To become an interpreter, you typically need a strong command of at least two languages, often including your native language and one or more foreign languages. Formal education in interpretation or related fields can be helpful, but it's not always required. Gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions can be crucial to building your skills and resume. It's essential to practice active listening, cultural understanding, and ethical behavior. Many interpreters also pursue certifications or credentials to enhance their qualifications. Developing a specialization, such as medical, legal, or conference interpretation, can open up specific job opportunities. Ultimately, continuous learning and honing your language skills are key to becoming a successful interpreter. Thanks, Interprepedia!
Thank you Rosa!! I'm studying to become a Medical Interpreter and listening to your realistic point of view in this field it's been very helpful. I love your videos, you're amazing!
Thanks Rosa for this helpful video. I'm basically an interpreter in the church. Taking from English to french, and vice versa, Swahili to french or English, and Kinyarwanda. I wish I am connected to a translation training for what I normally do is more of gift than a professionalism. I really need a serious training. Blessings
Thank you for sharing this! This is beautiful. Many interpreters started out like this. There are so many training opportunities available nowadays, it’s a lot easier than it was a few years ago. Go for it!
Thx for your video,I'd like to work on freelance as an interpreter ,I remember my second or first time doing that it was so funny, I've worked with south-africa businessman,to interpret English in French,the worse part was they have an africaans accent it's like dutch ,oh my goodness ...it was really an amazing experience..
I’ve made many videos teaching Chinese language vividly and in a humorous way. I hope somebody can recommend my videos to those who want to learn Chinese.
Great video Rosa, you're so eloquent !!! I am interested in becoming a Spanish/English interpreter. I'm in the state of New York, USA, and I'm looking for the best certification that would allow me to work from different states. May you recommend any particular training/certification ???
Thanks Roberto! The medical/healthcare interpreter certifications are recognized nationwide. If you certify as a court interpreter in your home state, you can try to get reciprocity in nearby states so you can interpret in those courts too. The process is a little cumbersome (and pricey in some states) but at the end of the day it may be worth it to expand your work opportunities. One last recommendation is the immigration field. Working in immigration courts (IC) allows you to work for many different IC's all over the country. I hope this helps!
Thank u madame, i aspire to become an interpreter and translator English -french and French -English. I obtained a degree in Bilingual studies of English and French.
Hi Rosa hope you are well. Im from Dallas TX and I am very passionate about interpreting. I have no idea how to start, I would live to be a Court interpreter. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Hello, Rosa! Thank you so much for this video. I am planning on becoming an interpreter and this information has been really useful. Quick question: Which TOEFL test did you take? The IBT or the TPT?
Hi Jenny! 🤔 You know what? I have no idea... all I know is that it was the computer-based test and the total score was based on a scale of 300. I took it many years ago...
Hey Rosa, do you have any online courses that you can recommend before taking the test? I both English and Spanish, but I would like to become more proficient before I take the test. Thank you 🙏🏽
Hi! Which test are you preparing for? If it’s the medical interpreting certification test, the required training course should prepare you. For court certification, there are many online options, so it’s hard to recommend just one. I’ve shared my top tips for choosing a training program in this video (focused on medical, but the principles apply to any field): th-cam.com/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IRBMikvJzF1eKeJJ Best of luck! Let me know if you have more questions.
Hi Rosa I love your videos you're very Professional, I'm going to take my oral test on April here in Washington state, what can you suggest for note taking? I was doing Virginia Valencia class but she focus more in courts terminology and mine is medical Interpreter, you're my hero and very knowledgeable.
Hi Fabiola! Thank you so much and best of luck on your upcoming test. Interpretrain's class is awesome and although it focuses a bit more on general/court terminology the overall technique is what matters most and then you can come up with your own symbols and abbreviations for medical terms and then you can combine those with her technique.
Hi! There are so many it's hard to recommend a specific one. Plus, I can only recommend courses I have personally taken. I would recommend courses specific to the field where you interpret and also skill-building courses or workshops where you learn specifically about note-taking, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, etc. I have taken multiple courses with Transinterpreting and Interpretain. I recommend those 100%.
Hi! Excellent question! So the written test (for court interpreting) is mainly focused on your command of the English language. Only a small percentage of the test has to do with legal terms. I would advise you to practice the English vocabulary terms for the SAT or GRE tests (you can find many flashcard sets online for free) and then study a glossary of legal terms like this one: www.saccourt.ca.gov/general/legal-glossaries/docs/english-legal-glossary.pdf There is also an ethics component (40 questions) but most states provide some material about that during their orientation or workshop.
