Key takeaways (TL;DR)
- Interactive video role-plays boost engagement in self-study modules
- Tavus avatars mirror the Berlitz Method’s instructor-led ethos
- Pilot success opens path to global scale across 30+ languages
Company snapshot
Industry: Language education
Size / stage: Founded in 1878; global footprint in 70+ countries
Use-case: Conversational video AI for language education
The challenge
Berlitz, a 146-year-old institution known for its instructor-led “Berlitz Method,” wanted to evolve its digital offerings without sacrificing human connection. While prior experiments with AI-generated videos proved efficient—cutting production time by 70%—they lacked interactivity. Students often felt isolated during self-study.
The team needed a solution that could scale natural, empathetic conversations across multiple languages without deep development lift, while staying true to the foundational standards Berlitz was built on.
Why they chose Tavus
Tavus offered Berlitz the missing layer of real-time interactivity. Its photorealistic avatars could be generated from two minutes of footage and speak over 30 languages with natural cadence. The API-first platform fit seamlessly into Berlitz’s lightweight dev workflow, and low-code testing environments enabled quick iteration. Beyond tech specs, Tavus resonated with Berlitz’s vision of preserving teacher empathy while enabling scalable conversation practice. The partnership was further strengthened by high-touch support and a shared belief in human-first learning.
Implementation status
Berlitz launched a controlled pilot earlier in 2025, introducing AI-led conversational experiences in multiple languages across key learner cohorts.
- Scenarios included real-life role-plays tailored to different proficiency levels
- Avatars were matched to learning tiers to simulate personalized instruction
- Access was delivered through lightweight integrations, requiring minimal engineering effort
- Success metrics focused on learner engagement and satisfaction compared to existing formats
Results:
- Early feedback showed a notable uplift in learner experience
- Advanced users particularly responded well to immersive practice
- Deployment proved technically smooth, validating future expansion
Closing thought
By embedding Tavus into its digital platform, Berlitz reaffirms that AI can be an ally—not a replacement—in human-centered education.
Learners now engage with AI instructors that smile, pause, and gesture naturally, replicating the rhythm of real conversation. It’s the Berlitz Method, extended—not diluted—by technology.