Work and Travel in Togo

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN TOGO FOR TRAVELLERS

The small nations of West Africa are seldom visited by travellers. They’re expensive, difficult to get to, and they often pale in comparison to the reputations of other destinations in West Africa. But for the traveller who wants to go somewhere different, Togo has a tremendous amount to offer.

If you want to work and travel in Togo, you’re in the right place. With so little information on the Internet, it can be difficult to figure out how to volunteer here.

Our travel guide to Togo, below, is going to provide you with everything you need to know.

1. Promote Community Development in Togo

Togo, like many West African nations, is poor and receives little investment from the outside world. This has led to a variety of volunteering opportunities in Togo popping up for travellers who want to help.

Community development projects focus on empowering young people and women to claim a better life. You’ll be working in some of the poorest areas in Togo’s cities and villages. It’s a chance to make a real difference and connect with Togo’s population at the same time.

No other type of volunteering project will enable you to forge friendships with Togo’s locals like this one.

2. Teach English in Togo

The primary language of Togo is French, but there are actually 39 languages in the country. Many young people in Togo want to learn English as a way of bettering their futures and acquiring better jobs.

If you want to work in Togo, one of the best options is to teach English. Native English speakers will have the chance to teach locals of all ages.

If you want to work in schools or universities, you’ll need a qualification like the TEFL. For other projects, the ability to speak English fluently is all you need.

3. Conserve the Forests in Togo

Togo is one of the smallest nations in the whole of Africa. This tiny strip of land has few natural resources to speak of. But its forests are under threat, as a result of logging and overdevelopment. Efforts are being made to replenish these forests.

Forestation programmes are there to bring volunteers in contact with the rural areas of Togo. As you travel in Togo, you’ll come to face with the traditional culture that is still being kept alive. You’ll participate in planting projects and get to enjoy a cultural exchange at the same time.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR TOGO

There are few countries that don’t require a visa to travel in Togo. For more info click here. Most of these are West African nations. The only exceptions are South Africa and Romania.

Everyone else is entitled to receive a visa-on-arrival. The problem is that this visa-on-arrival is only valid for seven days. Anyone who wants to work and travel in Togo will find this visa to be practically useless.

However, to make things easier you can extend your seven-day visa up to a total of 90 days. For more info click here. This can be done when you’re already in the country. All you need to do is visit the relevant immigration offices.

Alternatively, you may find it faster and easier to apply for a longer visa in your home country at an embassy.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN TOGO

SPRING WORK

Togo is comprised of two major seasons each year. The spring season is the start of the rainy season. Luckily, if you’re in the south of the country the rainy season only lasts until June. In the north, the rainy season will last until October.

Your best option for spring is to work in urban programs. Community development programs are always popular. Another option could involve working in healthcare. You’ll be responsible for spreading awareness of diseases like HIV. Your job will be shadowing professionals and assisting them in their work.

Both of these programmes will bring you in contact with local people and allow you to see the real side of Togo.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is best avoided if you plan to work and travel in Togo’s north. Instead, you should head to the south of the country to work.

You can spend your time teaching English or focusing on conservation programmes. These include inland programmes and those that take place on the coastline. The most popular types of conservation project those revolving around reforestation.

There’s also a limited amount of marine life conservation on Togo’s coastline.

AUTUMN

The autumn is an ideal time to visit the country. The whole country is open to you during the autumn season. As a result, you should refer back to the two previous sections as all of those projects are available throughout the autumn season.

WINTER

Winter is a pleasant time to take up volunteering opportunities in Togo because you’re not going to experience the heat waves or high humidity, which are typical throughout the rest of the year.

You should be aware of the harmattan, however, as these can bring a heavy atmosphere and minor sandstorms from the north.

But a great way to work and travel in Togo in winter is to take advantage of cultural exchanges. These will take you to farming regions, where you’ll spend your time on a farm. The work will be difficult and you’ll be expected to assist at unsociable hours, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local culture.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN TOGO

Work in Togo is a good way of finding out more about West Africa. This country is about as authentic as you’re going to find in West Africa. With few tourists making it as far as Togo, the locals aren’t used to seeing people from outside the region.

The Togolese people are grateful for the help offered by international organisations. And they will be curious to find out where you come from and what you’re doing there.

If you want to see the real side of West Africa, travel in Togo is the best way to do it!