Career Corner: A Chat with Candace Quander

Gotta love my Hamptonians who Study/Work Abroad. Meet Candace, a fellow Hampton University Graduate who studied abroad in Guadalajara Mexico with  Joia Starks, Fatimah Rashad, (also featured on Career Corner)  and I during our undergraduate matriculation. I reconnected with Candace when she contacted me on Facebook to let me know that she took an opportunity to live and work abroad in Spain this year. Candace is having a great time in Spain and has graciously shared her experience here on KoMiSa's World. Enjoy!

1. Where did you study abroad?

I studied in Guadalajara, Mexico

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I was there April to July 2004

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

I was there to complete the language requirements that all foreign language students had to do in order to graduate.

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

I was really excited to go. I had been abroad once before and since then, I had wanted to see the world. I was ok as long as I could talk to my family when I wanted to.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?
It was good and some of it was bad. I learned a lot about me. I lived with a Mexican family and because I was an introvert, I stayed inside my room a lot. That is one thing that I regret. Though I was in Mexico to practice and become better at Spanish, I let my fears get the best of me when it came to speaking.

However, I enjoyed classes and hanging out with students from around the world. It was pretty cool meeting people from Japan and South Korea. The only language we could converse in was Spanish.
I did keep my perceptions open to a new culture. Obviously, everything isn't like America. The key is being able to adapt and take part in your new surroundings.

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

Studying abroad has made me want to travel abroad for a period of time or find a job that would allow me to live abroad in either Europe or South America.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)       

 I don't consider myself completely bilingual but I speak Spanish pretty well.

7a. How has studying/working abroad impacted your languages skills?

I am currently living and working in southern Spain and my Spanish has improved so much in the 3 weeks that I have been here. I basically live, breathe, sleep Spanish everyday.  I live in a town that isn't popular with tourist. It is 2 hours east of Sevilla and 4 hours south of Madrid. 

A handful of people speak English here. I say all of this to stress that I have no choice but to speak Spanish. It's great for me because I am completely immersed and am working on my listening, comprehension, and speaking skills.

7b. How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience?

It's fantastic, it's the reason why I am here. I chose Spain because I wanted to improve my Spanish. But, sometimes I do miss English speakers. There are people in my program about 45-60 minutes away via bus or train or I can Skype friends and family in the States if I really want to speak my native tongue.

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail?

I am a Language & Culture Assistant. I'm working at a bilingual primary school where I am an assistant and I am teaching science classes in English.

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?

Yes, all of these positions are international.

9. What characteristics does one need to pursue a position such as yours?

You have to have a college degree and apply to CIEE.

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Go for it! It's the best thing I've ever done. I worked in Washington DC for a while but I haven't been as happy and stress free as I am now. You won't regret your experience!

12. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook  page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?
Yes I have a blog, "See This Quander Abroad", to chronicle my time abroad in Spain. Feel free to check it out. http://thequanderabroad.blogspot.com/

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner: A Chat with Malikah Morris

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Malikah Morris. Malikah is currently a junior majoring in English and Spanish at Hampton University. Gotta love my fellow hamptonians!!! Malikah is the current president of the Hampton University Chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma Modern Foreign Language Honor Society and promotes language learning on and off campus. As a former president of Hampton University's chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, it was so interesting to share stories about the organization and learn about each others study abroad experiences. I was honored when she agreed to let me share her study abroad experiences with you!!! So with out further ado check out Malikah's interview on KoMiSa's World.

1. Where did you study abroad?
 I studied abroad in Granada,  Spain

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?
I attended the University of Granada during the Summer 2013 term for a 6 week program.

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?
My purpose for studying abroad was to advance my pursuit of my degree in Spanish. I left receiving 6 transferrable credits towards my Bachelors in Spanish, so yes I did accomplish my purpose. 

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?
I was very eager to go. I've always been the one to break barriers and lead my mentees by example. I wasn't nervous at all. I was forewarned that it was uncommon for Black people to study abroad. My father had his own reservations about me going somewhere that I wouldn't be warmly accepted. When I arrived in Spain the people loved me. They treated me like a celebrity. In my program, I was one of two black girls. The other girl Camille, was raised in a very suburban privileged family while I come from one of the worst cities in the United States, Newark, NJ. The first two days, everyone in the program spent time together, getting to know one another. I quickly proved that I was just as eligible to be there as anyone else. My Oral Spanish aided to get us "lost Americans" back to our hotel and my comprehension of the language became a very useful tool throughout the entire program.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad? 
My study abroad experience was incredible. My host mom made great food everyday, three times a day. She also did laundry three times a week. I think it is important to have a host family who doesn't just do the minimum. My host mom noticed that I was very advanced and she and my roommate pushed me to speak more. I would answer questions but I never started a conversation. When I would speak she would always encourage me saying "well spoken/well said." She also made me break out of my shell and some nights she would tell me "go to karaoke tonight and sing, song beautifully Micah," and thus began me being a regular entertainer at the local karaoke bar.

