Berlitz, founded in 1878 by German immigrant Maximilian Berlitz, revolutionized language education through the accidental discovery of immersion learning when a language barrier and illness forced an innovative teaching experiment. Rejecting the rigid grammar-translation method dominant at the time, Berlitz pioneered a dynamic, conversational approach that mirrored natural language acquisition, laying the foundation for modern language instruction. The method’s success fueled rapid global expansion, with schools opening in Berlin, Paris, and London by the late 1880s and nearly 100 locations worldwide by 1900. Over time, Berlitz evolved beyond classrooms, introducing cultural training tools, launching the popular Berlitz Travel Guides in the 1960s, and innovating with Total Immersion programs and multimedia learning. The company changed hands multiple times, becoming a subsidiary of Macmillan in 1966 and fully acquired by Japan’s Benesse Corporation in 2001, which pushed its growth in Asian markets. However, the 21st century brought mounting challenges, including stagnant teacher wages and rising workloads, particularly in Japan, where instructors saw their weekly teaching load increase from 30 to 50 lessons between 1991 and 2018 with minimal pay increases, sparking long-standing labor disputes led by the General Union. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delivered a devastating blow, forcing the closure of numerous in-person centers, especially in Europe, the U.S., and Japan, where Berlitz Japan’s branches dropped from 60 to 44 by 2023. The sudden shift to digital learning exposed structural vulnerabilities, prompting a ’bold and drastic’ restructuring to cut costs and accelerate online offerings. Amid this crisis, longstanding labor tensions intensified, with the General Union demanding safer working conditions, remote teaching options, and fair compensation. Despite company claims of financial strain, the union argued that cost savings from closures improved profitability, making pay increases feasible. After decades of struggle, a major breakthrough came in March 2024, when Berlitz workers in Japan secured a 2.5% pay raise—the first significant increase in over 30 years—marking a pivotal victory for collective action. In February 2022, ownership shifted again when Benesse transferred Berlitz to Berlitz Holdings, a new entity established through ILSC Holdings LP, backed by education-focused investors Quad Partners and Colbeck Capital, signaling renewed confidence in Berlitz’s global potential. This transition created one of the world’s largest integrated language and study-abroad platforms. Throughout its 145-year history, Berlitz has remained a cultural and educational force, empowering individuals—from immigrants and students to business professionals and tourists—not only with language skills but with intercultural competence. Its legacy lies in transforming language learning from a rote academic exercise into a practical, human-centered experience that fosters real connection. Even as digital apps and AI reshape education, Berlitz continues to emphasize personalized, instructor-led interaction, offering hybrid and immersive experiences like the ’Language Lunch Experience’ that blend conversation with cultural engagement. The company’s endurance through ownership changes, economic downturns, and a global pandemic underscores the enduring need for meaningful communication across borders. Berlitz’s story is not just one of corporate evolution, but of resilience, innovation, and the profound impact of empowering people to speak, understand, and connect across cultures.