@@beingazoologist2558 That might be a tough field to break into, LOL but there's already a dog translator in the works or something like this so you may be into something here...
@@Interprepedia No I mean if there is any person who have pet and don't ok know the language that how to communicate with veterinarian so I may help in this regard.
Hi! Thank you so much for being here! Since I’m based in the US, I don’t have tips I can share for colleagues based outside of the US but perhaps you can continue inquiring about this in Facebook groups for interpreters who are based in Mexico like yourself and I’m sure they will provide better guidance. Best of luck!
Hi Melissa! I have never taken classes with them so I can't really say anything one way or another. I took my medical interpreter training with Transinterpreting and it was perfect for what I needed at the time. I hope this helps!
@@jburckhardt Great question! For medical interpreters, I'd suggest IMIA. For judiciary/court interpreters, I'd suggest NAJIT. For interpreters who work in the education field, AAITE. Plus, it would be a good idea to consider a membership in a local association for professional interpreters and translators in the area or state where you live as this will give you the chance to network with other colleagues who may end up sending clients or business your way! Best of luck!
Hi! It's hard for me to give you a number on that one because I haven't found an objective reference in any of the examinee handbooks I've reviewed, but what I can tell you is that your mastery of English (and your foreign language) should be equivalent to that of a person with at least some college-level education.
Hi! There are many that are hiring interpreters from all over the world. After the pandemic, many companies have expanded their recruiting to include overseas. I know GLOBO is actively recruiting folks outside the U.S. Good luck!
Hi, I live in Southern California and planning to obtain a court interpreter certificate but I have several dilemmas: 1. Where to take the course, School of Interpretation of Southern California or my local College? Prices are about the same. 2. Should I take the Federal Court Interpretation or the regular Court Interpretation. I wonder which would open more doors considering I have no other degrees. Please advise TIA
Hi Li Ly! Let's get right to your questions: 1. Tough one. I can't really help you on that one since I am not familiar with the programs in your area but I'd say, follow some of the tips I share in the video to guide you on what to look for to compare the programs and choose based on your preference. 2. Either way many doors will open for you. I know a few colleagues who went straight for the federal exam and passed (after going through extensive training), but most take the state exam first and then the federal as it takes a high level of skill to pass that one. In my opinion the federal exam is reaching one step above and hence would offer more opportunities overall, so if you feel confident and are ready to work hard to prepare to pass it, I'd say go for it!
Hi Elena! I live in FL so I'm not too familiar with specific training programs in OH, but I know you can complete many training programs online. If you want to study somewhere in your area, local community colleges are a great place to start looking into what programs are available. Best of luck!
Hi Rosa, I have a question, I am preparing to take my CCHI exam, but I do not have my high school diploma. It was a long time since I got it and I lost it throughout the years. I studied in Argentina and the school where I got it is giving me a VERY hard time to give me a duplicate. In your experience do you think that I still could take the exam? I have 40 hours certificate of medical interpreter from Cross World Communications, anda 60 hours medical terminology training from Children’s Medical Center. Thank you for your attention to this email.
Hi Alicia! I can totally relate to what's happening to you. The school where I got my high school diploma no longer exists! Luckily I had my Bachelor's degree so I was able to send them that. I honestly have no idea how to answer this but I'm sure you're not the only one in this situation. Have you tried to contact CCHI to explain your situation and see what options they can offer you?
Hola Lina, nunca había pensado en eso pero al ver tu pregunta hice una búsqueda rápida en Google y no encontré ninguna específicamente en los Estados Unidos. Espero que si algún colega conoce alguna y lee este mensaje nos pueda informar.
Sure! A great place to start looking would be volunteer.org - It’s a website where they frequently post opportunities for volunteer interpreters for different purposes.
Do not become an interpreter. It's one of the worse jobs ever. Very stressful, low pay job. They put you in front of a computer, with a headphone and make you do interpretation, no stop, for hours. You will have terrible headaches, dizziness and you will end up losing your ability to hear well. Terrible job.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lene. I appreciate your input because sadly, in some cases, this can happen. However, not all interpreters work under those conditions.
To become an interpreter, you typically need a strong command of at least two languages, often including your native language and one or more foreign languages. Formal education in interpretation or related fields can be helpful, but it's not always required. Gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions can be crucial to building your skills and resume. It's essential to practice active listening, cultural understanding, and ethical behavior. Many interpreters also pursue certifications or credentials to enhance their qualifications. Developing a specialization, such as medical, legal, or conference interpretation, can open up specific job opportunities. Ultimately, continuous learning and honing your language skills are key to becoming a successful interpreter. Thanks, Interprepedia!
