The verdict in three sentences
In Saint-Louis, many guides, receptionists and NGO staff read and understand English, but the sentence comes too late when a client or partner speaks to them. That speaking block is costly: staff who can hold a conversation often earn 20 to 40% more in bonuses or tips as a 2026 order of magnitude, and pass English interviews more easily. The Kolonell course "Conversational English", level 3 Advanced at 75,000 FCFA for 24 hours, has a simple goal: talk about your job for two minutes without searching for words.
What spoken English is worth in Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis welcomes English-speaking visitors (UK, US, Ghana, Nigeria, Nordic countries) for its heritage, the Djoudj bird park and the jazz festival, and hosts many NGO and cooperation projects along the river. Spoken English is a concrete advantage there.
| Job in Saint-Louis | Typical monthly income (2026 order of magnitude) | Effect of fluent spoken English |
|---|---|---|
| Tour guide | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA in season | better-paid English-speaking groups, tips 20 to 40% higher |
| Hotel receptionist | 120,000 to 200,000 FCFA | language bonus, access to front office manager roles |
| Hotel waiter or bartender | 80,000 to 150,000 FCFA plus tips | higher tips from English-speaking guests |
| NGO project assistant | 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA | meetings with donors, oral reporting |
| Driver for tourists | 100,000 to 200,000 FCFA | repeat clients, online recommendations |
| Tourism sales agent | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | direct sales to English-speaking agencies |
These amounts vary widely by season and employer. They give an idea of the possible gain, not a guarantee.
Private lessons, language school or online course
For 24 hours of practice, prices differ a lot. Compare the content too: many general courses go back over grammar when your real problem is speaking.
| 2026 option | Price for about 24 h | Strength | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolonell "Conversational English" (level 3 Advanced) | 75,000 FCFA | speaking at work, meetings, interviews, certificate | self-discipline required |
| Professional English track (5 levels) | 350,000 FCFA instead of 450,000 | from basics to expert | longer commitment |
| Private lessons in Saint-Louis | 8,000 to 15,000 FCFA an hour, i.e. 192,000 to 360,000 FCFA | tailored | high cost, variable quality |
| Group classes at a language centre | 60,000 to 150,000 FCFA per term | regular pace | fixed hours, often grammar-focused |
| Free apps | 0 FCFA | vocabulary | little real speaking practice |
The course targets an A2 to B1 level: you understand simple sentences and can read an email. If you are a complete beginner, start with the first levels of the Professional English track.
What you practise in 24 hours
The course Conversational English: speak with confidence at work, with explanations in French, starts with the block itself: ready-made expressions so you speak without translating in your head, then word stress, rhythm and endings so you are understood the first time. You then learn to introduce yourself, describe your job, give your opinion, ask questions, handle a misunderstanding, and hold your own in meetings or on the phone. One module prepares you for job interviews in English.
The goal: two minutes of spontaneous English about your job after eight weeks of guided practice, at about 3 hours a week. The 75,000 FCFA fee (about 115 EUR) is paid with Wave or Orange Money, and a Kolonell Academy certificate is issued at the end.
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, 31, a tour guide in Saint-Louis, understands English but turns down English-speaking groups for fear of freezing. In peak season, he earns about 200,000 FCFA a month with French-speaking groups.
After the course, he accepts English-speaking groups two or three times a month. If his income rises by 25%, i.e. 50,000 FCFA a month, the 75,000 FCFA course pays for itself in a month and a half of the season. Compare that with 24 hours of private lessons at 10,000 FCFA, i.e. 240,000 FCFA, which would take him nearly 5 months to recover. This example is illustrative and does not guarantee income.
FAQ
What level do I need to start?
An A2 to B1 level: you understand everyday sentences and can read a simple email. Below that, start with level 1 or 2 of the track.
Is the course taught in English or French?
Explanations are in French, while speaking exercises, dialogues and recordings are in English. The 24 hours work on a phone with headphones.
How can I practise speaking without a teacher in front of me?
Through voice recording, repetition and guided role-play exercises. Plan 20 to 30 minutes of practice a day to reach the goal in 8 weeks.
Is it useful for an interview with an international NGO?
Yes, one module covers interviews: a 2-minute introduction, questions about your experience and structured answers. NGO jobs in Saint-Louis often pay 250,000 to 450,000 FCFA a month.
How do I pay?
The 75,000 FCFA fee is paid with Wave or Orange Money, and access is immediate after confirmation.
Take the next step. Enroll in Conversational English: speak with confidence at work: 24 hours, 75,000 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.
