Teach English In Senegal

a world of opportunities

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Kirsten Colquhoun
January 4, 2024

Contents

Introduction
Teaching opportunities
Teaching requirements
Start your TEFL journey

How to begin teaching in Senegal

This former French colony is a cultural melting pot. It is a Muslim country so you can expect plenty of mosques and religious monuments and you can also count on beautiful, rolling plains and coastal towns. The capital Dakar is vibrant, colourful and chaotic, promising good sightseeing opportunities as well as an enjoyable nightlife.

For a quick escape from Dakar’s bustling streets you can head north of the peninsula to N’Gor, the most popular island and beach in the Dakar area. Every Sunday sheep are brought to the beach of Dakar to engage in cleansing rituals. Pack a picnic and relax on the sandy beaches while keeping an eye out for swimming sheep.

If you prefer to spend more time in nature than in the big city, you’re never far from some spectacular sight. You can visit the Pink Lake – so-called because of the colour caused by the lake’s high salt content, tour the forest and wetlands of the Saloum Delta National Park, hang out on the beautiful, long beaches, or go and see the mind-boggling World Heritage Site of the Stone Circles. Fadiouth Island is made of millions of mollusk seashells. For centuries mollusks have been harvested for meat and their shells used to build houses, pathways, and graveyards.The main attraction is the local cemetery, which is completely made of shells and is connected to Fadiouth island by a wooden bridge.

Senegal is considered one of the safest countries in the region. Senegal is a majority Muslim country; however, you do not need to worry about covering your knees, head or shoulders in most areas. Most local women in the larger cities and villages don’t wear a hijab. Instead they prefer traditional Senegalese dresses which expose their neck and arms.

Teaching opportunities

French and Wolof are the two languages which are widespread in Senegal but English is not, which means there are opportunities for EFL teachers. You can find positions in private international schools, especially in Dakar or the coastal town of St Louis, or you can volunteer in local schools in rural areas. These positions will offer only minimal resources and big classes. There are also language schools for adults.

Private schools offer attractive packages, including airfare, healthcare and bonuses. However, two years of teaching experience is necessary for a teaching qualification.

 

Teaching requirements in Senegal

Teaching English in Senegal does not require a degree, and contracts typically last from one to twenty-four months, with hiring occurring year-round. Work permits are required for obtaining visas, and students can range from children to adults.

The average monthly cost of living ranges from 450,000 to 550,000 CFA, while the average monthly salary ranges from 800,000 to 1,200,000 CFA in local currency. With these factors in mind, teaching English in Senegal can be a great opportunity for those interested in exploring West African culture while making a living teaching English.

Start your TEFL journey with The TEFL Academy

Would you like to teach English as a foreign language around the world? Great! You’re in the right place. The TEFL Academy provides the very best in accredited TEFL courses, meaning your qualification is recognised throughout the world. The TEFL Academy is the world’s leading TEFL course provider. We can help you acquire the skills needed to teach English as a foreign language. Check out our TEFL internships, volunteer placements and the thousands of jobs on our exclusive TEFL jobs board.

Contents

How to begin teaching in Senegal

This former French colony is a cultural melting pot. It is a Muslim country so you can expect plenty of mosques and religious monuments and you can also count on beautiful, rolling plains and coastal towns. The capital Dakar is vibrant, colourful and chaotic, promising good sightseeing opportunities as well as an enjoyable nightlife.

For a quick escape from Dakar’s bustling streets you can head north of the peninsula to N’Gor, the most popular island and beach in the Dakar area. Every Sunday sheep are brought to the beach of Dakar to engage in cleansing rituals. Pack a picnic and relax on the sandy beaches while keeping an eye out for swimming sheep.

If you prefer to spend more time in nature than in the big city, you’re never far from some spectacular sight. You can visit the Pink Lake – so-called because of the colour caused by the lake’s high salt content, tour the forest and wetlands of the Saloum Delta National Park, hang out on the beautiful, long beaches, or go and see the mind-boggling World Heritage Site of the Stone Circles. Fadiouth Island is made of millions of mollusk seashells. For centuries mollusks have been harvested for meat and their shells used to build houses, pathways, and graveyards.The main attraction is the local cemetery, which is completely made of shells and is connected to Fadiouth island by a wooden bridge.

Senegal is considered one of the safest countries in the region. Senegal is a majority Muslim country; however, you do not need to worry about covering your knees, head or shoulders in most areas. Most local women in the larger cities and villages don’t wear a hijab. Instead they prefer traditional Senegalese dresses which expose their neck and arms.

Teaching opportunities

French and Wolof are the two languages which are widespread in Senegal but English is not, which means there are opportunities for EFL teachers. You can find positions in private international schools, especially in Dakar or the coastal town of St Louis, or you can volunteer in local schools in rural areas. These positions will offer only minimal resources and big classes. There are also language schools for adults.

Private schools offer attractive packages, including airfare, healthcare and bonuses. However, two years of teaching experience is necessary for a teaching qualification.

 

Teaching requirements in Senegal

Teaching English in Senegal does not require a degree, and contracts typically last from one to twenty-four months, with hiring occurring year-round. Work permits are required for obtaining visas, and students can range from children to adults.

The average monthly cost of living ranges from 450,000 to 550,000 CFA, while the average monthly salary ranges from 800,000 to 1,200,000 CFA in local currency. With these factors in mind, teaching English in Senegal can be a great opportunity for those interested in exploring West African culture while making a living teaching English.

Start your TEFL journey with The TEFL Academy

Would you like to teach English as a foreign language around the world? Great! You’re in the right place. The TEFL Academy provides the very best in accredited TEFL courses, meaning your qualification is recognised throughout the world. The TEFL Academy is the world’s leading TEFL course provider. We can help you acquire the skills needed to teach English as a foreign language. Check out our TEFL internships, volunteer placements and the thousands of jobs on our exclusive TEFL jobs board.

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