Hi thanks but what advice for autodidact?
Thanks
Hi! Sorry ! Can I have online courses in interpreting please? Thank you very much!
Thank you Rosa!! I'm studying to become a Medical Interpreter and listening to your realistic point of view in this field it's been very helpful. I love your videos, you're amazing!
Hi Luz Marina! Thank you so much for your kind comments! Best of luck in your journey! You'll love it!
Thanks Rosa for this helpful video. I'm basically an interpreter in the church. Taking from English to french, and vice versa, Swahili to french or English, and Kinyarwanda. I wish I am connected to a translation training for what I normally do is more of gift than a professionalism. I really need a serious training. Blessings
Thank you for sharing this! This is beautiful. Many interpreters started out like this. There are so many training opportunities available nowadays, it’s a lot easier than it was a few years ago. Go for it!
Hey friend I speak English but on my church they need me to be Interpreter for it can you tell me more about it
Learning different languages all over the world is my passion
Same!
Thanks so much for your videos, Rosa! I have just started my job as an English-Spanish interpreter and find your comments and tips very useful.
Hi, Marisel! Thank you so much and congrats on the new job!
@marisel Destefains can u plz tell me which graduation degree u took for your language degree
@@akshada4631 Hi! I got my degree at National University in Argentina, my country
@@akshada4631 I am a public translator and also practised Simult and Consecutive Interpetation during my career
Thx for your video,I'd like to work on freelance as an interpreter ,I remember my second or first time doing that it was so funny, I've worked with south-africa businessman,to interpret English in French,the worse part was they have an africaans accent it's like dutch ,oh my goodness ...it was really an amazing experience..
Hi, Marceline! Thanks for sharing your story. Many interpreters started working in the field under very similar circumstances! Way to go!
A mi me gusta esta información que nos has dado. Gracias!
Muchas gracias!
Thank You , my skill my gift and it comes so natuaral as a hobby
Your vidéo make me improve my skills of interpreting and translating , especially it boosts my confidence
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad it was helpful!
¡Mil gracias! Muy clara toda la información😉
Gracias a ti, Claudia 🤗
Thank you very much for sharing this information Rosa, it is just what I needed to know 🙏🏾
🥰
Great video content. Thank you so much 💓
Thank you for your kind words! Love having you here!
Thank youuu! It is so helpful
Thanks Sthefany!
Thank you, great advises!
You are so welcome!
Great content! Thank you 🙏🏼
thank you Rosa! that was very helpful!😃
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Thank you was amazing helpful
I’ve made many videos teaching Chinese language vividly and in a humorous way. I hope somebody can recommend my videos to those who want to learn Chinese.
Thank you a lot Miss Rosa
@@duferchonclauvis2555 Thank you for being here!
Amazing video!!! Thank you Rosa!
Glad you liked it!!
Hi Rosa! Can you please upload a home office tour? I would like to work remotely :)
Hi Myrna! OMG! Upcoming video idea! Thanks! 🙃
Great video Rosa, you're so eloquent !!! I am interested in becoming a Spanish/English interpreter. I'm in the state of New York, USA, and I'm looking for the best certification that would allow me to work from different states. May you recommend any particular training/certification ???
Thanks Roberto! The medical/healthcare interpreter certifications are recognized nationwide. If you certify as a court interpreter in your home state, you can try to get reciprocity in nearby states so you can interpret in those courts too. The process is a little cumbersome (and pricey in some states) but at the end of the day it may be worth it to expand your work opportunities. One last recommendation is the immigration field. Working in immigration courts (IC) allows you to work for many different IC's all over the country. I hope this helps!
Awesome information..definitely need to apply all the suggestions you recommend and definitely I need a resume...thanks Rosa
Hi Felix! Nice to hear from you! Thank you!
@@Interprepedia same here..keep up the awesome and knowledgeable advice coming..thanks 4 everything
Thank you ! It is great to hear some thoughts from you on how to become an interpreter )💖
Awesome! I'm glad you liked it!
Great data Rosa, many thanks!
Thanks again!
Thanks, Roger!
Thank you so much ❤😊
My pleasure! Happy to help!
Hi,a Thanks from Brazil!
Hi! Thank you Estefano!
