I am interested to know, if anyone has attended the International Butler Academy in Holland? It seems like a wonderful school, but my concern is, I would sink that much money into attending this academy, and then not be able to find a job. It seems like well paying positions would be highly competitive. I wonder just what percentage of the graduating students will find well paying positions. Still, while the academy is extremely expensive, I am very impressed thus far. Thank you Lily

I was in live-in private service for 6 months before my employer died unexpectedly. Although this was only a short time, I found that I absolutely loved the work. I am interested in going further, and re-entering service and was wondering if formal training would be worth it (I'd never had any formal training -- I just carried out his wishes).

Can I assume that European schools have a better reputation than those in the US? Any better than others? I am looking at the TIBA, but also considering the school in Toronto. Are there others I should be considering?

Any input would be appreciated.

The other thing to consider is a Butler Correspondence Course with a recognized institution. You can email me at davidrobinson@modernbutlers for futher details.

Best wishes,

David Robinson

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have the same advice I posted before. See post #15. Run away! I suggest reading some good books on the subject such as "Butlers & Household Managers 21st Century Professionals" by Steven M. Ferry. You'll get a lot more out of it and save thousands of dollars. Especially if you don't have a deep pile of cash to devote to this goal as they will hook you into student loans and then you'll be trapped repaying $18-20K or more. Sign up for some online forums to get advice from people working in the field.
For some other students views on Starkey try this: http://www.westword.com/2007-08-09/news/at-your-disservice/full
And don't think about the Professional Domestic Institute in Ohio either. I wasted 3 months and $18K there. See Linda's post #17.
Good luck!

I was wondering has anyone went to Stakey Institute and can you tell me if it is worth the money. I am a trained chef wanting to go into estate managment but have low funds . I don't want to take out a loan to go to this school if it has not had good placement and training records. Please HElp? Is this worth my time?

Edited by author 12-21-2007 10:16 PM
Marti, (and anyone else who is interested,) here is some information in answer to your question below in post # 18.
The details of who registered the web site are as follows:

Celebrities Groups inc.
9201 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 205
Beverly Hills, California 90210
Contact person = Nikolai Crumb.
The web site was registered in August 2007
Contact telephone number = (310) 273-9176

Here is the interesting thing, the same telephone number at the same address and suite number is used by a number of different businesses listed below.

Pauline Guy Inc
Golden Eagle Publishing House
Cru Magazine
ca NY Homes Inc

Another interesting piece of information I lifted from the Pauline Guy web site is as follows

"Pauline Guy is the owner of Celebrities Staffing Services, a household staffing agency that specializes in the placement of professional nannies, mannies (male nannies), governesses, baby nurses, housekeepers, butlers, chefs and much more to work in the mansions and estates of royalty, celebrities, top executives and other families looking for the best. She has offices both in New City, NY and Beverly Hills, CA. She is also the founder of nanny-online.com, an online magazine and Celeb Staff magazine, a bi-monthly print magazine."

The above information could be what you are seeking.

I listed the telephone number so if anyone is interested in finding out more from a "real person," you might be successful.

Best wishes,

David

Does anyone has an experience, or knowledge about this Institute?

http://www.householdstafftraining.com/onlineCourses/index2.php

I attended the Professional Domestic Institute, Columbus, OH from 4/06-6/06. It was the absolute WORST training experience I have had in my life. I was looking for a career change from corp HR and after lots of research and several discussions w/PDI, applied and was accepted into their Household Manager and Admin HM programs. I too experienced degradation, rudeness, lack of professionalism, disorganization, housekeeping servitude, etc, etc. I endured the 11 weeks of training and then filed a formal complaint (12 pages long) w/the State Board of Career Colleges/Schools on 10/30/06. After 11.5 months, I finally got a decision on my complaint. I feel the response did not address the issues I raised and therefore am continuing to pursue this matter. My goal in filing my complaint was to hopefully keep some other unsuspecting individual from spending a huge amount of money to have the same ugly experience I did. If there is anyone else out there who has also had a bad PDI experience, please file a complaint w/the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges/Schools. Even though I had what I consider to be an unacceptable response, I was the first person to file a complaint against the school. In order to effect any change or put PDI on the ropes, the State Board needs to hear from you. If you are within the six month timeframe, please file--it may save someone else the anguish we have experienced. If I can help in any way, please contact me at ltrack1@aol.com. I am interested in hearing from anyone that has had a similar experience w/PDI.

Edited by author 09-26-2007 02:13 PM
Hi Adrian:
Please e-mail me privately at Mailbox9956@yahoo.com

Adrian- In the words of a Monty Python character- "Run away, Run away!"

Buy or borrow a few books on Butlers and chat with folks in forums. You will get more out of it.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with Professional Domestic Services & Institute?

Edited by author 09-18-2007 12:45 AM
I just started my experience in a ... school home study program. I have never experienced such a rudness, arrogance and I am very disappointed in the way they are doing business.
I can not believe what I have to put up with, I can not believe that I have paid thousands of $$$ to be treated this way, I can not believe that I am still putting up with it just because I "need" this certificate.
I was wondering if someone can point me to the right direction what can be done.

Hello Clive. While I found your story to be a nightmare, I also found it to be very familiar. I attended a professional domestic training facility which is located in a state in the northeast. It was also a farce and complete waste of my time and money. I can't really share more at this time as we are still pursuing remedies. However, I can say I'm truly disappointed to learn there apparently isn't a decent HM school in the U.S. I did manage to get an HM job on my own.
Best wishes.

For new visitors please read the 3 posts in reverse order. I had to break it down into 3 parts and have obviously posted them in the wrong order - sorry about that.

The full report can also be viewed here: http://www.butlerbureau.com/html/bonkers.html and you can leave an audio comment there too.

As you say Werner it's a tragedy/comedy and I was totally shocked at the ineptitude displayed by the people in question.