hide
Home ›
teach english abroad ›
Teach English in Togo

Teach English in Togo

With a growing interest in English, Togo is positioned to have more teaching opportunities in the coming years, from rural outposts to its coastal capital, Lomé.

Our customers say Excellent

4.6 out of 5 based on 10,064 reviews
TEFL Org is an internationally accredited and market leading TEFL course provider
Teach English in Togo
Most accredited
TEFL course provider
Internationally recognised
TEFL certificate
Over 205,000
teachers trained
80% of graduates
find work within 2 months

Teaching English in Togo is a great opportunity for teachers who are looking to get off the beaten path. Following the country’s admission into the Commonwealth and a mandate for all preschool and primary school children to learn English, there’s a fast-growing interest in learning the language – and lots of eager students!

Most teaching positions in Togo focus on volunteer work, with paid teaching jobs less common (but becoming more so). 

Read on to find out what it’s like teaching English in Togo, including key requirements, culture and life in this West African country, and where to find the best teaching opportunities. 

Why teach English in Togo? 

As one of the smallest countries in Africa, Togo is often overlooked by English teachers in favour of more well-travelled locations like Kenya and South Africa. But with recent new initiatives, there’s a significant push for Togolese to learn English. 

While Togo’s official language is French (plus around 40 indigenous languages spoken), the Togolese government is emphasizing the economic and diplomatic advantages of speaking English. For teachers who want to help shape a blossoming industry, there may be no better place than a West African country like Togo.

TEFL teachers will find a welcoming community in Togo and a culture that’s centered on hospitality. Volunteering opportunities are readily available, and while full-time careers with private language centres and international schools are hard to come by, it’s possible to find a position with a little diligence.

Requirements to teach in Togo 

Teaching English in Togo can be a little trickier than in other countries. Here are some of the requirements teachers need to meet.

TEFL certification

It’s a good idea to get a TEFL certificate if you plan to teach English in Togo. A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the industry standard – and the minimum requirement in Togo for most teaching jobs.

Tip: Because of the high competition for positions in private and international schools in Togo, you might want to consider getting an advanced TEFL certificate to help you stand out!

English for Academic Purposes and Business English certificates could be useful for finding positions working with adults, as you’ll have specialized skills that target older learners. On top of this, additional certification in teaching young learners can also help for work in schools and kindergartens in Togo.

Teaching without a degree

It’s possible to teach English in Togo without a degree, but this usually means finding jobs in private language centers or through volunteer opportunities. 

Well-paid English teaching jobs in state, international, or private schools will usually require a degree and a TEFL certificate.

Teaching with no experience

You don’t need teaching experience to work in Togo, but it can be a great starting point for new teachers looking to contribute to a growing English-language culture, while building their skills along the way.

Higher-salaried jobs typically require classroom experience, especially in international and private schools. 

For teachers without experience, getting your TEFL certification can boost your confidence in the classroom and help you plan classes effectively. 

Visas for teaching jobs

What kind of visa you’ll need for teaching in Togo depends on the kind of position you’re looking for. 

Volunteers will likely find getting a visa much easier than those who plan to live and work in the country long term. If you’re planning on volunteering for a short period, you can apply for Togo’s eVisa about a week in advance. You’ll need:

  • 3 months of passport validity
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate

Most eVisas cost anywhere from $45 to $116, depending on the length of stay, and are valid for up to 90 days.

If you want to live and work in Togo permanently, you’ll need an immigration visa. This visa requires that you be offered a job before applying. Employers must also prove that they could not find a resident of Togo to fill the position.

To get an immigration visa, you’ll need to submit:

  • Motivation letter detailing your reason for moving to Togo
  • Signed and completed application form
  • 2x identical passport-sized photographs (with your full name and phone number on the back of each)
  • Copies of the first two pages of your passport
  • Proof of your travel itinerary (reservations, flight tickets, etc.)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Health and life insurance documents
  • A medical certificate, including a certificate confirming vaccination from yellow fever

Download our teaching English in Middle East & Africa guide

Salary and cost of living

How much can you earn while teaching English in Togo? 

With a still developing English-teaching infrastructure, it can be hard to get a read on the ‘average’ salary in this part of Africa. Wages vary based on experience, institution, and qualifications. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect, pay-wise.

Salary

On average, you can earn between XOF 185,841 - 643,890 (£244 - £845 / $333 - $1,156) per month as an English teacher in Togo. Salaries are far higher in international schools, though positions are usually limited.

Other benefits

Benefits are only found in elite, private school jobs in Togo. International school positions are competitive, mostly due to the excellent benefits they offer. These can include:

  • Accommodation
  • Transport
  • Subsidised utilities 
  • Health insurance
  • Visa assistance
  • Schooling for your children

Cost of living

Even in Togo’s major cities, you can expect a low cost of living. Life in Lomé, the capital, is highly affordable on a teaching salary, with the possibility of saving money as you earn.

According to Numbeo, rental prices in Togo are currently low. On average, a one-bedroom city centre apartment in Togo’s capital costs as little as £296 / $400 per month. However, these prices can rise dramatically (to almost £1,111 / $1,500 per month) depending on what kind of amenities you’re looking for. 

