The story
Founded by Maximilian Berlitz in 1878.1
Founding and early years (1878–1880s)
Berlitz was founded in 1878 by Maximilian D. Berlitz, a German-American linguist born in Germany in 1852 to a family of educators and mathematicians. He emigrated to the United States in 1870 and began teaching languages in Rhode Island before joining Bryant and Stratton National Business College in Providence. In 1878 he established the first Berlitz School of Languages in Providence. During its early years Berlitz hired a young assistant from France who spoke no English. When the assistant was left in charge of a French class, instruction took place entirely in French, using demonstration, repetition and context to make meaning clear. To Berlitz’s surprise, students progressed more quickly than under traditional grammar-translation. The experience became the foundation of the company’s teaching philosophy.
International expansion (1880s–1960s)
The company expanded rapidly in the late 19th century, opening schools across the US and in major European cities such as Berlin, Paris and London. By the end of the century, it operated close to 100 schools worldwide.
During the First and Second World Wars, Berlitz faced challenges, including loss of male leadership due to military service. As a result, many of the schools were managed by women, who played a critical role in maintaining operations and ensuring lessons continued.
In the 20th century, new centres established in Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru.The first Asian school was opened in 1960 in Tokyo.
Berlitz grew internationally during the 1960s as international travel increased and English gained prominence as the global language of business. During this period, Charles Berlitz, the founder’s grandson, contributed to the company’s growth by authoring the Berlitz Travel Guides, which achieved commercial success and helped raise the company’s international profile.
Instructional developments (1960s–1980s)
In 1964, Berlitz introduced Total Immersion, an intensive language program that combined classroom instruction with practical, real-world activities aimed at developing fluency within a defined time frame. In 1982, the company launched Berlitz Kids, expanding its programs to include younger learners and families.
Ownership changes
Berlitz remained family-associated until the mid-20th century when it was acquired by Macmillan, American publishing company. In the 1990s ownership passed to the Japanese education group Benesse Corporation, which held the company for more than 20 years. In February 2022, Berlitz was purchased by ILSC Holdings LP, the parent company of the ILSC Education Group and ELS Educational Services. The transaction created Language Education Holdings, a combined organisation bringing together the three companies.
Technological adaptation (2000s–present)
Berlitz introduced online courses in the early 2000s. In 2017, it launched Berlitz Live Online, a format in which private and group lessons are delivered with a live instructor over video conferencing. In 2021, it introduced Berlitz Flex, a blended learning program combining self-paced digital study with live online coaching sessions with Berlitz instructors. In 2024, Berlitz introduced Berlitz On Demand Plus, learning program that combines self-paced, on-demand study with live group conversation classes led by Berlitz instructors via video call.
From Wikipedia’s article on Berlitz Corporation, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4