Progressive is certainly a word which can elicit double meanings to some; however, in the case of Ghana it tells us that despite a difficult history the country is now a stable, safe and even thriving part of the African continent. A haven for tourism and an area rife with gold deposits, the country has a lot to offer. Currently it is seeking to advance its level of English so that it can take on a more international role, meaning that English is often the primary language used in schools, as well as being the lingua franca. There is a great enthusiasm to embrace the language and English speakers are made to feel extremely welcome in this relaxing and hospitable environment.

Yet the country is not without its problems, and herein lies the challenging nature of the work. A lack of schools, resources and teachers mean that more than half a million children are unable to attend any form of stable education. Many of the positions you find may therefore be of a voluntary nature and may need you to teach large classes with little material or stimuli. Paid positions may be found in Accra, the country’s capital, though even here salaries will be low.

For a capable and confident ESL teacher, however, such challenges can ultimately prove to be highly rewarding. There has been an influx of government-led and private language schools which, working within the progressive ethos of the country, are seeking to offer comfortable, stable and manageable working environments. Also, while salaries may not appear high, they will be in keeping with local living costs, a fact often supplemented by the benefit of accommodation being provided.

Careful consideration of your TEFL job location is a must. Ghana offers beautiful coasts, arid desert, rural towns and bustling urban environments. The location of your school or academy is ultimately going to affect your experience, so it is vital you learn a little about the climate and surroundings in which you may choose to live and teach.

In terms of students, you should expect children from four to fifteen, as these are the obligatory ages of learning in state-run schools. There may be less adult learners than in Asian or European countries, though the need for English at higher levels of education is seeing an increased desire for certificates in late teens and pre-university students within wealthier areas of the country.

In short, progressive and challenging may not be the key words searched for by all English teachers. Yet the country’s elements, combined with the welcoming and safe environment which it offers, may make a TEFL job in Ghana an extremely rewarding experience.