Are my qualifications marketable? Advice wanted

[Dustinianb]

I am planning on moving to Spain to teach English in 2 years and I was wondering how marketable the following "qualifications" would be there.

1. MA in Archaeology and Museum Science

2. TESL cert.

3. ability to speak almost fluent Spanish.

4. Winning smile and positive attitude [IMG SRC=\"modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif\"]



Although, I dont have my certificate yet, I dont imagine I will have a chance to get any experience before I leave.  Drop me a line if you have a comment or advice.  you can post a response here or you can email me at [!-- BBcode auto-mailto start --][a href=\"mailto:Dustinianb@yahoo.com\"]Dustinianb@yahoo.com[/a][!-- BBCode auto-mailto end --]



Thanks



Dustin[addsig]

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[Tracy]

Dustin,



The "winning smile and positive attitude" is a great thing to have! But keep in mind, the world of TESL is a competitive one. You need either experience or a strong certification. Are you British? If not, then your chances are slim of finding solid work teaching English. HOWEVER, if I recall there are a few archaeological dig sites in Spain if that interests you.

For one, there\'s: Mas D\'Is (Spain)

August 4-September 14, 2002 (three sessions). University of Valencia AMAPA. Neolithic site in the valley of Alcoià-El Comtat; investigation of the cultural interaction between hunter-gatherers and farmers arriving in Mediterranean Spain from Middle East and Torre d\'en Gaumes - Menorca (Spain)

May 25 - July 5, 2002. Boston University. Excavations cover from the time it was first inhabited (ca. 2500 BC), through the Punic and Roman periods (from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD), the Palaeochristian and Arab periods (5th through 13th centuries AD), and into the modern historical periods.



I\'d look into that-- or even archaeological museums in Spain [IMG SRC=\"modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif\"] [addsig]

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[Dustinianb]

Tracy,



Thanks for the input.  However, I\'m not looking for solid work, as you put it.  I merely want to work enough to pay the bills.  I already have friends there as well, who are willing to help me net work.  They are students at the University.



Do you think it would be better for me, being in my situation with my "skills", to attempt to find a job with an institution, or do "free-lance" work?  I believe if I time my arrival in Madrid right, and use my friends as a resource I will be successful enough to at least be able to stay for a year (which is all the time I was looking for anyway [IMG SRC=\"modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif\"]  Let me know what you think.  By the way I\'m American.



Dustin



PS, dont you think my Spanish speaking skills would help me find clients?[addsig]

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[Tracy]

See how you are pushing me, trying to convince me that, yes, you will find sustainable income??? That\'s a good sign of your character! Assertive, but by no means, aggressive. If you have friends, AND speak SPanish, AND network yourself through a possibly already established client-base AND have some sort of lesson plan AND have money enough to tide you over in times of need, then you\'ll be fine. What more can I say?!?! In your situation, it could really go either way. You definitely stand a better chance than, say, someone in your same situation that has no friends, no personality and no Spanish language skills  [IMG SRC=\"modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif\"] But really, I cannot guage. I know...go to a fortune teller!



Alll kidding aside, whatever you do, bring enough $$ to support yourself.



tracy[addsig]

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[Dustinianb]

Thanks Tracy,



Oh soooo wise you are!!  



hasta pronto,



D[addsig]

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