Job Discussion Forums

expatben · Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:46 am Post subject: Berlitz, Austria

Can anyone tell me what its like, either working for Berlitz in Europe or in Austria? Thanks
Expat

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

I never knew Austria wasn't in Europe. Must have been kicked out following that Jorg Haider business.

expatben · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 9:52 am Post subject:

Sorry, I was in a rush Embarassed

What I meant to say was does anyone know what working for Berlitz is like in Austria or the rest of Europe? I ask because I have been made an offering, excpet that in 1 of the schools its all freelance and no fixed income.
Is Austria nice? Is Berlitz reputable?
Expat

schminken · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 10:25 am Post subject:

Is it the one in Feldkirchen? I would think that Berlitz in Austria would be ok as long as you follow the method. Berlitz has a specific teaching method that you are not allowed to depart from.

Berlitz doesn't have a good reputation overall. However, most Austrian buisinesses run pretty smoothly and efficiently and I can't imagine that a Berlitz in Austria would be entirely unprofessional. If I remember correctly, they expect you to have a car to be able to give lessons at companies and you have to pay for the expenses. Also when people cancel lessons or don't show up, you won't get paid. I don't know if that bothers you or not. Austrian people are not horrible to work for or with but just know they have very high expectations and you have to be there for every contact hour. So if they are offereing you a lot of contact hours at night and at the weekend, remember that.

I don't know how much the salary is but Austrian tax is almost 50%. That means 50% will come out of your paycheck. Apartments are 200 to 400 Euros if you aren't in Vienna. There it could be a bit more. I pay 390 for mine plus 30 Euros for Electricity per month. My cell phone bill is about 50 Euros a month.

I hope that helps a little bit. I've heard horror stories about Berlitz but to be honest, I haven't heard one from Austria. I can't speak for other European countries.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

The Berlitz Method consists of working teachers as much as possible and paying them as little as possible. To be fair, there are worse employers out there. People tend to use Berlitz as a stepping stone to better things.

poro · Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 274

expatben · Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 6:26 am Post subject:

hmmmmmmm thanks you guys you given me some serious thinking. I have also looked for other work and recieved an interview with a school in Poland and one in Spain, I think I'll hold out for those two and see if I can get one (Poland preferable)
Expat

poro · Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 274

expatben · Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 10:53 am Post subject:

What happens is they phone you from Poland and you talk to them. It lasts about 30-50 mins and its a great way to ask them questions as well.
Ben

poro · Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 274

expatben · Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 3:25 pm Post subject:

Not just by phone, you have to fill out an application first and email a few times. If they like your emails you get a phone call and then they consider you for the position. If they want you they'll email a contract.

MissDVLA · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 24 Location: UK

Hi expatben,

Can you tell me who you contacted at Berliz. I'm looking for waork in Austria and even if it was badly paid and long hours it would be a start. Were you also offered this position based on a phone interview? Thanks

expatben · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:42 pm Post subject:

I sent you some info in a PM. They diddn't want a phone interview. If you need more info please reply to my PM