Job Discussion Forums

mujaahidt · Joined: 27 Jul 2015 Posts: 2 Location: South Africa

Hi,

Have any of you heard of/worked for Berlitz language centre in Kuwait? I have been trying to find information on the centre but have not been succesful. Any information would be much appreciated.

Also, they are offering $2000(KWD 602) including shared housing, medical cover, all flights and visas covered and transport to and from work.

Is it worth considerinng the offer if you want to save and live a normal life.

Thank you.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

No comment about the pay. However, avoid Berlitz if you're looking to enhance your CV.

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

$2,000/Month in Kuwait + shared housing???.....you will not be able to save any money....Kuwait is extremely expensive these days....and Berlitz has the worst reputation in the GULF. Even Sub-Indian continentals make more than this teaching English in Kuwait!!!! Shocked

fadedgirl · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 44

I worked for Berlitz in New York City (Rock Center) and because the company is going broke, they will give you the lowest salary possible.
If you are happy with that, then go ahead and work for them.
Don't expect too much from them. High turnover rate...even in the States.

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

Most Berlitz EFL teachers I have met in the Middle East and in Asia have told me Berlitz was their first teaching job...and that prior to that they were jobless for years and living on social welfare. Shocked

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

fadedgirl · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 44

I'm telling you what I know from personal experience.
Every single teacher at Rock Center was part-time because the company didn't want to pay for health insurance or any other benefits. If they do that at Rock Center, which has been there since 1950...do you think that Kuwait is going to be an exception? If you want to work there, work there. But do it knowing full well that they are paying you the lowest salary possible.

If you want to work for Berlitz AND be treated decently AND get a decent wage, then go to France. At least there are legally mandated hours and benefits that they have to give you because the government says so.

Sleepwalker · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 454 Location: Reading the screen

I earned more than that in 2000 plus I had free furnished accommodation, transport to work etc. I was back in Kuwait a few years ago and I could not believe how expensive it has become.

I'd pass on the offer.

talktome · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 45

talktome · Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 45

Oops, my bad
It's Camp Arifjan
I just saw what they have to offer- 2 PXs, 3 free gyms, a bowling ally, restaurants and even a co-ed movie theater, which is impossible to find elsewhere in Kuwait.
I will call the PMO office tomorrow to see if I can go there, but I was told my ID would give me access to US bases anywhere overseas.
How's that for 'social welfare' Wink

Point- be careful of what you say because you might be putting your foot in your mouth. Wink

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

[quote]I am in it for self improvement- I am going back into the ESL teaching field after being out of it for almost 10 years. True, the school and conditions might be crappy, but I want this job for the experience it will give me- did you know that in addition to flying me to Kuwait, they are flying the teachers to Texas to attend 2 weeks of training at the Defense Language School on Lackland Air Force Base? They are also paying for single hotel rooms for the teachers during this training. This is invaluable training that can help me in my career.
I can add this to my resume and then seek another job later.[/quote]

I hate to be a wet blanket here, but Berlitz on your resume isn't going to appeal to better schools anywhere....nor is their training valued. This is true of all the 'method' schools (Callan is another such animal). They train you to use their outdated and discredited methods, and practicing those isn't going to jibe with the methods desired by reputable schools most places.

I'm not saying it isn't a reasonable gig under some circumstances - the benefits you describe certainly sound fine for you- but don't count on this being a resume-enhancer when it's over.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The difference is that this is not a Berlitz language school job. This is Berlitz managing a military contract. This poster likely wants to stay in military related teaching, so it shouldn't be a negative...

It won't be the Berlitz system, but the DLI system from Lackland.

VS

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

Ok, fair enough. If he wants to get out of the system, though, he'll need to clarify this carefully on his CV/resume!

Berlitz, Rolling Eyes

(in general)

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I know what you mean... but the Gulf military related teaching jobs are rather not an area we women know much about... since we're not eligible. Cool

It's a whole other world. (of usually much higher pay and benefits once you get into the system)

VS

clapdemcheeks · Joined: 28 Nov 2015 Posts: 16 Location: UK

I also have been offered the same job. But after reading some of these comments, I now have doubts. This will be my first paid ESL job ( I completed my CELTA in July 2015 and have three months teaching experience to adults). Based on this information, is this a good starting job for me?