworks until they become automatic.
Prices of the options to learn to speak English in 2026
| Option | 2026 price (estimate) | Volume | Certificate | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language institute in Saint-Louis | 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA per term | 30 to 40 h in a group | Attestation | Hours clash with hotel shifts |
| Private lessons | 7,500 to 15,000 FCFA per hour | 20 h, i.e. 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | No | Depends entirely on the teacher |
| Consumer apps | 0 to 8,000 FCFA per month | Unlimited | No | General vocabulary, little workplace speaking |
| BBC Learning English, YouTube | 0 FCFA (excluding data) | Unlimited | No | No correction or progression |
| Kolonell, Conversational English (level 3) | 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR) | 24 h, self-paced | Verifiable certificate | A2 level required, practice partner advised |
The course Conversational English: speaking with ease at work, taught in French for French speakers, is level 3 of 5 in the Professional English track. It targets B1 speaking level and is for people at A2 to B1 who can already write a simple email.
The syllabus and what it brings
| Module | What you work on |
|---|---|
| 1. Speaking confidence | Ready-made phrase blocks, filler words, 15-minute daily routine |
| 2. Pronunciation and accent | Word stress, rhythm, -ed and -s endings, British, American, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Indian accents |
| 3. Ideas and opinions | Giving your view, disagreeing tactfully, a structured two-minute contribution |
| 4. Asking and clarifying | Checking understanding, rephrasing, active listening |
| 5. Simple meetings | Progress update, taking the floor, proposing or declining a task |
| 6. Real situations | Networking, hosting a partner from airport to lunch, client call |
| Profile in Saint-Louis and Senegal | Effect of spoken English in 2026 (estimate) |
| Receptionist or guide in upscale hospitality | Bilingual bonus often 15 to 30 % of base salary |
| Project officer at an NGO or international organisation | Gap of 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per month depending on the role |
| Logistics or port agent | Access to roles dealing with English-speaking partners |
| Trader or consultant | Suppliers and assignments in Nigeria and Ghana within reach |
| Independent guide | English-speaking clients, higher rates and tips |
These gaps depend on the sector; the course guarantees neither a job nor a salary. The full 5-level track, up to leadership English, costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Mini case study
Aïssatou, 29, a receptionist at a hotel on Saint-Louis island (fictional character), earns 160,000 FCFA a month. She reads bookings in English but lets a colleague answer the phone when an English-speaking guest calls.
She takes the Kolonell course for 75,000 FCFA, paid with Wave, doing the 15-minute daily routine between shifts and practising dialogues with a colleague. In eight weeks, she handles a full client call and welcomes a group of experts on her own.
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Her hotel then puts her in charge of English-speaking groups with a 20 % bonus, i.e. 32,000 FCFA a month. The maths: the course pays for itself in just over two months. Compared with a term at an institute for 150,000 FCFA, she also saved 75,000 FCFA, without leaving her job.
FAQ
I understand well but cannot speak. Is this course for me?
Yes, that is exactly its purpose. Module 1 tackles the block and every lesson has you speak aloud and record yourself, for 24 hours of practice in total.
What level do I need?
An A2 level: writing a simple email and handling a short call. Otherwise, start with level 2, Office English, to consolidate the basics.
How much time per week?
Allow about 3 hours a week, including a 15-minute daily routine. The stated goal is to speak spontaneously for two minutes about your work within eight weeks.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, a certificate verifiable online after the projects, including a three-minute recording where you defend a professional position. You also leave with a bank of 150 spoken expressions.
Is the course really online from Saint-Louis?
Yes, all you need is a smartphone or computer with a microphone and earphones. You progress at your own pace, compatible with shift work in hospitality.
Take the next step. Enroll in Conversational English: speaking with ease at work: 24 hours of self-paced guided practice, taught in French, 75,000 FCFA (about 115 EUR), verifiable certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money. Questions? WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
