Working as an interpreter or translator abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as an interpreter or translator abroad like?

• Conversations between people who wouldn't otherwise understand each other, documents that suddenly become accessible, and communication that flows smoothly because you are there.
• Working as an interpreter or translator abroad is naturally about language, but equally about culture, context, and timing.
• You can work as an independent interpreter or translator, employed by an organization, or on a project basis for NGOs, governments, companies, or international institutions.
• The work can be paid, freelance, or part of an internship or traineeship.
• Responsibilities:
  • Oral interpreting for conversations, meetings, or interviews.
  • Written translation of documents, reports, or publications.
  • Consecutive or simultaneous interpreting.
  • Supporting communication during projects or fieldwork.
  • Proofreading and editing translations.
  • Providing cultural context in addition to language translation.
• Working conditions vary widely: from well-paid assignments to temporary contracts or compensation per assignment, sometimes combined with travel and accommodation expenses.
• Work can be irregular, with peaks and quiet periods. Specialization and experience significantly influence your income.

What are the reasons for working as an interpreter or translator abroad?

• To deepen your communication skills: you learn not only to translate words, but also to understand meaning, nuance, and intention.
• To strengthen your analytical skills: you must quickly understand what is actually being said and how to convey it correctly.
• To become environmentally aware: you constantly work at the intersection of language, culture, and social context.
• To take responsibility: a small translation error can have major consequences, so it's a good opportunity to stay focused and alert.
• To develop professional expertise: you build expertise in language use, terminology, and areas of specialization.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as an interpreter or translator abroad?

• Communication: conveying information clearly, carefully, and purposefully.
• Judgment: assessing what needs to be translated literally and what needs to be culturally adapted.
• Resilience: working under time pressure or in sensitive situations.
• Integrity: handling information and conversations confidentially. Self-employment: often working alone, sometimes as a freelancer.
• Results-oriented: accurate and timely delivery of translations.

What are the best countries and locations to work as an interpreter abroad?

• Working as an interpreter/translator is possible in any country, as long as you speak the right languages.
• Countries with many international organizations and multilingual institutions: Belgium, Switzerland, France, United States.
• Countries where interpreters are frequently needed for social projects: Kenya, Nepal, Uganda, Bangladesh.
• Countries where you often work as a freelance or project-based translator: Spain, Germany, Canada.

What are the risks of working as an interpreter abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as an interpreter or translator abroad?
  • Unsafe working environments are common: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, and social norms.
  • Working conditions are often stressful or sensitive, for example, in legal, medical, or political contexts.
  • Income is often uncertain due to freelance work and varying assignments.
• Are you insured while working as an interpreter or translator abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you are doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.