Job Discussion Forums

[nicdoering]

I read the postings on this site often, and have never read anything about Berlitz. Usually only people with complaints post about a school, so I was fairly confident that they were reputable. Should have done my research more carefully! I was shocked to find out one poster's really bad opinion of them, and even more horrified to read the union site for Berlitz in Japan. I have an interview with them in Beijing next week - I thought I would at least go to see them and make up my own mind - and would really appreciate any comments anyone has about the company. Especially if you have worked or are currently working for them in Beijing!

Nic

[Cleopatra]

Can't say much about specifics but put it this way: Berlits have a well-deserved reputation of being the McDonalds of the TEFL world. With everything that implies.

[Gordon]

Do people teach at Berlitz? Or do you just go through through their method mechanically?

[Wolf]

I interviewed for Berlitz in Japan. They refused to let me sign a contract if I wanted to work for them.

[nicdoering]

Gordon,

This is one thing I'm hoping to find out at the interview - I knew from their website that they have a specific method that they encourage their teachers to use but I didn't realise it would be draconian, rather more guidelines, or principles, for interpretation in lessons by teachers. Their method sounds very much like what I'm trying to achieve with my Chinese students at the moment - that is to say, a focus on speaking with all instructions in English - but maybe I'm being naive. I am a new teacher, maybe I'm thinking the wrong way. I'm trying to find a job with a professional development programme to help me with problems such as which methods are considered better, that's why I thought I'd try Berlitz! (And yes I realise that there's not just one 'correct' method and that methodology is a whole other thread.) So much for that, if what I've read is true.

Nic

[ls650]

[nicdoering]

So who's good to work for in those years between CELTA and DELTA?

I currently work for a Chinese state school but am looking to leave in the hope of getting smaller classes, wider experience and more support - -in fact, any support at all (for example, DOS observed lessons and feedback, workshops etc). Am I asking too much?

What did you guys do?

Cheers

[thelmadatter]

Yes, they can be quite fanatical about their method. I worked for them for less than a year in the States. They make their method seem almost dogmatic. Follow their step and they "guarantee" you'll be able to do XYZ in the language.

I still consider my time with them valuable however. I learned some things.

[Gordon]

[grahamb]

In Madrid, B*rl*tz means long hours, unpaid travel to the back of beyond, unpaid preparation/marking time and having to wolf down a sandwich between classes to stave off hunger. They pay your Abono Transportes (season ticket), but what's 35 euros a month to a huge multinational? Staff turnover is rather high as a result.

[shmooj]

No matter where you go as an inexperienced teacher you are most likely to have to follow some method imposed on you from higher up the food chain. This happens even int he most laid back of establishments because people all have opinions on what Good Teaching is supposed to be. If someone is responsible for you (or the students you are entrusted with) they will want to see you doin Good Teaching. So, Berlitz can hardly be hammered for sticking with a method THEY think works for them. We all do the same although, because we are individuals we like to think we are far more flexible. In reality, and I know this from teacher training, we are just as stuborn and resistant to change as the worst of them.

So, as you can't really escape it, what should you do?

I would say, do what they say to the letter. You will find out what works and what doesn't and, you will have the support of your direct boss in any case. Of course, half of it will be unworkable utopian madness but don't say that, save it for the bin and take with you when you leave the bits that worked. After working for a few schools you will have cobbled together workable techniques from a few different places/methods.

Now you are ready for a DELTA or to call it a day - the choice is yours

[nicdoering]

Thanks for your comments everyone. I'll bear them all in mind at the interview.

I emailed Berlitz to ask for the email addresses of a couple of their current teachers. The response from the 'instructional manager' was: "Unusual request!" and she went on to say that we could discuss this at the interview.

Unusual? I thought it was common practice to ask for this, and I'm further put out by her response.

Is it unusual?

Nic

[Gordon]

It is unusual before the job offer, but not after.