If you’re willing to pay slightly more, you’ll find apartments with amenities included (plus beach views!) And, if you don’t mind the commute, rental prices drop off considerably outside central Lomé.

If monthly utilities aren’t included in your rent, you’ll usually need to pay £130 / $178 per month, with internet costing an additional £33 / $45. 

While this number might seem high (it’s often more costly than in the United States for example), West Africa is known for having expensive utilities with many Togolese opting to go without electricity completely.

Consult our table below for a more detailed guide to the cost of living in Togo:

Restaurants
XOF
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
XOF
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
XOF
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
XOF
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
XOF
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

Tip: Want to learn more about salaries in Africa and the rest of the world? Check out our Salary Guide for a full picture of how much you can earn as an English teacher abroad.

Culture and customs in Togo: key facts

With so many different languages under one roof, you might find yourself wondering what Togo’s culture and customs are like. From ‘vivre ensemble’ to local hospitality, here’s everything to know.

‘Vivre ensemble’

With so many ethnic groups under one roof, the concept of vivre ensemble – living together harmoniously – is hugely important to Togolese culture. 

Where you can teach in Togo

You’ll find the most long-term teaching opportunities in Lomé, Togo’s capital city. English teachers can look for positions in places like: 

Volunteering opportunities go a bit further afield to smaller cities. For example, Go Volunteer Africa is located in Togo’s fourth-largest city of Kpalime, while Peace Corps volunteer placements are often in rural communities, and even have the opportunity to live with local families.

Types of teaching opportunities

Teaching opportunities in Togo generally fall into one of two categories: volunteering and private school instruction. 

Volunteer positions are generally unpaid, short-term jobs in rural cities like Kpalime. You’ll likely experience a balance of teaching young children, traditional life, and potentially weekend trips.

Positions in private schools are more sparse. You’ll likely be based in Lomé, the capital city, where the international schools are based for diplomats and expat families. 

Teaching programs in Togo

While there aren’t many teaching programs in Togo, Americans can apply for TEECh with assignments in country. 

Targeting English Education for Change

If you’re a US citizen, teaching through the Peace Corps via an initiative called Targeting English Education for Change (TEECh), is a great way to teach English in Togo. 

In this program, you’ll be a middle school English teacher in Togo, helping to co-teach, coordinate the English curriculum, and boost language skills in association with the Togolese Ministry of Education.

You’ll help build the English curriculum, supporting local teachers through extracurricular activities, sharing resources, brainstorming lessons, and fostering cultural exchange. 

Requirements 

You'll need a bachelor's degree in any field to join the Peace Corps on Targeting English Education for Change. Alongside this, you’ll need a strong desire to empower and teach young people.

You must also:

  • Be a US citizen
  • Be over 18 years of age
  • Have no history working with the CIA/clashing military duties
  • Be in good health and capable of living in rural conditions 
  • As a citizen of the USA, you'll be expected to be a native English speaker

Benefits

As part of the TEECh program in Togo, you may also receive:

  • Small monthly salary
  • Student loan assistance
  • Medical care
  • French and local language lessons
  • Bike, SIM card, water filter, and other conveniences
  • Cultural immersion and contact with people from across Togo

You’ll also get a warm Togolese welcome and join the thousands of teachers who have taught through the Peace Corps in Togo since the 60s.

Is Togo right for you?

Here are some key takeaways to help you decide if teaching English in Togo is right for you.

  • Jobs: English teaching opportunities are becoming increasingly available, with English now being taught in pre-schools and primary schools. 
  • Salary: If employed full-time in Togo, English teachers usually earn XOF 185,841 - 643,890 (£244 - £845 / $333 - $1,156) monthly.
  • Requirements: You’ll need a TEFL certificate, but having a degree and experience will help teachers find a full-time position.
  • Languages: You might want to brush up on your French, which is the official language of Togo, although there are up to 50 national languages spoken, with Ewe being one of the most common.
  • Programs: Togo has several volunteer programs for teaching English, including with the Peace Corps.

Ready to get started teaching in Togo? Take the first step with our 120-hour online TEFL course.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Do I need a teaching license or degree to teach in Togo?

    Do I need a teaching license or degree to teach in Togo?

    Whether or not you need a teaching license or degree to teach in Togo depends. If you’re coming as a volunteer or working in a language center, you won’t need a degree or a teaching license. If you’re looking for work in a private school, they may require both. Typically, a degree in English or education is preferred.

  • Q. Is TEFL certification required?

    While it may not always be required, having a 120-hour TEFL certificate is crucial for becoming a teacher in Togo.

  • Q. Do I need a visa to teach in Togo?

    To work legally as an English teacher in Togo, you’ll need an official visa. Those volunteering will also likely need a visa, which they can obtain online 5-6 days before their arrival.

  • Q. What’s the best time of year to go?

    Employers in Togo hire year-round. In the coming years, there will likely be a significant recruitment drive for English teachers in state schools. 

    For volunteers, you may want to note that the rainy season, typically from May to October, can cause roads to become impassable.