The verdict in three sentences
In Thiès, learning English from scratch requires neither a big budget nor a daily trip to a language centre. Kolonell Academy's online Beginner English: introduce yourself, understand and be understood course costs 25,000 FCFA (about 38 EUR / 42 USD) for 13 hours, less than a single month at most local centres. With 3 to 4 hours of practice a week, the 2026 order of magnitude to reach a solid A2 level is 2 to 3 months.
Why English is becoming useful in Thiès
Thiès is no longer just a transit town on the way to Dakar. The Diamniadio hub, AIBD airport less than 40 minutes away, infrastructure projects and tourism towards the Petite-Côte create jobs where a few English sentences make a difference: reception, logistics, sales, security, transport. Students at Iba Der Thiam University also see it as an asset for scholarships and internships.
For a beginner, the goal is not to become bilingual in three weeks. It is to greet people, introduce yourself, understand a customer or colleague who speaks slowly, and reply with simple sentences in the present tense.
| Concrete goal | Level | Indicative time at 3-4 h per week |
|---|---|---|
| Greet, spell your name, give a number | A1 beginner | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Introduce yourself and talk about your job | A1 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Understand a simple instruction, a price, a time | A1+ | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Hold a simple exchange with a customer | A2 | 2 to 3 months |
| Write a short WhatsApp message or email | A2 | 3 months |
How much does beginner English cost in Thiès in 2026
Language centres in Thiès generally charge 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA per month for two or three group sessions a week, plus registration fees. Free apps help with vocabulary but do not correct pronunciation or enforce progression. Private home lessons start at around 5,000 FCFA an hour.
| Option | Indicative 2026 price | Time to target A2 | Estimated total cost | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell Academy, level 1 Beginner | 25,000 FCFA (about 38 EUR) | 13 h of lessons + practice | 25,000 FCFA | Requires self-discipline |
| Language centre in Thiès | 30,000 to 60,000 FCFA/month | 3 months | 90,000 to 180,000 FCFA | Fixed hours, travel |
| Private home lessons | 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA/h | 25 to 30 h | 125,000 to 300,000 FCFA | Variable quality |
| Free apps | 0 FCFA | Variable | 0 FCFA | No follow-up, frequent drop-out |
| YouTube videos | 0 FCFA | Variable | Mobile data | No structure |
The Beginner English: introduce yourself, understand and be understood course is level 1 Beginner, at 25,000 FCFA. It is taught in French and has four modules: sounds, alphabet and numbers; greeting, introducing yourself and being polite; the present simple and everyday vocabulary; making yourself understood in simple situations. Lessons are short and work on a phone.
What comes after the beginner level
Level 1 opens the Professional English track, which has five levels up to leadership English. The full track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA when levels are bought one by one. Most beginners start with level 1 only, then decide.
| Profile in Thiès | Recommendation | Starting budget |
|---|---|---|
| Student preparing an internship or scholarship | Level 1, then levels 2 and 3 | 25,000 FCFA |
| Trader or salesperson dealing with tourists | Level 1 + daily speaking practice | 25,000 FCFA |
| Employee in logistics or at the airport | Level 1, then office English | 25,000 FCFA |
| Someone aiming for an international role | Full track | 350,000 FCFA |
Mini case study
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
Ousmane, 27, a salesperson in a craft shop in Thiès, regularly serves foreign customers heading to Saly. He hesitates between a centre at 40,000 FCFA a month for three months, 120,000 FCFA in total, and the online level 1 at 25,000 FCFA. He picks the online course and practises 30 minutes a day on his phone.
He saves 95,000 FCFA plus travel. After ten weeks, he can welcome customers, state a price and negotiate simply. If he closes just two extra sales of 15,000 FCFA a month thanks to these exchanges, the course pays for itself within a month. It is an estimate, but it shows a small budget is enough to start.
FAQ
Can a complete beginner really learn English online?
Yes, if lessons start from sounds and the alphabet, which is what level 1 does. Allow 3 to 4 hours a week for 2 to 3 months to reach a usable A2.
Do I need a computer?
No, a smartphone and a connection are enough for the 13 hours of lessons. A headset with a microphone helps with pronunciation.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
Level 1 costs 25,000 FCFA (about 38 EUR / 42 USD), payable by Wave or Orange Money. The full five-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 FCFA.
Are the explanations in French?
Yes, all instructions and grammar explanations are in French. Examples, dialogues and exercises are in English.
Do I get a certificate?
A Kolonell Academy certificate is issued once the quizzes are passed. It certifies level 1 and can be listed on a CV.
Take the next step. Enroll in Beginner English: introduce yourself, understand and be understood: 13 hours online, 25,000 FCFA (about 38 EUR), Kolonell Academy 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.
