Expofranquicia 2008: Expofranquicia presenta Berlitz Virtual Classroom
Expofranquicia 2008: Berlitz will take part as an exhibitor at the fourteenth edition of the Franchising Trade Fair, Expofranquicia, which Ifema will stage between 22nd and 24th May 2008 at Feria de Madrid. In this respect, we have interviewed Ginés Méndez, Managing Director in Spain of Berlitz.
Berlitz has been teaching languages for many years. Have the company and its teaching methods changed much throughout this time?
The company was founded at the end of the 19th century and, of course, its teaching methods have changed considerably over this period of 130 years. However, certain teaching principles are still used. Nevertheless, a multitude of new technological back-up tools now complement language teaching methods, making them more effective, including live virtual classes via the Web, on-line forums, on-line teaching systems, etc.
How many languages do you teach?
We can arrange teaching for any language. If a student asks to learn a language and we do not have the corresponding teacher on our staff, we can search for one through our extensive database of professional teachers. At present, the most popular languages, in order of importance, are English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese. We also teach many other languages on a lesser scale.
What are Spaniards like at languages?
Unfortunately, we have to say that Spaniards have yet to make the grade when it comes to languages. Spaniards' knowledge of foreign languages is still well below the average level that has been achieved in other European countries. All the surveys that have been carried out confirm this fact. It is true that the gap is gradually narrowing, but there is still a long way to go.
How many establishments does the company have in Spain and abroad?
In Spain we have eleven establishments. Throughout the rest of the world, we have more than 600 centres in over 70 countries.
I suppose English is the language that enjoys the highest level of demand, but which language comes second in terms of popularity?
English accounts for 71% of the teaching hours we impart. Then come Spanish and French, both of which account for 11% of our teaching activities.
What does the Berlitz On-Line System consist of?
It consists of a language learning tool that operates by means of a platform based on powerful software designed by linguistic engineers and experts. It is aimed at those students who, through lack of time or their inability to fit into a specific timetable, would like to use this tool in order to learn a language. This tool practices all of the linguistic skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
What are your objectives for the year 2008?
Our aim is to continue the rate of growth we have enjoyed in recent years, which has been quite spectacular. Furthermore, we would like to continue our process of opening new franchises. Next 30th June we will be opening a new franchise in San Sebastián de los Reyes.
Why choose a Berlitz franchise?
Berlitz is the franchise that has the largest number of teaching centres at an international level and the most complete portfolio on the market. Our international network and our teaching methods department, working alongside our multimedia and marketing departments, ensure that the company is constantly innovating, offering the most advanced teaching methods and systems on the market.
Will you be presenting any new features at Expofranquicia '08, which is due to take place in May?
We shall take advantage of our attendance at Expofranquicia in order to present the Berlitz Virtual Classroom. This consists of live Web-based classes imparted by a teacher at the other end of the line. It is surprising how effective these classes are and the minimal difference that exists regarding live sessions delivered in the traditional classroom.
