Dear prospective student,
Perhaps you are browsing this website trying to decide if this training program is right for you, wondering if it is true what everyone is saying. Can it all be possible? Please allow me to share my experience at the International Butler Academy with you.
At 41, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I had recently split from a long-term partner; I was in a job with no prospects. I found myself living, well truthfully, existing daily with no clear vision of the future. I felt alone, and it all seemed bleak. There was, however, a little boy fighting inside me, urging me to do something to turn things around and use the customer service experience I had, which is when I came across the website of The International Butler Academy (TIBA).
Even though I live only a few miles from some of the Butler schools in England, I had a sixth sense that TIBA was the right fit for me. After some basic research, I became determined to do their training program. I did not let the tuition fee put me off, or I would need to travel to the Netherlands. I did whatever it took, including overtime at work, to pay for it all.
I was terrified when I arrived at TIBA in May 2013 to commence the training program. The other students seemed so professional and outgoing. I was so bashful that they could hardly hear what I was saying. To make matters worse, some of us were given assignments that were computer-based, and I had no IT experience. I thought I would never make it. For the first two weeks, I thought I had made a terrible mistake. The instructors thought otherwise. It is almost as if they could read my mind. I was nurtured and cared for, and I found that I could express my passion for service amongst like-minded people.
Day by day, my confidence was built up without my even realizing it. After a few kind words from the school's Head Butler, "You know more than you think you know", I began to understand the philosophy of the Academy. Advice from the awe-inspiring etiquette and protocol trainer set me on a course that would change my way of looking at myself. This advice was so personal I chose not to share it. If you join the training program, you will have the privilege. You will see what I mean. My body language and posture changed. For the first time in many years, I felt self-worth.
The passion felt by everyone at this school is infectious. Yes, the workload is demanding, please dive in with the right attitude, and you will succeed. I threw my all into it. You may fine dine at the Hotel Du Marc (Veuve Clicquot in France) for lunch and then find yourself in a kebab shop for dinner! The training program is Pandora’s box of life-enriching experiences. My fellow students were a collection of the finest people you could meet from all over the globe. Toward the end of the program, I was enjoying myself so much that I did not want it to end.
Thanks to the faculty's dedication and belief in me, I ended up with distinction and top of the class. I can now look forward to the future with confidence and hope. If you can relate to anything I have said, please give the Academy serious thought.
Sincerely, John Hoey - Ireland
Graduate of The International Butler Academy - July 2013
UPDATE - December 15, 2014
Dear faculty of The International Butler Academy
I am delighted to inform you that, thanks to my education at TIBA, I have been offered and have accepted a position beyond my wildest expectations. On December 15, 2014, I commence employment as the personal Butler of a well-known Canadian philanthropist. I will be accompanying her on trips around the world beginning with Christmas.
Thanks to TIBA, I have reached the highest echelons of my earning potential with an initial salary of 120,000 sterling per annum, complete with a grace and favor apartment on Eaton Square. I look forward to the opportunity of visiting TIBA to encourage students that with the energy, passion, and commitment that you demand, they too can excel and be the person that they want to become. Thank you, faculty, from the bottom of my heart. Kind regards, John Hoey, TIBA Graduate (May 13 – July 6, 2013 training program).