 It was a unique experience learning things about the culture through experience and not via textbook. Even when we were learning via textbook the teachers spoke with more knowledge and more passion of the topics. 

Also, studying abroad is like a sophisticated party life. We went out almost every night and some of my friends even stayed out so late some nights that they left the club, and caught the bus to school. Sounds crazy, but it created priceless memories. Also, the fact that you couldn't uses your cell phone unless you found a place that had wifi force us to get to know each other and the people around us. The disconnect was very beneficial.

Being one of 5 black people in the entire school, and 12 in the province was a wonderful experience but it took getting used to. People would stop their eating and just look up at me. Other ethnic people like the Africans and the French people would come up to me speaking their language and I hadn't the slightest idea of what they were saying. Nevertheless they were happy to see their "sister there." I can't count how many times someone yelled Obama while I was walking down the street. Once you can accept the fact that you are unique to them, your experience will be better. I had chefs come out to meet me, people purchase me drinks, people take pictures of me with and without asking and so much more. It was eye flattering. 

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person? 

I see the world through another perspective now.The world is so much bigger than the U.S. Studying abroad has also helped me to have patience.  I am now being asked to do presentations and forums about my experience. Studying abroad has opened up so many windows of opportunity for me. I feel like I definitely have something on my resume that has the potential to separate me from my opponents.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)        

In Spain I was finally dubbed "bilingual" 

7a. How has studying/working abroad impacted your languages skills? 
My understanding grew significantly. I now know little jargons. I also now understand the Andalusian accent, and the Latin American accent of the Spanish language. 

7b. How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience? 
When I finally let down my guard and spoke to people other than my teachers, waitresses, and my host mom when forced I noticed that the words and the language just came to me naturally. Often times we spend our lives holding on to our inhibitions, not realizing that if we just release them we can feel greater and be greater if we allow ourselves.

8. How has studying abroad affected your outlook on your collegiate experience now that you have returned to Hampton University?

Now that I've come back to Hampton I feel impelled to encourage my fellow classmates to do the same. When people notice my knowledge of certain topics, and see how studying abroad has made me take on the language with a new approach they commend me. I now also tutor students at my school because I am comfortable doing so and I teach 3 and 4 year olds at a local school here.  

9. What are your career aspirations and how has studying abroad affected those aspirations? 

I am very interested in law and public policy. I have always aspired to be a government official. After studying abroad, I am now looking to intern abroad this summer. If I do not receive and internship, I intend to intern in one of the respective fields above. After graduation, I would like to possibly build a career abroad and eventually return home to continue my quest in changing lives and making the world a better place.

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Just do it! Don't let fear hold you back. First Lady Obama said it best "you can't make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen."

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook  page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?

Facebook: Malikah Morris

Website:spaintasticstudies.blogspot.com

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

New Section- The Road to My Promised Land

I have thought about adding a section to my blog, Road to the Promised Land, aka my career in Study Abroad, for months. Looking back over my life my career started with my wanting to learn a new language as a toddler. This wanting opened me up to learning about various cultures and the languages that are spoken in different cultures/countries. Fast forward to college, I took as many opportunities as I could to study abroad and travel and continued that lifestyle there after. I only considered graduate programs that would allow me to study abroad for no less than a semester if not more. I knew I had experience and developed an expertise in international marketing and always had a love for education but did not know how I was going to combine that with my passion of language learning, culture and study/ travel abroad. 

God and I had some serious conversations while in grad school about where my career was going once I earned my graduate degrees. Although I had some interesting and enriching work experiences before grad school nothing felt like the optimal fit. Thus I needed a new direction. Time was ticking and was about to complete my graduate studies but God came through. I knew exactly the industry I wanted to pursue, the position I would work towards, why I was passionate about it, and how I could be of great service as well as make a huge impact in my chosen field. I was gaining clarity in my career path and for that I was thankful.

When I started discussing my career focus and goals with my professors they thought that it would be an excellent fit. When I told my friends, family and some former colleagues they were like oh yeah that is a no brainer. When I started meeting people in the industry they could tell my passion for my career choice, my thought process and seriousness they got a glimpse of the knowledge I had about my industry and what I had to offer. Yet with all that said I still have not landed a full time salaried position in my chosen field in yup you guessed it, Study Abroad and International Programs. 

