This paper describes cultural and educational characteristics of West African countries that may have implications for West Africans studying and learning English in the United States. Countries discussed include Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Benin, Niger, Gambia, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, and Mali. The structures of the systems of elementary, secondary, vocational, and postsecondary education are outlined, focusing on commonalities in British-colonial and francophone countries, standardized testing, progression through educational levels, patterns leading to advanced degrees, types of institutions, literacy rates and patterns, schooling rates, female schooling and literacy, and uses of English. Numerical data on schooling and literacy are included. Charts detailing the structures of the Nigerian and United States systems of education are provided for comparison, and some comparisons are made with the United States within the text. (MSE)