<p>Last year, I came to you, the parents of CC, with a request to help me find a study abroad program for this summer. Well, that turned out to be a very smart decision as I recently returned from a very good program through Duke University. Thanks again for the help.</p>
<p>This year, I'm coming to you with a different problem. This year (2006-2009) is my senior year at the University of Michigan with a double major in Spanish and classical civilization, and I've decided to find a job upon graduation for at least 1 to 2 years. (I really can't go straight to grad school. I'm burning out as it is, and I still have another year to go. If I immediately signed up for several more years of being a student, I'd probably be miserable. I don't want to be that way as I truly love to learn.) While I was studying abroad (in Spain), I fell in love with the city of Madrid, and I'd really like to return once I graduate (with a job?). I am hoping to be able to teach English over there. That way, I can help others while still perfecting my skills (especially speaking) in Spanish. I'd also like (if it's at all possible) to teach older students. </p>
<p>Here's my problem. I really have no idea where to begin looking for a job like this nor what I need to do in order to become the most desirable applicant. If anyone has some advice for me, I'd greatly appreciate the help!</p>
<p>So what are you afraid of? Latinos come the USA without speaking english or job. Africans go the northern europe without speaking a european language or job</p>
<p>"How about doing something useful at the St. Louis University Madrid Campus?"</p>
<p>I actually think I know where that is. If that campus is where I think it is, I walked past it almost everyday in order to get to my university, and it's in a good area. (Then again, I could be wrong. I was going to class so my mind was usually elsewhere.) </p>
<p>MidwestMom2Kids_, do you have any idea of what types of jobs that would be available to me? Also, do you know of a website that I could explore?</p>
<p>"So what are you afraid of?"</p>
<p>Mmmm... That's a complicated question. The first part of my answer has nothing to do with fear. It's a personal preference. If/when I go back to Spain for an extended period of time, I need to have something to do when I get there. If I didn't, I'd be wasting money instead of supporting myself. That's not good. Especially since I'd be so far away from home. Secondly, I really do love helping others, and with a Spanish major, teaching/being in an academic environment is an obvious option. It would even help me if I decide to return to grad school afterwards because I would have done something worthwhile during my "time off." (Plus, my mom said I couldn't go back for an extended period unless I had a job. There is a higher power who is increasing my motivation level, too. ;) )</p>
<p>The last part of my answer is more of a confidence issue. Spanish is my major so I naturally want to be good at what I do. I'm not comfortable enough to, for example, teach Spanish to Spaniards. They would be teaching me and would also be able to pick out every mistake that I make! As a result, speaking is still the area that I need to work on the most (when compared to the reading, writing, and listening components of learning a language). The best place to do that would be in Spain.</p>
<p>Go to the UMich law school and business school. </p>
<p>Ask the Assist Dean or career advisor for advice. Sweet talk them into giving you lists of UMich-related firms doing business in Madrid. Here is a list of US law firms in Madrid International</a> Law Firms in Madrid . Get UMich to give you contacts in those firms. Law firms like classics majors.</p>
<p>Call everyone on the list. Ask them all for advice about how to get a job/internship in Madrid. Follow up every call and meeting with a nice handwritten note. Keep a chart of contacts.</p>
<p>414: I'm not trying to be too much of a jerk but the my comments do have some validity. </p>
<p>From my experience the latinos cross the US border for a better opportunity (anyones definition) without the knowledge of customs, language, or particular skills, or money. Once in the US, trying to get them to do something else other than the position that they fell into, is pretty much impossible. They get comfortable in what the do, even though it may not be much better than what they did in the original country. They may live better here, but the opportunity is no better. They are and become just like most Americans, complacent. </p>
<p>The same can be said of the Africans that go to Europe. The Latinos to Spain, The Indonesians to Saudi Arabia. They risk everything, yet risk nothing. </p>
<p>I don't think the OP is planning to get into Spain and work illegally! I am sure you will need some kind of work visa, which may mean you will have to have a job before you leave home.</p>
<p>Have you thought of doing a TEFL qualification? TEFL teachers are in high demand all over the world. You have to pay to take the course, but once you do you can work pretty much anywhere.</p>
<p>LongPrime, my question has nothing to do with anyone else. If I'd like to take a more calculated approach to looking for a job, so be it. </p>
<p>As a request, I really don't want this thread to become a discussion about who comes to what country, how, and from where. Please. That could easily and quickly become a nasty and complicated thread. I'm not saying that you would be the reason for it. However, I'm already seeing red flags as to where this discussion could go...</p>
<p>I'm just looking for advice about where I could find information about jobs because CC was so helpful the last time that I asked for help. It's still very early so I'm not in too much if a rush. If necessary, I can always go elsewhere for advice...</p>
<p>And why am I awake? ...</p>
<p>EDIT: cupcake, haha! You're definitely correct. I'm NOT planning to work anywhere illegally. If I was, I certainly would not be on this website and telling everyone about it. :)</p>
<p>I know (of) a few people who have spent extended time in Spain after graduating from college. They were pretty much all working illegally, as far as I knew (mostly from their parents).</p>
<p>The international schools hire interns every year to work in the schools. We have graduates of Harvard, UVa, Suny schools, U of Toronto who want to see if teaching is for them or who are interested in seeing a bit of the world right after they finish their undergraduate degree.</p>
<p>I know the hiring occurs at the the international job fairs, ISS, Search etc. Many of our interns have come from hiring done at a Cambridge, Ma fair. I am putting a link that may give you more information in this area.</p>
<p>to see if you could get a job at the saint louis university madrid campus, try talking to the Saint Louis University Human Resources Department (Here in the U.S.) at 314-977-2360</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful suggestions!</p>
<p>I'll be heading back to campus tomorrow, and I'm planning to snoop around for information there as well. It's just nice to have concrete places where I can begin my "job hunt," and I'm very grateful to you for giving those to me.</p>