Job Discussion Forums

wwwordsmith · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Knoxville, TN

What's the feeling about Berlitz? I went to their site and upon giving my basic info a list of a bunch of countries came up as places I could teach. Among them were Germany, Norway, Hungary, and Poland. Apparently, you don't even need a TEFL cert at Berlitz and the company's training is supposedly free.

I somehow have the notion that Berlitz pay is pathetic but if I could get reasonably close to Italy I'd be ok with lousy pay, as long as I'm making at least a little money. Anyone know if these opps. are likely legit? Or would I be just another American at the bottom of the barrel who ends up not getting hired? Of course, I understand that the Berlitz training will be useful only for teaching through Berlitz. That would be ok though if I felt reasonably sure I would have employment through them.

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

Yes, pay is at the bottom of the barrel and they aren't likely to jump through hoops to get you a work permit - and experience at Berlitz isn't usually considered transferable to other kinds of schools, due to the strict (and outdated) methods used.

That said, they are usually legit and do provide the (bare) basics.

hollysuel · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Connecticut, USA

Berlitz doesn't usually have a good reputation among trained language teachers because they are not allowed to teach with the latest methods and/or have any autonomy. I've also heard from others that the pay is quite bad, which is probably why they do not require any type of certification. That being said, I did have a colleague who worked for them for a time and he was quite satisfied as there was little to no prep and the pay was secure albeit low.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Bad pay. Looked down on by "real" language teachers. Not an asset on a CV if you plan on doing this long-term.

Potter · Joined: 11 Jan 2011 Posts: 12

What are the "strict (and outdated) methods" that they use?

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

Basically, it's listen-and-repeat. Then listen-and-respond. No analysis; mostly just reflexive.

I could go into a more scholarly description, brining in BF Skinner and the US military and etc, but probably not necessary.

Suyu · Joined: 29 Jan 2011 Posts: 7

Berlitz Kids Camps are good to work for though, fun and a quick cash solution for the lul you might experience in the the summer periods in Europe where everyone seems to be on holiday.