Interpreting for Europe ... into English

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Subzeroed Mind,

Staff interpreters starting out earn about € 4000 per month at the EU institutions. Freelance interpreters a little over € 300 per day.

Good luck on your studies!

ian

[SubzeroedMind]

How much do you guys get paid? I'm considering studying languages + interpretation, but have the feeling I lack verbal finesse and vocabulary in any of my languages. Thx

[oOoDesdemonaoOo]

Hi! I'm an Italian student in MA Technical-scientific Translation and Interpreting in Italy. I'm planning to apply to enter the Master in Conference Interpeting in London or Manchester, dunno yet. Could anyone give me a piece of advice about these two universities? Are they both good? Thank you

[saijai587]

Again, you are making an assertion without doing sufficient research. To attend the EMCI in Westminster you must have an undergraduate degree so logically its graduates have also experienced another insitutions also. I'm very aware of what other insitutions have to offer and yes, alot of them ARE equally good. The problem here is that youve chosen this forum to speak ill of Westminster when you know nothing about it's Conference Interpreting course which is held in high esteem.

[jennflacake1]

Hi DG,

I have heard about the closure of the Conference Interpreting Masters at the University of Westminster. Do you know if there will be another uk based university offering the EMIC as a replacement if you like?

Or would you be able to recommend other universities offering a similar-type course?

[magicalthatguy]

wow hugh grant at 2:02

[flash1thousand]

@DGInterpretation Do you have T.O. for Asian Language interpreters? I'm native Korean and fluent in Japanese, Cantonese, English.

[ArdthePard]

I am a native English speaker, studying German and Arabic, and I have a high level of proficiency in French. Is Arabic at all needed within the EU?

Also, what Postgraduate Conference Interpreting courses are recommended by the EU? I want to apply now, but would like a bit more guidance as to which institutions have good reputations.

Many Thanks.

[RodolfoMartins1992]

Also im currently at university studying spanish/french and im planning to take a master in interpreting.

[RodolfoMartins1992]

I was born in Portugal and moved to England at the age of 13, I speak but Portuguese and English fluent , English with an English accent and vice versa, at home i speak in Portuguese with my family so I am used to switching between the two everyday and also interpret for my parents as at the beginning they couldn't speak English very well. Would this make me a employable interpreter? I can speak Portuguese (fluent), English (fluent), Spanish (nearly perfect) and French (intermediate). Thank you

[autruii]

I'm a spanish student in a translation and interpreting degree and I wondered if these studies would be enough to become an interpreter in EU institutions or I still should study a master in conference interpreting. By the way, which languages would you recommend to me, an interpreter with spanish as mothertongue? I already speak french, english and german

[DGInterpretation]

@autruii Generally speaking, you would need a degree in conference interpreting or substantial documented professional experience as a conference interpreter to be admitted to the test. But please send me the exact name of your degree and the university, then I can give you a precise answer. Your current languages are fine. If you want to add more it would be better to wait until you have finished conference interpreter training.

Ian

[RMarshall57]

@DGInterpretation

I'm doing an MA in Translation studies (European Masters in Translation) at a university in Barcelona, after more than 20 years as a TEFL teacher. The masters has an interpreting component. My native language is English, but I speak fluent French, Spanish and Catalan. I have done booth-based simultaneous translation from Spanish itno English, but not in a conference environment. With this background, what are my chances of getting into professional interpreting with the EU?

[DGInterpretation]

Too quick on the trigger.... English booth with German.... Well, French would be good or just about any other official language. Least need for Irish but any of he languages from the 2004-07 Enlargement would be excellent. No real overabundance of any language. Good luck on your studies! Ian

[DGInterpretation]

Hi dadareturns ;-)

[bringingdadaback]

Interesting! Are there any languages you could recommend to a native English speaker who already speaks German? I'd also be interested in hearing if there are any languages the English interpreting booth has an overabundance of.

[Rosslikeyou]

Hello again...

I saw this notice on the 'Apply Today' page on the careers website for Europa.

'The profiles we are looking for (eg: Law, Audit) may vary from year to year as well as the language needs for linguists.'

Just wondering whether this means that you have to, for example be already specialised in Law or Audit?

