About Berlitz

Founded in 1878 by Maximilian D. Berlitz in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Berlitz International, Inc. is the world's premier language services firm, providing expertise in language instruction, cross-cultural training and publishing throughout the world.

Berlitz has been teaching languages for 130 years and has millions of successful alumni including such names as, Jimmy Carter, John Lennon and Celine Dion among many others. The time-proven principles of the Berlitz Method®, a conversational teaching style, are constantly supplemented with new and updated information and the latest multi-media lesson materials. Branded publishing products, Berlitz Study Abroad, ELS Language Centers, Berlitz Kids and Berlitz Cross-cultural are among the host of innovative products available to Berlitz customers around the world.

History of Our Method

Maximilian Berlitz introduced the Berlitz Method® teaching style in 1878 and the effective, conversational approach has remained at the heart of the company's language instruction ever since. Presenting practical vocabulary and grammar in the context of real-life situations, the Berlitz Method® focuses all speaking and learning on a target language. Instructors use a communicative approach based on listening and speaking, supplementing study with relevant reading and writing exercises, so students take on a new language the same way they did their first with natural ease.

The Berlitz Method® readily accommodates different learning styles, personal interests and goals with its customized curriculum it also motivates participants to achieve fluency objectives in a relaxed and comfortable environment. An interactive and personal learning experience, the Berlitz Method® also encourages students at any level to be involved with each step of their language acquisition and really invest themselves in their instruction for maximum results.

A Changing Student Body

From the founding of the company in 1878, Berlitz was geared primarily to the needs of travelers and those studying for personal enrichment.

n the 1950s, however, it found the composition of its student body changing. Berlitz was increasingly confronted with business people, professionals and technicians headed for foreign posts needing language skills for their new assignments and major corporations seeking to enroll large numbers of personnel, as well as their families to learn languages as quickly as possible.

To meet this need, Berlitz accelerated the changeover from conventional classes to private and small group instruction and instituted a research program to develop new techniques of intensive instruction. After several years of research and testing, Berlitz caused a stir in academic circles with the introduction of its Total Immersion® (T.I.) instruction program. Total Immersion is aimed at students with an urgent need, such as an impending relocation overseas. The program immerses the student in language instruction more than eight hours a day, for two to six weeks, with quick and successful results. *(Available in Spanish and 24 other languages).

Faster-paced learning demanded by the marketplace led Berlitz to develop home study materials to allow students to supplement their classroom lessons through vocabulary review and pronunciation. These were introduced in 1970 and today include books, cassettes, videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs. Berlitz's curriculum and training department are constantly developing and updating materials to keep pace with changing technology and student needs.

Other Berlitz Products

All of the Berlitz Language Centers worldwide offer the same method, materials and high quality instruction, whether it's teaching English in Bangkok or German in cuernavaca, México. Students everywhere have the option of choosing from a wide variety of learning options and there are courses for every interest, need, and learning style, whether it's an urgent immersion for fast results or a casual group to prepare for an upcoming vacation.

Learning Options Normal and Intensive

Berlitz Study Abroad ®

One of the most exciting and effective ways to learn a language is to spend time in its country of origin. Immersion in the target language and culture allows you to pick up vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension as you dine, shop, travel, or even just walk down the street!

Berlitz Cross-Cultural®

This training program is designed to bridge gaps for people who interact with other cultures, such as business transferees and their families, international travelers, and employees of global companies. These programs provide crucial insights for dealing successfully with people of different backgrounds, and avoiding culture-shock and interpersonal blunders.

Berlitz Total Immersion®

Berlitz Total Immersion® programs are scientifically proven to build language fluency in a short amount of time through intensive instruction, seven and a half hours a day for two to six weeks. The focused study builds skills quickly for students to think and speak the target language.

Berlitz Kids®

Berlitz English instruction for children is second to none. For children ages 4-7, Berlitz has teamed up with Sesame Workshop™ to create Sesame English™, an effective curriculum based on popular Muppet characters. Tingo, the multilingual puppet leads the way to proficiency! For children 8-11, Berlitz offers English Beat, a completely effective and modern program addressing age-appropriate topics with refreshing, timely exercises and materials. Teens 12 and up can study Berlitz English in a regular program or choose English instruction and immersion in American culture at college campuses throughout the U.S. with Berlitz's ELS division.