...but am nervous I might sound unprofessional and sort of stupid...any thoughts? Or advice? Thanks!
When I was studying here many many moons ago, someone said something to me that has stuck with me to this day...and I share it with all my students when they confess that they don't want to feel stupid speaking English...
If you hear someone speak your language less than perfectly or with an accent, it doesn't mean that they are uneducated or stupid, it simply means that they speak one more language than you.
That said, make sure you know how to explain your services in basic Spanish and basic English. You might even want to set up a website (use a blog, for example) where you list your services in basic Spanish with the prices. Have sheets of paper printed with the same information.
If, when negotiating, you find that the student does not understand your Spanish and they have an intermediate level of English try explaining your services in basic English.
Most Spaniards appreciate native English speakers because it forces them to use the language rather than using the Spanish as a crutch. Spanish is helpful if you are teaching very low level classes. Chances are, though, if you are teaching adults, you will be dealing mostly with people at an intermediate level of English.