If this was years ago it may have caused me to reconsider my career choice or as I like to refer to it, my career calling but I am way too passionate and invested in it and know that I would make a tremendous impact in it so I press on or "lean in" as Sheryl Sandburg would say. Heck there came a point where I was not sure I was going to keep up with this blog anymore. There were points when this blog was a reminder that I wasn't where I wanted to be (hey this is full disclosure here) but I never give up as my bro Willie would say and I am the diligent one as my best friend Tyshawna likes to call me so instead  I continue to  press forward. I reminded myself that I did start this blog to get a job, although it allows me to stay connected to it, I started this blog to encourage others to step outside of their comfort zone and perceived limitations and truly explore the world near and far. I reminded myself that if one person reads, comments, likes this blog etc. my writing is not in vain. If/when more read this blog I have yet another reason to smile and dance. It's been 2 years since I started seeking full-time employment in Study Abroad and although  I am still in this phase of my career journey I figure that maybe my blog posts in this new section, "The Road to My Promised Land", could be uplifting to you or someone you may know who is going through a similar journey. I look forward to sharing more of this part of my journey with you.

If you are or have gone through a similar journey and want to connect or if you would like to share some advice or encouragement feel free to leave a comment.

Hasta pronto?

KoMiSa

Career Corner: A Chat with Fatimah Rashad

 

2013 Cherry Blossom Festival in Seoul, South Korea

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Fatimah Rashad. Fatimah and I studied abroad together in Guadalajara, Mexico and is a fellow Hampton University Alumnus. Since her time at our Home By the Sea,  she has taken the world on by storm as she earned a PhD in Developmental Psychology and is now living her dreams as an *expatriate (expat) abroad. With that being said check out Fatimah's experiences abroad as first a student and now an expat.

1. Where did you study abroad?   

I studied abroad at Universidad de Guadalajara (U de G) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.  

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I'm pretty sure it was in April of 2004 for 5 weeks of intensive Spanish immersion. 

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

My sole purpose was to improve my Spanish communication skills. I totally accomplished this goal. I learned more Spanish in that short period of time than I did in 3 years of studying in Undergrad.

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

Initially, I was excited and ready to go to Mexico. The idea of leaving school before the end of the semester to get a head start on living abroad was wonderful. The closer we got to our departure, the more I had doubts about my Spanish skills. Would I be able to communicate to the taxi driver at the airport so I could arrive safely at my host family's house? All I had was a piece of paper with an address on it. I didn't even know how to give basic directions such as turn, straight, left, or right. Thankfully, the fear was unfounded. I'm really good at charades and cab drivers have no shame in stopping to ask someone who is more knowledgeable. I arrived safely without issue… and made it my business to learn what I call taxi Spanish immediately thereafter.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?

*The Hampton Ladies - Study Abroad in Mexico, 2004.

I absolutely loved studying abroad. In addition to Spanish language classes, I took dance and cooking classes at U de G. I remember meeting a group of Korean and Japanese students who didn't speak English, so our only form of communication was in Spanish. By the end of the program, I realized how cool it was that we all had a foreign language in common. It was also in Mexico where I learned to be independent and began my journey as a solo female traveler. I visited Manzanillo, a sleepy beach town on the coast, while my friends went to Puerto Vallarta. I boarded a bus and found an affordable oceanfront hotel upon arrival. My first night there, my neighbors - an older gentleman and his very young girlfriend -  introduced themselves and we became fast friends. They fed me, introduced me to their friends and locals my age, took me around the city, and showed me a great time. None of that would have been possible if I didn't know Spanish and/or was with a large group. That trip was near the end of my study abroad experience and was sort of like a progress report for myself. I had grown in my communication skills from not knowing basic directions or commands upon arrival to being able to converse with others. I think the moment I knew I had improved was when I was able to give taxi drivers directions to my host family's house - navigating through detours and other construction in my neighborhood.

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

Studying abroad made me comfortable with being uncomfortable. I'm no longer intimidated by foreign languages or the idea of making a complete fool of myself in front of others when I try to communicate. I've learned that it's OK to make mistakes. Studying abroad also ignited a fire in me to become an expat one day. Now, some 9 years later, I'm finally living my dream to live and work abroad. I've been in South Korea for 7 months and will likely stay another year or continue my career in another country abroad.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)  

I speak basic French, Spanish, and enough Korean to help me survive my day-to-day life.

 

7a. How has studying/working abroad impacted your languages skills?

