The verdict in three sentences
In Saint-Louis, hotels on the island, camps on the Langue de Barbarie and excursion agencies heading to Djoudj receive bookings in English by email, WhatsApp and phone every season. Staff able to handle them alone earn roughly 30,000 to 80,000 FCFA more per month, as a bonus or salary. A targeted 18-hour course at 50,000 FCFA pays for itself in one to two months.
What English pays in Saint-Louis tourism in 2026
| Position in Saint-Louis | French-only salary (2026) | Bilingual salary or bonus | Estimated monthly gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel receptionist (island, Sor) | 110,000 to 150,000 FCFA | 150,000 to 210,000 FCFA | + 40,000 to 60,000 FCFA |
| Agency booking agent | 100,000 to 140,000 FCFA | 140,000 to 200,000 FCFA | + 40,000 to 60,000 FCFA |
| Tour guide (Djoudj, island, Guet Ndar) | 8,000 to 12,000 FCFA per tour | 15,000 to 25,000 FCFA per tour | + 30,000 to 80,000 FCFA over 6 tours |
| Waiter or head waiter (hotel) | 80,000 to 110,000 FCFA | 100,000 to 140,000 FCFA, plus tips | + 30,000 FCFA |
| Camp employee | 70,000 to 100,000 FCFA | 100,000 to 130,000 FCFA | + 30,000 FCFA |
| Transfer driver from AIBD airport | 15,000 FCFA per trip | 20,000 to 25,000 FCFA per trip | + 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA per trip |
These figures are 2026 estimates that vary with the season (peak from November to April, jazz festival in May-June). English does not guarantee a raise, but it opens access to positions dealing with international guests.
Comparison of options to learn professional English
| Option | 2026 price | Duration | Fit for the job? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free apps (Duolingo, YouTube) | 0 FCFA | Unlimited | General vocabulary, few business emails |
| Language center in Saint-Louis | 60,000 to 120,000 FCFA per term | 12 weeks, fixed hours | General, hard with hotel shifts |
| Private lessons | 5,000 to 10,000 FCFA per hour | 20 h = 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA | Good, but expensive |
| Kolonell Office English course | 50,000 FCFA (about 76 EUR) | 18 h at your own pace | Emails, phone, ready-made templates, certificate |
| Full Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | About 145 h | Up to business and management English |
The course is level 2 of the Professional English track, with explanations given in French. It assumes basic English (A1 level); otherwise, start with level 1. It works on a phone, between shifts, and can be paid with Wave or Orange Money.
Situations covered in the course
- Answering a booking request by email: availability, rates, deposit, cancellation terms.
- Taking a call: spelling a name, confirming a date, handling a difficult accent, calling back politely.
- WhatsApp messages: confirming an airport transfer, sending an excursion itinerary.
- Handling a complaint: noisy room, late shuttle, with calming phrases.
- Ready-made templates to adapt, so you send your first English email without a translator by week three.
Mini case study
Fatou, 26, a receptionist at a hotel on Saint-Louis island, earns 130,000 FCFA a month. Every time an English-speaking guest calls, she hands the phone to a colleague. She takes the course (50,000 FCFA) over five weeks, 4 hours a week. At the start of high season, management assigns her the English-language bookings with a 40,000 FCFA monthly bonus. Calculation: 50,000 FCFA divided by a 40,000 FCFA bonus, the course is paid back in under six weeks, then brings in about 240,000 FCFA over a six-month season (order of magnitude, no guarantee).
Learn this skill with Kolonell Academy
Short, practical online courses (taught in French), graded exercises, certificate. Pay with Wave or Orange Money.
FAQ
What level do I need to start?
You need A1 level: introducing yourself and understanding simple sentences. Below that, level 1 of the track (about 13 h) is recommended before this 18-hour course.
Can I follow the course with irregular hotel shifts?
Yes, it is online and self-paced, accessible on a smartphone. Sessions of 20 to 30 minutes are enough, for example during breaks.
Is the English taught suited to tourism?
The course covers emails, phone calls and everyday exchanges with clients, which covers most bookings and guest reception. About 80% of the templates apply directly to a hotel or agency.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, a Kolonell Academy certificate is issued after passing the quizzes. It is not an official test like TOEIC, but useful proof to show an employer.
How do I pay?
The 50,000 FCFA is paid with Wave or Orange Money. The full 5-level track costs 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000.
Take the next step. Enroll in Office English: emails, phone and everyday exchanges: 18 h at your own pace, 50,000 FCFA, 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.