Thanks in advance :)

[DGInterpretation]

@Rosslikeyou It's two seperate things: lawyers and auditors on the one hand (and yes, they need to be specialised :-)) and linguists on the other. We are aiming to have 4-5 language competitions per year on a rotating basis.

best,

ian

[Rosslikeyou]

@DGInterpretation ah right okay :) so does that mean that the 'english interpreters' for example the lady called Rachel Hayes would have to be specialised in a certain field? :)

thanks :)

[leorfabio]

I am 23 and got a degree in translation and interpreting las january, I know three EU languages German, English and Spanish which is my other tongue. How do I apply? does it matter if I'm not a EU citizen?

[nataliemalexander]

Hi DG Interpretation,

I'm a recent graduate of a Business/Journalism degree in Australia, and I've also recently returned from a 4-month language program in France. I'm now continuing French and would like to learn another European language, so that I can study a Masters degree in Interpreting and Translation. What languages do you recommend students learn, based on current demands? And, as an Australian, what chances would I have of finding a job in Europe? Thank you for your time!

[DGInterpretation]

@nataliemalexander : a good language to learn would be German. As for working in Europe in general, we are not able to answer you but there is no nationality requirement to work as a freelance for the EU institutions.

[wklize]

Great video! thanks,I hope I will manage to be an interpreter someday

[lalla80blu]

Is it possible to become an interpreter of the EU when you're 30-32 years old? Is there a maximum age?

[DGInterpretation]

@lalla80blu  - the maximum age is 65 - retirement age - and most succesful applicants are between 26 and 35.

[Rayleigh1978]

I have one EU language (German) and one non-EU language (Russian) from which I can interpret into English. Is this language combination desirable for freelance accreditation or should I add another EU language before attempting the accreditation test? Also, how does freelancing in Brussels work from a tax perspective if you base yourself outside of Belgium and commute? Is there some kind of withholding of tax or is it necessary for freelancers to register for Belgian taxes?

[DGInterpretation]

@Rayleigh1978 : For accreditation you would need at least one more EU language, provided your English is at mother tongue level. Freelances are on an EU-tax regime and are not taxed in their country of residence or Belgium as well.

Best wishes,

DG Interpretation

[todiefor84]

Hello DGInterpretation,

This video is very insightful. I am an International Business and French graduate and am currently brushing up my Spanish in Madrid. I am interested in pursuing interpreting as a career at some point in the future but am not sure if I have what it takes.

Are there any ways of testing your ability to interpret before investing time and money in a posgraduate course? Are interpreters born or made? Are there ways of developing interpreting skills?

Hope to hear back from you

[DGInterpretation]

Hello todiefor84 :-)

Interpreters are partly born and partly made, just like some people have more of an ear for languages than others. You develop interpreting skills for example in a post graduate course.

All good postgraduate courses will aptitude test you well ahead of the course and give you a diagnostic to the best of their abilities. You can also come to one of the events we organise - Open Day in Brussels on 8 May or the London Language show in October -and try in a booth.

[ty3luna]

@DGInterpretation Do you know if ISTI in brussels is a good school?...What about Heriot Watt in scotland, im hesitating between those two...do you have any other recommendations close to Scotland or Brussels?

[DGInterpretation]

@ty3luna Both schools have a track record of producing good interpreters. You would need to look at the languages they offer. Otherwise there's Leeds in the UK or Mons in Belgium that are close to Scotland or Brussels.

Good luck on your choice!

DG Interpretation

[matlabarbar]

Hello,

Sorry, me again.

In my research for a good university, I found the ESIT, ISIT (both in Paris) and Westminster.

Wich one is the best? The french ones have a 2 years MA and Westminster have a 1 year!! Is it really the same?

My languages would be A portuguese and french and C english if I go to Paris, if I go to London I would like to have english as B.

Thank you a lot for the time you spend aswering all these comments.

All the best and Merry Christmas and a Great New Year 2010!!

[DGInterpretation]

Hello matlabarbar,

The three universities you mention all have a track record of producing excellent interpreters.

Of course it is different what you can do in 2 years and what you can do in one year but it does not necessarily mean that there is more interpretation practice involved in a two-year course. So ... which would be better for you depends on what you are looking to learn.

Good luck!

DG Interpretation

[olfrygt2007]

Westminster!? They produce interpreters!? I'm studying translation and I'm in an exchange Programme at the Uni of Westminster at the moment. I've never been offered any translation courses not to mention interpreting courses. They not even have a proper Tranlation/Interpreting Department like my Homeuni (Leipzig/GER) does. But apart from that: This Uni is crap. No campus, no social live and an administration that doesn't care (at least about exchange students). Dont go there.