There's something about being thrown in the fire - total immersion - that quickly boosts your language skills. It's one thing to study a language in a book or online, but I've found that type of studying pales in comparison to learning the language as your needs arrive. For instance, I had to learn how to read, pronounce, and understand menu items and grocery store labels rather quickly upon my arrival in Korea because I had no food in my apartment and was scheduled to work the next morning. Studying/working abroad has taught me not to fear new languages, but to embrace them as a beautiful challenge.

7b. How has speaking another language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted your abroad experience?

Add caption

Speaking Spanish helped me most recently when I visited Cartagena, Colombia for 2 weeks to volunteer at a friend's youth center. It also helped me to easily navigate the city and surrounding areas. I got to meet many people in town who are now close friends. They opened their homes to me and showed me what life was really like outside of the tourist areas. That wouldn't have been possible without my language skills. In Korea, my willingness to learn Korean has made my experience positive and entertaining. I'm told by my Korean co-workers and friends that my pronunciation is very good. In turn, native speakers think I'm more fluent than I actually am. This turns into many rounds of laughter at my expense, but it's all a part of the learning process. 

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?

After Mexico, I knew that I could not only survive, but thrive abroad. As a researcher and educator, I don't feel limited to locations in the States whenever I look for positions. The world really is my oyster.

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail? 

I'm currently an English teacher in the Gyeonggi English Program in Korea where I develop English communication skills of children in grades K-6 at a Korean elementary school. I use art, music, creative games and other interactive activities in the classroom to create a comfortable yet engaging learning environment. Essentially, they pay me to continue being a kid and talk to people all day. It's an awesome gig! Before this I was a professor at a college in New York City where I taught Psychology courses on child development and English language acquisition. It's nice to finally have some classroom experience to compliment what I know from years of research and theoretical perspectives regarding young learners.

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?
 I introduce my students to as much culture as I possibly can. I let them know that, just like Korea, America is much more than the images they see on popular music videos. I also encourage them to learn more about how children live in other cultures around the world. My 6th graders are currently doing an email and video exchange with children in America to improve their language skills and learn about the day-to-day lives of children abroad. I also had an English Summer Camp with the theme of Passport to the World. We created our own passports, "visited" a new country each day, and learned about various cultural activities in places such as Ghana, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, USA, and India. The children and their parents loved it!

 

9. What characteristics does one need to pursue a position such as yours?

Outside of excellent English communication and organization skills, I think some of the best characteristics to have for my position would be passion, flexibility, creativity, and compassion. Try to remember what it was like when you first learned a foreign language. Think about what types of activities helped you learn and don't be afraid to utilize them in the classroom - no matter how zany you think they may be.

Bali, Indonesia in August 2013

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study and work abroad?

Do it! Seriously. What's holding you back from pursuing this? There are plenty of resources via websites, Facebook groups, forums, and blogs to help you navigate the process to study or work abroad in several places around the world. If teaching English is something you're considering, you can easily obtain a TESOL/TEFL certification to boost your application. Groupon often has courses available for less than $100 each quarter, so keep your eyes open for that.  You can also check out Dave's ESL Cafe for English teaching opportunities in many countries. The internet is a powerful tool. Use it.  
 

Tokyo, Japan (September 2013)

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook  page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?
My website is livetravelmore.com. I discuss life as a new expat, provide tips on preparing documents and teaching English in Korean public schools, and chronicle my travel adventures throughout Korea and wherever else I land during my vacation time. You can also like my Facebook page of the same name (Live, Travel, More) on Facebook. 

KoMiSa's Thoughts: Thank you very much to Fatimah for sharing her study and work abroad experiences on KoMiSa's World!!! Don't forget to check out Fatimah's website livetravelmore.com (The name itself speaks volumes). She shares a wealth of information and great stories that sure have inspired me. I sure they will inspire you as well!

 Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

*expatriate (expat) - a person living outside of the country/culture they were raised
*Did you see me in the light blue shirt in Fatimah's "The Hampton Ladies" picture?

Career Corner: A Chat with Kyra Miller, MPH and Aspiring Nurse

I am very pleased to introduce you to Kyra Miller. Kyra and I met as students at Hampton University in Spanish class freshman year and have been great friends ever since. Kyra studied biology at Hampton University and later earned a Masters in Public Health from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Most recently Kyra is a nursing student in an accelerated program at Duke University. Kyra loves helping others and took the opportunity to help others while studying abroad.

1. Where did you study abroad?

I studied abroad in Kingston Jamaica

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I studied In August of 2013 and stayed for two weeks.

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

I'm a nursing student and we have a community health nursing course. The purpose of this trip was to complete the community health clinical. On this trip we were able to have clinical experiences in the public health clinics throughout the city. 

