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Maximilian Delphinius Berlitz (MDB)

  • 1878

    Maximilian Delphinius Berlitz (MDB) opens first school in Providence, Rhode Island.

  • 1886

    The headquarters moved to New York.

  • 1888

    First School opens in Europe in Berlin.

  • 1889

    Schools open in Paris and London.

  • 1890

    MDB teaches Kaiser Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia to speak English.

  • 1900

    The Berlitz Schools are awarded two gold medals at the Paris exposition.
    The Congress of Teachers of Modern Languages adopts the principles of the Berlitz Method®.

  • 1904

    The Berlitz Method® is awarded the Grand Prize at the World Fair in St. Louis.

  • 1933

    Jacques Strumpen-Darrie (JSD) assumes control of The Berlitz School of Languages of America, Inc.
    JSD incorporates the company as "Berlitz School of Languages of America, Inc." (BSLA)

  • 1955

    The largest school in the North America opens in Rockefeller Center.

  • 1965

    All schools in the United States come under the direct management of BLSA.

  • 1966

    First school in Japan opens in Akasaka.

  • 1970

    Editions Berlitz, SA, is established with its main office in Lausanne,Switzerland.
    Total Immersions™ courses are introduced.

  • 1980

    The Berlitz School of Languages, Inc., Japanese branch, is established.

  • 1987

    The official corporate name is changed to Berlitz International, Inc.
    Berlitz On Campus is introduced.

  • 1990

    Benesse Corporation (currently Benesse Holdings, Inc.) acquires a stake in the Berlitz International Inc.

  • 1999

    Signed the licensing agreement with Sesame Workshop. (Formerly Children's Television Workshop)
    "Sesame English™" is developed jointly by Berlitz and Sesame Workshop.

  • 2001

    Benesse Corporation (currently Benesse Holdings, Inc.) acquires 100% of common stock of Berlitz International.

  • 2002

    Berlitz English™ is introduced.

  • 2003

    English Beat™ is introduced.