[46griffin]

@olfrygt2007 As a working graduate of the Univrsity of Westminster's Conference Interpreting Masters I can tell you it is held in very high esteem and it prepares you very well for the world of interpreting. Your comment is absolutely unfounded

Also, OFFERED an interpreting course?! You wont find many insititutions handing out invitations and if you were genuinely interested in an interpreting course you'd do the research yourself and avoid making groundless assertions like this.

[olfrygt2007]

@46griffin I can now compare between 3 Unis in Europe. My home uni in Leipzig, the UoW and the Uni of Salamanca. Most of my statement are general assertions based on my personal experience. If you are satisfied with the UoW: Congratulations. You have no idea what other institutions have on offer.

[46griffin]

@olfrygt2007 Again, you are making an assertion without doing sufficient research. To attend the EMCI in Westminster you must have an undergraduate degree so logically its graduates have also experienced another insitutions also. I'm very aware of what other insitutions have to offer and yes, alot of them ARE equally good. The problem here is that youve chosen this forum to speak ill of Westminster when you know nothing about it's Conference Interpreting course which is held in high esteem.

[46griffin]

@olfrygt2007 @olfrygt2007 You are making an assertion without sufficient research again!To attend the EMCI in Westminster you must have an undergraduate degree so logically its graduates have also experienced another insitutions also.I'm very aware of what other insitutions have to offer and yes, alot of them ARE equally good.The problem here is that youve chosen this forum to speak ill of Westminster when you know nothing about it's Conference Interpreting course which is held in high esteem.

[Makeupzised]

Hello,

I would like to know if there is a need at the moment for the Spanish booth.

Thank you.

[matlabarbar]

Hello,

I would like to know how many interpreters do you recruit per year (and maybe how many persons try the admission exam), what laguages are the most needed, and if a trainee is helpfull to get a job in the institutions.

Thanks

[DGInterpretation]

Hi matlabarbar,

The easy answer is: that depends on the year. Right after an enlargement the number is usually higher. I will get you the numbers for last year.

As for the most needed languages: the most needed active language is English. The needs for passive languages (languages you understand) depends on which active language you are talking about.

It is always a good thing to be more familiar with a potential employer if you apply for a job.

All the best,

DG Interpretation

[zhanka1983]

I am fluent in Russian (mother tongue) and English, i speak other languages but not as fluent. will that be enought? If it is, will my next step be completing post graduate course in conference interpreting if i ve already have Degree?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Zhanka,

It is not clear from your question what you wish to do or accomplish. DG Interpretation would be happy to answer if you could provide a little more context.

All the best,

DG Interpretation

[zhanka1983]

what I am trying to ask is whether the knowledge of English and russian is sufficient enought to work as EU interpreter? And if it is enought, do I have to complete a post graduate course in conference interpreting if i ve already have Degree? Thanks

[DGInterpretation]

OK, that's clear. You can apply for an EU accreditation test as a freelance interpreter but you would need a degree in interpretation or substantiated professional experience in interpretation to be called for a test.

All the best - and good luck!

DG Interpretation

[psalmplasma]

As much as i'd love to do this - and i'm fluent in 4 languages - i lack the university degree. Is there any way around it?

thank you!

[DGInterpretation]

Sorry, PP,

there is no way around the need for a degree.

All the best,

DG Interpretation

[illuminated17]

Do you have to be European to work as an interpreter there?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Illuminated,

For staff positions you have to have an EU-Member State nationality. There are no nationality requirements for working as a freelance interpreter.

Best wishes,

DG Interpretation

[kuningas999]

Hi,

I was wondering if a BA in Modern Languages and an MA in Translation and Interpreting are a guarantee to participating in the freelance accreditation test. I don't have too much experience but I would like to give it a try.

Also, if you have chosen 4 source languages, besides your mother tongue into which you'll be interpreting, will you be tested for the 4 of them? Does it all happen during the same day? :)

Thanks a lot!

[DGInterpretation]

Dear Kuningas,

Offhand it sounds like you would be eligible on the basis of your diplomas but there is no guarantee on the basis of diplomas alone - and we usually recommend a diploma in conference interpreting - to be called to a test.

The whole test takes place on the same day. In order to save time we usually do not test more than 3 languages. We usually recommend doing just two languages of your choosing in order to reduce stress.

Best wishes - and good luck!

