Job Discussion Forums

[jyj]

I am presently residing in the US, but interested in possibly going abroad to teach English in Spain (the EU passport is covered). My concern is that I speak very basic Spanish and I'm not certified.

Berlitz was one of the schools I came across that didn't require a teaching certificate or any knowledge of the Spanish language, which actually makes me a bit weary. What's the real story with Berlitz? Anyone working there now or work there in the past?

Any feedback is much appreciated.

Tx!

[Marie04]

I had an interview for Berlitz so know a little about it; they have a system where you teach lessons according to what's prescribed and detailed in their handbook - i.e in the third lesson with a group at level x you will spend precisely three minutes asking about their weekends, four minutes explaining the past perfect, three and a half minutes teaching the following exercise.. and so on. So it's all mapped out for you, which means that there is virtually no planning but also virtually no room for creativity. Dull stuff! Also pay seemed Really Bad - I wouldn't go for them but if it was your only way in and the lack of planning is attractive, then maybe it's for you.

Best of luck![/i]

[jyj]

hmmn..

well considering I don't have much teaching experience, you may be right...might be a good way to go.

how low is low?? what kind of a monthly income bracket are we talking about here? barely enough to live by or scrape by...same difference I guess?

[Marie04]

I don't really remember how low the salary was - I just remember being shocked as I expected such an internationally-recognised organisation to pay really well.. They have a system with the hours too - you get paid for so many hours per month, if they don't have enough hours for you each month you still get paid that full amount. But then they probably wouldn't employ you if they didn't think they had enough teaching hours. I think the pay would have worked out at around 7 euros an hour, maybe a bit less. Poor!

[Snoopy]

I had a very bad experience with Berlitz in the UK. I was the token old man in the corner, and given my task to present the following day: teaching three numbers. I made the mistake of bringing in props, namely money, with the intention of teaching the numbers of the main denominations. "That isn�t one!" thundered the "trainer". "That�s a pound coin." For heaven�s sake, what are these people going to do after class? Go out into the street and spend money. But no, I was supposed to teach numbers by pointing to them in the Berlitz book.

Berlitz is known for employing "parrots" and "robots" and allegedly have CCTV cameras in each classroom. I was not offered the post and got my old job back.

[SEndrigo]