Teach English In Ghana

Ghana is a warm, friendly country in West Africa, neighbouring Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo. It is not the most popular area with tourists but as its reputation is growing, so too is the tourism industry.

Known as the ‘Land of Gold’ due to it having large gold deposits, Ghana has a turbulent history. The slave trade was especially harsh to the people of Ghana and at different times in its history it was colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. It gained independence in 1957.

The remnants of its history can be seen by visitors to the numerous old forts and slave buildings. While it may not be an easy aspect of the country to experience, the beauty of the monuments shines through and it is an interesting look into the past.

Ghana is an unconventionally beautiful country with an abundance of natural beauty. You can sip cocktails on the beach, watching the local fishermen as they work, or you can visit the Kakum National Park, a rainforest with a long canopy walk. You can visit Nzulezo, a village on stilts, or you can go on a walking or driving safari in Mole National Park; no trip to Ghana would be complete without an encounter with elephants, baboons, warthog or antelope.

Ghana is a linguistically diverse area where more than 40 distinct languages are spoken. English is the official language and though it is not spoken fluently by everyone, it is used as a lingua franca to communicate between the different communities.

As is the case with many African countries, there are numerous volunteer positions and organisations that bring in volunteers to teach English, among other things. In terms of paid positions, it’s possible to find positions at international schools, most of which are in the nation’s capital, Accra. Employers usually provide accommodation, though this may be in a shared house or with a host family. There are also a few language schools providing English lessons for adult learners.

The salaries for teachers are not very high so you won’t be able to save very much, but you will be able to live comfortably and enjoy what Ghana has to offer.

Teaching English in Ghana requires a BA/BS degree, and contracts typically last from nine to twelve months with peak hiring seasons in January and May. A work visa is required for obtaining a visa, and students typically range from students to adults.

The average monthly cost of living in Ghana ranges from 950 to 1,675 GHS, while the average monthly salary ranges from 1,800 to 2,000 GHS in local currency. With these factors in mind, teaching English in Ghana can be a great opportunity for those interested in experiencing West African culture while making a living teaching English.

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