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What is a conference interpreter? |
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Conference interpreters are usually free-lancers who work by commission. The training programs are intensive and extremely competitive. However, once you succeed, the profession has many merits. Conference interpreters are well-respected professionals, has control over their schedules. The profession is exciting because interpreters are constantly challenged with new ideas and knowledge.
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What about accreditation? |
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In all countries, instead of a national examination, local governments, government agencies, courts or trade associations currently provide their own accreditation. One must keep in mind that different bodies have different criteria, and that any accreditation is only a recognition of the minimum requirements. Furthermore, T&I graduate schools in Korea have a strict accreditation program that recognizes only a few of their graduates as "international conference intepreters."
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How much money can I make as an interpreter or translator? |
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Huge differences exist depending on language combination, work quality and the market he/she works in. In Korea, some interpreters only work 10 days a year whereas some work close to 200 days. The income of translators aslo vary depending on the quality, direction, area of expertise and speed of work. Staff interpreters and translators usually earn above average salaries of college graduates, but that would also depend on experience and competence.
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How long is the average professional life? |
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In the case of translation, professional life extends to the moment you can't endure the physical stress or you no longer get work. For interpretation, many do leave the profession after a few years - both voluntarily or involuntarily. But, there are also many who are well in their 60's and are still very active professionals. You have to grow with your career, or otherwise be forced out of the market. The only reason most conference interpreters in Korea are young is because it's a relatively new occupation. At the present, the average age of interpreters is increasing every year.
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Should I go to school in Korea or overseas? |
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I recommend a school that is closer to your target market. Although networking is helpful, especially in the beginning, in my experience, ultimately it is the quality of your work and professional integrity that will determine whether or not you will succeed in any market.
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Is interpretation right for me? |
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Many people automatically think of interpretation or translation as future career paths just because they speak more than two languages. However, more important than foreign language capabilities are: the ability to comprehend complex ideas, agility, vocal presence, analytical sensitivity and verbal articulation skills. "Intellectual curiosity" and hard work are other key requirements.
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How do I become a conference interpreter? |
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Presently, only 1 out of 20 are accepted into either one of the two main institutions in Korea (Hankuk University's GSIT and Ewha University's ESTI) and only 1 or 2 out of 10 students eventually succeed in becoming a certified conference interpreter. Like all professions, you need aptitude, ambition and a lot of hard work. But it is not a common profession and only a small number of people are fit to pursue it as a lifetime career - both in terms of capacity and temperament. I would advise that students first consider their aptitude and values, and find out more about the profession before deciding to pursue a career in this field.
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How do I know if Interpretation is not for me? |
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Some of the following traits are can be overcome through training, but if more than 3 items apply to you, reconsider your plans for becoming a professional interpreter.
- I tend to be impatient.
- I have to be the center of attention.
- I'm slow in grasping the situation.
- I have trouble keeping secrets.
- I have fundamental problems in voice and pronunciation.
- I find news programs boring and hard to understand.
- I can't follow complicated stories.
- I'm bad at repeating jokes.
- I can't stay up late cramming for exams.
- I'm not interested in non-essential information.
- I have a profound fear of speaking in public.
- I lack physical endurance.
- I lack spontaneity
- I buckle under pressure.
- I cannot concentrate for a long time.
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Is translation right for me? |
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Many qualities required from interpreters also apply to translators. But instead of agility and vocal presence, a translator must have strong writing skills and and should enjoy the tedious process of translation. Patience and perserverence are important, considering that some projects amount to hundreds of pages. Computer skills are a plus but not an initial requirement. Successful translators are usually meticulous people who will not be satisfied until they find a satifactory solution.
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How long is the training period? |
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It depends on schools, so refer to the websites. Most degree programs are 2 years. But many students will take a year off to improve language skills, and sometimes, it takes more than one attempt to succeed in the graduation exam.
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How much does it cost? |
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Tuitions at graduate schools for T&I are not cheap. The tuition is around 4 million won or above as of 2003. But, students will have opportunities to earn some money through tutoring or one-time translation or interpretation work(at student level).
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Can I attend the course while working? |
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No. Even part-time jobs are not feasible, because the program is quite intensive and requires undivided attention. If you have to work to pay the tuition, it is better to put off your study plans for a few years and save up enough so that you can concentrate on your studies while in school.
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How old is too old? |
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It is possible to start formal training later in life. Many, including myself, have started studying T&I in their thirties. Needless to say, there are disadvantages that need to be overcome. However, if you are over 45, you should consider whether it makes economic sense. After all, it does take several years of post-school training to accumulate knowledge and build a reputation as a professional.
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How good does my foreign language have to be to be accepted to the schools? |
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B-language proficiency is a pre-requisite of students who want to study T&I. Since translation and interpretation involve much more than simple language proficiency, TOEIC or TOEFL scores are not enough to gage the required skills. Instead, you should be able to 1)read and comprehend college textbooks in English without using a dictionary, 2)accurately explain or describe a complex situation, and 3) fully express your thoughts about current social issues.
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How should I prepare for the entrance exams of T&I graduate schools? |
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Refer to the entrance exam information on websites of these schools and prepare accordingly. I do not encourage extended periods of preparation. Many students who have prepared for years in order to pass the entrance exams of T&I graduate schools will frequently reach his/her natural limit, both in terms of capacity and motivation, soon after starting the program. Rather than intensive preparation for the exam, I recommend reading Korean or foreign language literature in social science and science while in high school or college. Taking basic economic, business management, political science and science 101 courses in undergraduate school will also be immensely helpful.
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Why are all Korean interpreters women? |
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Korea tends to have relatively fewer male interpreters or translators because of cultural factors. And most Korean men are reluctant to be free lancers due to the irregularity of work, especially if they are the bread-winners. However, there are many men who work as staff interpreters, as well as a few free lancers.
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Do I have to be bilingual? |
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Not necessarily. You do need a strong B language, but that is different from being "bilingual." Actually, many interpreters have never lived abroad and many non-bilinguals still succeed in passing the entrance and certification exams. This is because language skills account for only a part of what it takes to become a conference interpreter. It is a necessary but not a sufficient condition.
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Are interpreters born or made? |
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If you have either strong aptitude or the determination to work very hard, you can probably become a professional interpreter. Of course one in the total absence of the other is not enough, and, I believe you need both if you want to truly excel.
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