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

Honestly I was in summer school during an intense semester before the trip so I didn't have time to think about the trip. I packed after my final the day before the flight departed. I had no reservations. I like traveling and was in no way intimidated by the site. I did get extremely excited once I was in the airport and it finally felt "real" 

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?

My experience was great. I was able to get an insider view of their health system and how it functioned at the community level. I saw so many things that so far I had not seen during my clinical experiences in the states. It was also just eye opening to see this developing nation do so much with such limited resources. During my experience we were divided into groups and rotated through three different clinics. We did this because although it is the same city, each clinic had a different type of population, was run slightly different, and had an entirely different feel. 

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

This experience really reignited my interest in public health. I previously received an MPH (master of public health degree) but over time just lost any zeal for that area. Seeing what the public health nurses do and all the hats they wear and how involved they are with the community was really inspiring. 

This trip also gave me a peek at abject poverty and was very humbling. I'll always remember some of the things I saw. 

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? 

I am only able to speak English, which is Jamaica's language. Patwa is also spoken, but I don't know it. 

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?  

It has piqued  an interest in working abroad. It has also given me an interest in public health nursing, that I wasn't very sure about before.

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail?

My current position is that of student. 

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?

            There isn't right now, but in the future I would very much like to have opportunities to go        abroad for work, even if only small medical mission trips to developing countries. 

9. What characteristics does one pursue a position such as yours?

I would say determined, tenacious, a passion for helping others. Nursing school is a beast. 

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

I would say, one, to take the opportunity. I wish I'd studied abroad in undergrad. So when I had an opportunity to this time around I took advantage. 

Thank you Kyra for sharing your study abroad experience! If you have any questions for Kyra feel free to leave them in the comments and I will be sure she gets them.

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner: A Chat with Tyshawna Spell of TSpell Designs

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 Meet Tyshawna Spell, a graphic designer, Zumba instructor, and entrepreneur who loves to share her gifts of design and creativity with others. Tyshawna is a graduate of Hampton University with a Master of Architecture. The work ethic that she used in the rigorous architecture program has been a true asset as she makes a names for herself in the design world with her company TSpell Designs.

1. Where did you study abroad?

I studied abroad in Brazil and went to the following places: Recife, Salvador, Sao Paulo, Paraty and Rio de Janeiro

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I studied abroad in 2006 and I was in Brazil with my architecture class for two weeks.

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

My purpose of studying abroad was to learn about Urban Design from the perspective of a country that uses it in a different way than I have experienced. It was to broaden my idea of “the city”. That purpose was accomplished, I was able to see comparisons of things that were different as well as the consistencies of the layout, function and architype of the city.

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

I was excited and fearful, I was unsure of how I was going to feel not knowing the language as well as fears of getting stuck there. I overcame them by realizing this was a fantastic opportunity as well as one step closer to getting my architecture degree. I wanted to be open to what life had to bring and to be open I needed to go and see what is out there. I also wanted to experience the architecture up close and personal, which was fantastic.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?

My experience was fantastic. I was with my classmates/friends and we had a chance to see so much as well as sketch so much. The food was absolutely delicious and our professors made the transitions pretty smooth. I would do it again.

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

It has changed my life by showing me what is out there as well as how other’s live. I also have learned that the opportunities I have here are ones people are still fighting for. It is one thing to know it and another to witness it. I have an appreciation for people of different cultures and their strength as well as cultural pride. I am now more open to traveling and less fearful to new experiences.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)        

No I am not.

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?

Studying abroad impacted my career path in this case by being a study that help contribute to me earning a Master of Architecture. Although my career did not continue solely in the architectural field, I have become a stronger designer by recognizing the views I have as well as others in different cultures. The experience has contributed to me being a well rounded designer.

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail?

I am the owner of a design company called TSpell Designs. Our motto is You think, We listen, We Create. We use this philosophy to meet the design needs of our clients. We specialize in Graphic Design, Web Design, Painting and Architectural Drawings. I consider myself the personal designer to my clients and strive to meet and exceed my clients expectations. As the Owner and lead designer of TSpell Designs I am responsible of the day to day operations of the company in addition to creating and executing the design requests of my clients.

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?

Not currently

9. What characteristics does one need pursue a position such as yours?

One has to be creative, open-minded, have people and management skills, understanding of design history and talent.

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Do it! It’s good for your health. You have never really lived until you have seen and experienced the way others live.

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook Fan page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?

Website: www.tspelldesigns.com

Twitter: @tspelldesigns

www.facebook.com/tspelldesigns

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa