Career with Foreign Languages

There is strong potential for careers in foreign languages related to teaching, translating and interpreting. Translators, foreign language teachers and interpreters should be educated to a Bachelor’s degree level, usually followed by a postgraduate qualification in translation or in the foreign language.

Language Translators could work on a number of subjects and projects, or specialise in a particular area, such as reports, manuals and brochures (scientific, technical or commercial material), legal documents, such as contracts, literary work, including novels, plays and poetry, media work, such as websites, film scripts and subtitles for films and educational resources, including textbooks and travel guides.

Interpreting could be simultaneous (or conference) interpreting; consecutive interpreting; liaison (or public service) interpreting. Conference interpreters work at national and international conferences, lectures and meetings. They interpret the speeches almost immediately into another language so that their audience can hear them (usually on headphones). Consecutive interpreting is usually at smaller meetings between two or more people. Interpreters translate for speakers after each sentence or paragraph. The liaison interpreter translates into and out of each language after each person has spoken.

Teaching opportunities may be in educational institutions, where a foreign language is part of the course curriculum or part of a professional programme such as travel and tourism, hotel management and catering, etc or it could be personalised tutoring or conducting workshops on business/ social communication. Many students learn foreign languages and getting degree of language courses from these institutes.

Job Opportunities in Foreign Languages

Full time job opportunities as language translators are limited and competition is strong in foreign languages. Most jobs are with international organisations or with organisations and businesses that have a strong international presence. The background of foreign languages can be a value addition for all manner of professionals, including engineers, scientists, researchers, journalists, lawyers, teachers, copywriters, historians, geographers, film makers, and so on. A specialist translator or interpreter would not only be fluent in languages but also in fields like law, science, music, computers, technology, etc. Interpreters and translators may work for language service bureaus. Freelancing is a typical option also. Progression for freelancers would involve increasing your number of clients and the frequency of engagements.

Institutes and Universities offered Foreign Language Courses

Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Department of Germanic & Romance Studies, Delhi University, Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Languages, New Delhi
IIFT Campus, New Delhi
New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Career Studies, New Delhi
Instituto Camoes-Portuguese Cultural Centre, New Delhi
Institute of Japanese Language, MOSAI, New Delhi
Italian Embassy Cultural Centre, New Delhi
Chinese Language Institute, Delhi
Alliance Francaise
Max Mueller Bhawan
India-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Instituto Hispania Spanish Language & Culture
Symbiosis Institute of Foreign & Indian Languages, Pune
The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad