subject: The Business Of The Foreign Language Interpreter [print this page] Being a foreign language interpreter requires a lot of long hours providing translation and interpretation services to businesses, private parties, government officials and students. To be a foreign language interpreter there must be a love of travel, languages, native cultures and a level of professionalism that makes them stand out above the sea of foreign language speakers that are willing to provide interpretation services at a fraction of the cost.
The business of the foreign language interpreter is a varied business that encompasses a lot of different aspects.
A foreign language interpreter might choose to be a private or business interpreter. The difference is that the private interpreter uses their skills in the private sector (family vacations to foreign lands, escorts to private political or networking affairs, guided tours of local areas, and for government related issues, such as: adoptions, citizenship applications, etc), or they can choose to provide their services to corporations who want to or have already expanded to another country. The corporate foreign language interpreter would be on hand to provide translation services in meetings, planning sessions, corporate dinners, conferences, interviews, orientations, and seminars.
Foreign language interpreters can choose to work for a company as a salaried member of the staff, or they can be a freelance consultant. Each of these options carries benefits and consequences; working for a company gives job security, a steady income and health benefits, but it restricts the interpreters services to business only. The freelance foreign language interpreter makes their own hours, chooses their own clients and names their own rates. Unfortunately, freelance work can be unsteady and unreliable, and there are no health benefits in freelance work.
The foreign language interpreter now has two different work options that, initially, werent available. They can choose to work strictly online using interpretation software, electronic means of communication, transcription software, and video conferencing. Or they can choose to work face to face with their clients. Working online allows the foreign language interpreter to work from anywhere in the world, whereas the interpreter who works face to face gets to travel and see the world. Each option has its own good and bad side, but its up to the interpreter to choose which option would be better for them.
Currently, the going rate for the services of a foreign language interpreter is anywhere from $20 to $300 per hour. These rates are based on the amount of experience, the employer, the project, the location, and the level of language skill required.
by: Phoenix Delray
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