@@Interprepedia WELCOME
Thank u madame, i aspire to become an interpreter and translator English -french and French -English. I obtained a degree in Bilingual studies of English and French.
Awesome Adams! With your degree, I have no doubt that if you work hard, you'll achieve it!
Hi Rosa hope you are well. Im from Dallas TX and I am very passionate about interpreting. I have no idea how to start, I would live to be a Court interpreter. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Hello, Rosa! Thank you so much for this video. I am planning on becoming an interpreter and this information has been really useful. Quick question: Which TOEFL test did you take? The IBT or the TPT?
Hi Jenny! 🤔 You know what? I have no idea... all I know is that it was the computer-based test and the total score was based on a scale of 300. I took it many years ago...
Hey Rosa, do you have any online courses that you can recommend before taking the test? I both English and Spanish, but I would like to become more proficient before I take the test. Thank you 🙏🏽
Hi! Which test are you preparing for? If it’s the medical interpreting certification test, the required training course should prepare you. For court certification, there are many online options, so it’s hard to recommend just one. I’ve shared my top tips for choosing a training program in this video (focused on medical, but the principles apply to any field):
th-cam.com/video/6rQIyw4O4aA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IRBMikvJzF1eKeJJ
Best of luck! Let me know if you have more questions.
Thanks
Hi Rosa I love your videos you're very Professional, I'm going to take my oral test on April here in Washington state, what can you suggest for note taking? I was doing Virginia Valencia class but she focus more in courts terminology and mine is medical Interpreter, you're my hero and very knowledgeable.
Hi Fabiola! Thank you so much and best of luck on your upcoming test. Interpretrain's class is awesome and although it focuses a bit more on general/court terminology the overall technique is what matters most and then you can come up with your own symbols and abbreviations for medical terms and then you can combine those with her technique.
@@Interprepedia thanks so much for answering I asked my friends to subscribe in your channel.
❤thanks
Hello Rosa, thank you so much.. Can you suggest some courses or trainings for interpreters?
Hi! There are so many it's hard to recommend a specific one. Plus, I can only recommend courses I have personally taken. I would recommend courses specific to the field where you interpret and also skill-building courses or workshops where you learn specifically about note-taking, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, etc. I have taken multiple courses with Transinterpreting and Interpretain. I recommend those 100%.
Hello Rosa.. who was your trainer? Gustavo?
Hi Rosa! What’s a good book or a good reference to study court proceedings for the written test?! Thank you!
Hi! Excellent question! So the written test (for court interpreting) is mainly focused on your command of the English language. Only a small percentage of the test has to do with legal terms. I would advise you to practice the English vocabulary terms for the SAT or GRE tests (you can find many flashcard sets online for free) and then study a glossary of legal terms like this one: www.saccourt.ca.gov/general/legal-glossaries/docs/english-legal-glossary.pdf
There is also an ethics component (40 questions) but most states provide some material about that during their orientation or workshop.
@@Interprepedia you’re awesome! Thank you so much!! 🤩🤩🤩
Is there any opportunity for Veterinary, Animal interpreter..?
@@beingazoologist2558 That might be a tough field to break into, LOL but there's already a dog translator in the works or something like this so you may be into something here...
@@Interprepedia No I mean if there is any person who have pet and don't ok know the language that how to communicate with veterinarian so I may help in this regard.
Hi Rosa I'm from Mexico, and I want to become a remote translator. Do you have any video ideas as an foriegn interpretor?
Hi! Thank you so much for being here! Since I’m based in the US, I don’t have tips I can share for colleagues based outside of the US but perhaps you can continue inquiring about this in Facebook groups for interpreters who are based in Mexico like yourself and I’m sure they will provide better guidance. Best of luck!
Hola Rosa! What is your opinion on MiTio interpreter courses? I really want to get my interpreter career started and I am kind off skeptical 😔
Hi Melissa! I have never taken classes with them so I can't really say anything one way or another. I took my medical interpreter training with Transinterpreting and it was perfect for what I needed at the time. I hope this helps!
nice Rosa
Thank you, Zaal!
Thank you!
You bet!
can you please give suggestions on which professional associations should we join?
@@jburckhardt Great question! For medical interpreters, I'd suggest IMIA. For judiciary/court interpreters, I'd suggest NAJIT. For interpreters who work in the education field, AAITE. Plus, it would be a good idea to consider a membership in a local association for professional interpreters and translators in the area or state where you live as this will give you the chance to network with other colleagues who may end up sending clients or business your way! Best of luck!
