Job Discussion Forums

huemeister · Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 2

I've tried to find a posting about Berlitz in Bangkok, but wasn't able to find anything.

I have just finished training for Berlitz, and am set to start work there, but I'm not thrilled with the salary (33 - 38,000 baht per month). In the long run, I guess it could be a stepping stone to working at Berlitz centers worldwide with horizontal and vertical movement through the company, but I'm seeking input from those instructors who have actually worked at Berlitz in Thailand.

Any thoughts or criticisms?

Thanks

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Look around and see if you notice anything better that would be available to you. The average salary at a school is 30,000 (private), less for public. High end salaries tend to be 40,000 and those are hard to get. Berlitz has in my understanding a solid reputation as being a decent place to work at. So go ahead and turn it down if you want.

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Hello there,

Salaries for EFL instructors in BKK are quite competitive....the Baht 30,000 something range is what you should expect monthly and teaching at Berlitz is no exception (I used to teach for them too).....there are better paying jobs out there at international schools etc. but you need the proper qualifications. Actually if you are looking to save money as an EFL instructor it is best to avoid the LOS altogether and look for more more lucrative destinations in Asia such as Vietnam, Burma and Laos or even Malaysia. On the other hand, teaching in the LOS is a great adventure for those new to the world of TEFL. Good luck! Smile

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

I filled out an application for Berlitz, into the garbage it went, be that as it may, you won't find a better place to work at except for maybe Wall Street, for the money you are making.

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Berlitz usually pays at the low end of the local spectrum, whatever that is. The rationale I've heard is that the Berlitz method means that lesson prep is either nil or very minimal - basically, they make it all very easy for the teacher. And, obviously, no other cert or qualifications needed. In fact, if you have a cert, plumpy nut, that might be why they never called you. They prefer teachers who won't be tempted to use other methods.

EFL Educator · Joined: 17 Jul 2013 Posts: 988 Location: Cape Town

Hello there,

I would recommend Berlitz for newcomers to the EFL profession. A lot of teachers work there for years (I know of many still there in Bangkok and are happy)...if you are willing to put in the hours the pay is average. You get used to a method of teaching that has proven successful all over the world. Berlitz offers many international languages taught by native speakers from all over the world. Good luck!

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Yeah, I'm even looking at Berlitz now, as well. I went in on Friday and spoke to the I.S. and he told me that lessons are available, although I'd have to start off as a per-lesson instruction.

I think the schools look really nice and they would be a nice environment in which to work, as far as language schools go.

Had a look at Taiwan recently and found that Berlitz closed all of their schools a few years ago. I was surprised to hear that.

Back in Bangkok now and I'll wait on a few other offers that I have and then decide if Berlitz is what I want.

But not the worst offer one can find for TEFL in Thailand.