DG Interpretation

[withoutatrace2007]

What I couldn´t understand is why do they need a university degree if it has nothing to do with the function. David Smith says all that you need is an university degree- But why? whats the reason? sometimes high schools students are more able to do an interpretation than a grown up or university student .For example If I speak Portuguese, German, Spanish and English what has an university degree to do with my languages skills or with my capacity to learn languages?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Withoutatrace,

It is not just a question of languages, it is also a question of understanding what they are talking about in technical or financial or legal meetings. For that we find that a university education is necessary. Plus the fact that freelance interpreters are treated at the same level as staff. For staff interpreters to be admitted to the civil service grade at which they work, a university diploma is required.

Best wishes,

DG Interpretation

[interlengua]

@withoutatrace2007

Interpreting and/or translating is not merely a matter of language knowledge, but a much more complex issue. Apart from linguistic competence and total acquisition of the interpreting/translating techniques, a translator/interpreter must also be well informed of as many as possible issues, sciences etc. This is even more relevant when we are talking about EU interpreters.

[billy84100]

Hello, I have just finished a BA in modern languages and I am interested in becoming an interpreter. Could you please tell me what type of post-graduate qualification would be required? Would it have to be an MA in interpreting? Also, does it matter which university it is from?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Billy,

You would need a post graduate qualification in conference interpreting which is offered by a number of universities. What is interesting to the EU Interpreting services is how good you are: sometimes that also has a connection with the quality of the training offered by the universities.

Best wishes - and good luck!

DG Interpretation

[halogen123]

Hi, I'm thinking of becoming an interpreter, but I was wondering, are there any opportunities in London/the UK, or are they all in Brussels or Strasbourg?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Halogen123,

Working for the EU mostly takes place in the two cities you mention plus Luxembourg. But we do have meetings all over Europe, including in London, where local freelances work. There is also a large so-called private (i.e. not EU-Institutional) market for interpreters in London.

best wishes,

DG Interpretation

[gwadagansta]

i was told the suicide rate among interpreters was sky-high because of intense pressure

how true is this ?

What's the salary like when working for U.N or NATO?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi gwadagansta,

You might want to check this suicide rate information with your source. We have heard of not such trend. We have no information about the UN or NATO. The starting salary for staff interpreters at the EU is about 4000 euros per month.

all the best,

DG Interpretation

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Burps,

Experience is evaluated on a case by case basis - the type, level and intensity is looked at. Just put it all in your application and it will be taken into account.

all the best, and good luck!

DG Interpretation

[Burpingbelcher]

How much experience do you have to have to be eligible for the test?

[STOPTHEEU]

I wouldn't work for the EU on principle.

[DGInterpretation]

That is of course your democratic right as an EU citizen. ;-)

Best wishes,

DG Interpretation

[DonJaime256]

UKIP Members of the European Parliament also benefit from the services of professional conference interpreters working for the EU. Judging by your user page, you would prefer the views of UKIP to be understood.

[lowrince]

Hello,

I was wondering, could you give an indication of what salary is offered by the EU institutions for newly qualified staff interpreters.

Thank you.

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Lowrince,

The starting salary for newly started staff interpreters is about 4,000 euro per month, depending on whether you already live where the Institution is and how many dependents you have.

Best,

DG Interpretation

[DGInterpretation]

Dear CallimacoSpaziale,

To be eligible for an interpreter test, you must either have a degree in interpreting or a recognised university degree in any subject and have documented experience in consecutive and simultaneous conference interpreting.

If you think you are eligible for a test, you should complete an on-line application form on our selection pages: Interpreting for Europe.

Good luck!

DG Interpretation

[CallimacoSpaziale]

The head of the interpreting unit says that the university degree hasn't got to be a degree in languages necessarily. Could I be eligible with a three-year university degree in languages or do I need a specialization in Conference interpretation?

[bumblegem]

Is there any way for Ukrainian nationals to work as simultaneous interpreters in EU?

[Shanya28]

I am still in school, but I'm thinking about becoming an interpreter.

I'm not sure about my language mix. I live in Germany, so my first language would be German. Then I'd choose English as my B Language, but I don't know further...

I studied french for 2years and Italian for 1year. But I don't really like both languages. I am thinking about learning a Skandinavian language maybe.

So.. could you tell me which are the languages most needed in the EU?

[Otustelija]

I think English and French are the ones most needed in the EU. But I think German and Russian might be very useful. From Scandinavian languages I recommend Swedish: easy to learn and you can understand Norwegian, too, Swedish is also widely understood and spoken in the coastal areas in Finland. :)

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Shanya28,

English and French are both important languages for German interpretation and beyond those all languages are useful - depending on your interests. As far as we know, there are no universities/Fachhochschulen in germany that offer Scandinavian languages in their interpretation courses so you would need to select a good university for interpreter training and then see about other languages separately. But starting with French is always a good thing.