Resume video please
Having a hard time what to put in it, its my first time. 😢
Hi! That’s a great idea! I made one about LinkedIn that may help a bit bur I’ll keep this in mind for future videos.
Sister plz guide me how to i join as a medical interpreters i m from Myanmar plz guide me thz
Thank you Rosa! What do you think is the minimum TOEFL score that would suffice for being a court interpreter?
Hi! It's hard for me to give you a number on that one because I haven't found an objective reference in any of the examinee handbooks I've reviewed, but what I can tell you is that your mastery of English (and your foreign language) should be equivalent to that of a person with at least some college-level education.
Hi Rosa, any companies that you recommend that hire interpreters from outside of the US.?
Hi! There are many that are hiring interpreters from all over the world. After the pandemic, many companies have expanded their recruiting to include overseas. I know GLOBO is actively recruiting folks outside the U.S. Good luck!
@@Interprepedia thanks for the info 💜
Hi, I live in Southern California and planning to obtain a court interpreter certificate but I have several dilemmas:
1. Where to take the course, School of Interpretation of Southern California or my local College? Prices are about the same.
2. Should I take the Federal Court Interpretation or the regular Court Interpretation. I wonder which would open more doors considering I have no other degrees.
Please advise TIA
Hi Li Ly! Let's get right to your questions:
1. Tough one. I can't really help you on that one since I am not familiar with the programs in your area but I'd say, follow some of the tips I share in the video to guide you on what to look for to compare the programs and choose based on your preference.
2. Either way many doors will open for you. I know a few colleagues who went straight for the federal exam and passed (after going through extensive training), but most take the state exam first and then the federal as it takes a high level of skill to pass that one. In my opinion the federal exam is reaching one step above and hence would offer more opportunities overall, so if you feel confident and are ready to work hard to prepare to pass it, I'd say go for it!
@@Interprepedia Thank you (:
Please! Can someone tell me where to start my interpreter/translation training in Ohio state!!!
Hi Elena! I live in FL so I'm not too familiar with specific training programs in OH, but I know you can complete many training programs online. If you want to study somewhere in your area, local community colleges are a great place to start looking into what programs are available. Best of luck!
Please help me I wanna be an interprete french-english english french. I speak english and french. What are methods
Thanks for reaching out! Check out the tips I offer in the video! Best of luck!
Hi Rosa, I have a question, I am preparing to take my CCHI exam, but I do not have my high school diploma. It was a long time since I got it and I lost it throughout the years. I studied in Argentina and the school where I got it is giving me a VERY hard time to give me a duplicate. In your experience do you think that I still could take the exam? I have 40 hours certificate of medical interpreter from Cross World Communications, anda 60 hours medical terminology training from Children’s Medical Center. Thank you for your attention to this email.
Hi Alicia! I can totally relate to what's happening to you. The school where I got my high school diploma no longer exists! Luckily I had my Bachelor's degree so I was able to send them that. I honestly have no idea how to answer this but I'm sure you're not the only one in this situation. Have you tried to contact CCHI to explain your situation and see what options they can offer you?
❤❤
I like being interpreter, I'd like become proficient but OMG it is difficult Indeed.
Hi Ivan! You can do it! Yes, it can be challenging but with practice and training you can succeed!
hello, can you help me to become an interpreter,
Hi! I hope the videos I share can be helpful for you! Thanks for being here!
I m from Pakistan I want to become interpretor
Awesome! I with you the best of luck!
Hola Rosa, conoces una asociación para intérpretes latinos / habla hispana en Estados Unidos ?
Hola Lina, nunca había pensado en eso pero al ver tu pregunta hice una búsqueda rápida en Google y no encontré ninguna específicamente en los Estados Unidos. Espero que si algún colega conoce alguna y lee este mensaje nos pueda informar.
Could you give an ex. For volunteering chances ?
Sure! A great place to start looking would be volunteer.org - It’s a website where they frequently post opportunities for volunteer interpreters for different purposes.
Do not become an interpreter. It's one of the worse jobs ever. Very stressful, low pay job. They put you in front of a computer, with a headphone and make you do interpretation, no stop, for hours. You will have terrible headaches, dizziness and you will end up losing your ability to hear well. Terrible job.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Lene. I appreciate your input because sadly, in some cases, this can happen. However, not all interpreters work under those conditions.
I was a phone interpreter for languages line. The pay is lousy $10/ hourly. Language line pay peanut. Later i quit
Thank you so much for sharing this info!