Neighbourhood language school with group classes
Starting costs about $39,100 in the United States and 6,930,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $3,350 net per month in the United States and 828,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 17 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $39,100 | $3,350 |
| Nigeria | 6,930,000 NGN | 828,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £26,700 | £2,330 |
| Kenya | 1,740,000 KES | 116,000 KES |
| India | 869,000 INR | 79,500 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Adults and young people need a foreign language for work, study or migration, but apps alone are not enough to speak fluently.
The solution
A small centre with two or three rooms, classes of six to ten per level, conversation workshops and official exam preparation.
Your customers
Students, professionals, would-be emigrants, tourism staff and local companies training their employees.
How you make money
A term of classes at 150 to 450 € per learner, exam preparation and company contracts billed separately.
Competition
Cultural institutes and large language schools, independent teachers, mobile apps and online lessons with native speakers.
Who has an edge
An experienced, well-organised language teacher who knows which exams are in local demand stands out through learners' results.
The risks
Investment in premises and furniture, recruiting qualified teachers, seasonal enrolment, possible accreditation needed to issue certificates.
The first 3 steps
- Identify the languages and exams most in demand locally
- Test demand with classes in a room rented by the hour
- Recruit two part-time teachers
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €9,000 − costs €6,700 = €2,300 net per month. Revenue: 90 students × €100 a month. Costs: teacher salaries, rent, textbooks, advertising, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Neighbourhood language school?
About $39,100 (United States), 6,930,000 NGN (Nigeria), £26,700 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $3,350 (United States), 828,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,330 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 17 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Investment in premises and furniture, recruiting qualified teachers, seasonal enrolment, possible accreditation needed to issue certificates.
Where do I start?
1. Identify the languages and exams most in demand locally 2. Test demand with classes in a room rented by the hour 3. Recruit two part-time teachers
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