Good luck!

DG Interpretation

[Lunadalutti]

First of all, thank you so much for posting videos about the interpreting profession. I live in Brazil and I was glad to find out more about the work at the EU.

My language mix is Portuguese (A) English and French (B). I also have italian nationality and I'm developing my italian skills.

I have a question: is this language mix needed at the EU, either for staff or freelance interpreters?

[DGInterpretation]

Dear Lunadalutti, your language mix is needed and you would be elegible for an accreditation test with that particular combination, but you should be aware that you would have to compete with a large number of freelances with similar languages, in case you passed the test.

Good luck!

DG Interpretation

[keltischerDrache]

Question: does one need to offer only EU languages in order to be eligible? for example would norwegian be no use comepare to danish and swedish?

[DGInterpretation]

You can also offer non-EU languages and you would be able to be recruited as a free-lance as need arises. However, for a staff position you must have a selection of EU-languages and as a free-lance the work is likely to be more steady if you also present some EU-languages.

[estu24]

I am a recent graduate of MA Translation with working languages being French, Spanish and Portuguese into English. I have always wanted to work in interpreting but was put off by high course fees and perceived lack of jobs outside of EU institutions.

Can you offer any advice for us? How can we get qualified without returning to university? How much prior training do we need to apply for a traineeship for example?

I am currently living in Brussels. Can you recommend any suitable courses here?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Estu 24,

The obvious route is to join a one-year masters course in conference interpreting - but you seem to rule that out. I would, nevertheless, try and get in touch with one of the local schools - in Brussels there is for example the ISTI - and see if they might be able to give you some guidance or a test to try and assess how much more work you need to do.

Good luck! :-)

[DGInterpretation]

Sorry, you had one more question: DG INterpretation no longer provides traineeships so you would need to be trained before applying for an accreditation test.

[lovejpyamapi]

are Asians welcome to apply for the job?

[DGInterpretation]

Asian nationals can apply for freelance accreditation: to become an official you need EU nationality.

[PataInglesa]

Antonia - isn't it really good? I'm so glad I chose this as my degree now! And someone in our year is guaranteed a scholarship for the EU and there's one for the UN too!

[lovejpyamapi]

really? do you mean someone in your year is also guaranteed to work in EU or UN as well?

what is your university?

is it a master degree in conference interpreting?

[PataInglesa]

Two scholarships are available at the end of my final year. One for the EU and the other for the UN.

I go to Heriot Watt in Edinburgh, it's a four year course graduating with a masters in Conference Interpreting and Translation :)

[Tonnage08]

I would love to work as an interpreter for the EU :)

It does seem so difficult though.

Is being able to speak only English and German okay? Or would it be better to learn another language aswell?

[DGInterpretation]

Hi Tonnage,

German is good but at least one more language would be necessary in order to work for DG Interpretation.

[lovejpyamapi]

what are the languages that was needed besides English?

and what is the direct link for the application for the job?

[DGInterpretation]

Have a look at the website indicated above. Most languages, including English are needed.

[js7800]

yeah! this looks sick, great thing about interpreting is on a freelance basis you can make enough money to live simply without doing all that much work. Also it's one of few high flying jobs where you can't take your work home with you and stay up all night worrying about it; when it's done it's done.

[TRBlom]

Hi there. I'm interested. Who can I talk to if I wish to get more information?

Tijmen

[MatzeW92]

I'd really love to be an interpretor, but I'm not sure if I'm talented enough... but it really sounds great!

[KnocksX]

A recruitment video done right.

[harrifullxx]

i'd love to be an interpreter, sounds so good :D

[anglidaki]

You make it all sound so easy ... all you need is a first degree in any discipline, a high level of mastery of at least two EU languages, a post-graduate qualification, and success in a concours/accreditation test! They'll be queuing up for a job before you know it!

[DonJaime256]

Obviously, if you think everything has to be easy, this is not the job for you.

[eunSchoolnet]

Maybe an understanding of irony might come in handy too.

[DonJaime256]

Irony? I thought this was YouTube.

[daberr2]

@anglidaki

lol i agree

[chick7489]

I was having such a horrible day and after watching this video, it totally helped bringing up my spirits. Thanks for posting!

[seryqueen]

sembra tutto sooo easyyyyy ma non lo è di certo!!!!!

[w0rldd0minat0r]

first post :)