Job Discussion Forums

rosie2k · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Zaragoza region

Hi everyone.
I'm a very newbie !

I've just complete a weekend TEFL, and have ordered my additional home study 80 hours. I have absorbed the basic skills and idea's shown over the weekend, and I hope to do as much further study as I can.
I understand that this is a very basic level of teaching knowledge, but I'm a mature woman, and hope that practice will make perfect eventually!

I live in a small town in Northern Spain, there are a variety of other cultures living and working in the town, from Morroco and Eastern European. There is a mixture of affluency too. I'd like to cater for both sides if possible. I've lived here now 6 months and from personal experience I am absolutely sure that hardly any English is spoken here by the average adult. I'm not sure if they are teaching it in the local schools.

I intend to offer small group lessons, possibly in the reception area of a local hotel, which is always deserted , or perhaps an area in a local bar. My plan would perhaps be to keep my hourly rate low, but hope for volume of people and perhaps three sessions a week. Please help with these questions.

I speak no Spanish, I'm ashamed to say, or any of the other languages as above. Its on my 'to do' list. Even I get by with mime and gestures. I already run a small business but my own customers are all from the UK.

I have plans to put a card/leaflet in as many places as possible, but how should it read for best effect.

How can I possibly advertise my lessons, and gather people together in one place to 'register' them, not to mention explaining up front payments, cancellation charges, and advising of venue, time, etc. if I can't speak the language. What would the first point of contact be, phone would be hopeless, email the same.

There's only so much miming and gesturing a woman can do and it just doesn't work well over the phone or email !

My other query is of course charges. I feel volume is the best way forward, but what should my basic charge be. If I do offer one to one, what then ? Surely its not good practice to charge two different rates.

Many thanks for any suggestions, I would really appreciates lots of help.
Rosie.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

You might want to hire a translator to do the paperwork for you. About how much to charge, try posting on the SPain forum

Aussie Chick · Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 104 Location: Australia

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 2:42 pm Post subject:

Hey there-
It's been a few years since I lived in northern Spain, but I have spent some time there. (All over Spain in fact.)

And I'd recommend that you take on a partner. A Spanish partner, if possible. I know you're in an international area, but how in the heck do these people all speak to each other? In Spanish. And, if you want to communicate with them, what is the best way? Spanish.

I know that you can get by gesturing and pointing- I've done this myself in a variety of countries. But as a tourist, or very short term resident. Pointing, miming, and gesturing are more than enough to get to the bus station, find the toilet, or do your weekly grocery shopping. Probably not enough to start a business, however small, though. To start your own language teaching service, you're going to need to learn Spanish, or work with someone who speaks it. (Or maybe both?)

It's not just communication, it's also credibility. You're in Spain- and you're considering working in a field where people will have to rely on you, not only as an English speaker, but as someone who knows how languages are learned. (And therefore, how to help them learn English.) It's hard to be credible as a "language learning expert" if you rely on pointing and miming outside your own language.

I applaud you for wanting to reach all sectors of society, and I wish you luck in your endeavour. But unless you work out the communication angle, you're going to need help on this. Get a partner, or join an existing school. And get into Spanish classes!

Best,
Justin

rosie2k · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Zaragoza region

Hi and thanks for your replies and observations.

I agree with all that you say, and they are very valid points.

I've also posted the message on the 'Spain' forum, and have received similar suggestions.

Thanks, and if anyone else has any other pearls of wisdom, I'd be very grateful.

Rosie.

workingnomad · Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 106 Location: SE Asia

Is is weekend course and an online thing really good training? I would have thought actual training in a classroom is worth a hundred home study courses!

rosie2k · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Zaragoza region

Hi there.
Yes of course you are right. But everyone has to start somewhere. It would be very difficult for the 'average Joe' to simply walk in to a classroom environment and begin. I guess these things just give you a taster to see if its something you'd feel comfortable with and then you progress thro each stage. I know its all very basic stuff, and a 20 hour course, and further online study is the only the tip of a very big iceberg.

But hey ' one small step '.......and all that !