Good product, cliquey politics — know what you're walking into - Learning Designer Busuu Employee Review

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The product grew significantly during my time there, and I'm proud of the contribution I made to that. Colleagues at peer level were genuinely great — smart, collaborative, good culture in the early days.

Cons

Senior management operates a cliquey in/out culture that filters down through the organization. Progression paths are opaque, feedback is either unbalanced or non-existent, and when workload increased dramatically, pay didn't follow. Management largely lacks formal training, which means rather than leading with confidence, there's a tendency to punch down and punish genuine constructive feedback. I raised constructive feedback on behalf of the wider team during my time there but rather than being heard, I was targeted and my position was made increasingly untenable. I left before I was pushed. For anyone considering joining: The product is good and the people at ground level are solid. But go in with your eyes open. If you fall out of favour with the wrong person, there's no real support structure to protect you. Growth and ability aren't especially valued — proximity to the right people is.

Explore other reviews about Busuu

5.0
Jul 11, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great team, product and workflow. Awesome benefits as well

Cons

Really none at all. I can’t think of anything that stands out.

3.0
Mar 27, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- The new management is very nice and understanding. - I've noticed that even when I provide all the necessary information when canceling a lesson, they still have to repeat steps, likely due to company policy. - The only reason I stay is because I absolutely love my students. - It can be challenging to find a job without a degree in the TEFL industry

Cons

-Asked for a raise, completely ignored me. -Very difficult to cancel lessons. -Don't know how well you're doing as a teacher so you're in constant "competition" with other teachers to keep your position. -I've heard that they can fire you without any notice or reason. -Changed policy that you can only do 25 hours per week

2
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All