OFFICE OF LANGUAGE SERVICES

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Interpreting Division

Stephanie Van Reigersberg

Chief

INFORMATION ON CONTRACT INTERPRETING

(Contractual Work for the Department of State)

The United States Department of State has an occasional need for linguists to act as freelance
interpreters and accompany foreign leaders or technical experts on the their travels within the United
States under various cultural exchange and technical assistance programs. These contract professionals
interpret for the international visitors at their official appointments, which may include office visits,
seminars, field training, tours or meals in a private family home.

The work is intermittent and individual assignments usually last three to four weeks at a time. Contract
interpreters are paid a salary per day worked, which usually includes weekends. The government pays
for transportation, and contractors also receive an allowance to cover hotels, meals, and incidentals
when in travel status.

The table below lists some of the languages for which applications may be accepted by the Office of
Language Services:

Albanian Danish Icelandic Mandarin Slovak

Amharic Dari Indonesian Mongolian Slovenian
Arabic Dutch Italian Nepali Somali
Armenian Estonian Japanese Norwegian Spanish
Azerbaijani Finnish Kazakh Pashtu Swedish
Bengali French Kurdish Persian/Farsi Taiwanese
Bosnian Georgian Korean Polish Thai
Bulgarian German Kyrgyz Portuguese Turkish
Burmese Greek Lao Romanian Ukrainian
Cambodian Hebrew Latvian Russian Urdu
Cantonese Hindi Lithuanian Serbian Uzbek
Croatian Hungarian Macedonian Sinhalese Vietnamese
Czech

The need for interpreters in a given foreign language varies with time and the Office of Language Services
does not always accept applications for all foreign languages. Before sending your application, please call
the office and inquire if applications for the language you are interested in are being accepted; at the same
time, ask for information regarding the current daily salary rate.

TELEPHONE SCREENING and INTERPRETING TEST

While no previous formal interpreting experience is a requirement, interpreting aptitude is required of

potential applicants for a contract with Language Services. Also, when traveling with international visitors,
the interpreter is often required to answer basic questions about American institutions, life in the United
States, and current events. In order to make a basic assessment of both of these requirements, applicants
who meet the minimum requirements are generally screened by telephone.

During the first part of the telephone screening, applicants are usually asked to render into the foreign
language a few sentences presented to them in English by the interviewer, thus demonstrating that they
possess basic interpreting aptitude. After that, applicants are asked to answer correctly a few specific
questions about the American scene as described above. Following a successful telephone screening,
applicants are required to take an oral interpreting test.

The interpreting test is administered at the Department in Washington D.C. by appointment, Monday through
Friday. Rarely does the Department send examiners to other cities for recruiting purposes. The expenses of
the trip to Washington D.C. for the purpose of taking the test must be borne by the applicant.

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 QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR CONTRACT INTERPRETING
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE

LANGUAGE and GENERAL BACKGROUND

The interpreter must be able to understand the nuances of the speaker’s language (the source language)
and feel comfortable with accents and dialects as well as with non-native speakers. S/he must be
exceptionally fluent in the language into which s/he interprets (the target language), and speech must be
free of any objectionable impediment. The aspiring interpreter should be almost bilingual.

A fairly long period of residence both in the United States and abroad is almost indispensable. Experience
has shown that very few applicants with native English and an acquired foreign language qualify unless they
have studied at the graduate level in the foreign language under consideration or they have had prolonged
residence and studies abroad.

Applicants with native foreign language and acquired English should have sufficient schooling in their native
language to enable them to enroll in a university, should have read extensively in English, and should be
capable of speaking in public in intelligible and idiomatic English.

The interpreter must be well and broadly educated (the equivalent of a college education is almost
indispensable). Practical experience in several specialized fields is helpful, and knowledge of political
science and economics is quite important.

INTERPRETING APTITUDE

The object of the interpreter’s work is to relay accurately to an audience the complete substance and intent
of the speaker appearing before that audience.

Knowledge of language is only a prerequisite. Equally important is a genuine aptitude for interpreting.
Potential applicants should understand that being bilingual is not necessarily the equivalent of having
interpreting aptitude. The consecutive interpreter renders material into the target language in segments
after it is uttered by the presenter. S/he relies on memory and notes to render each segment. The
simultaneous interpreter performs an immediate delivery of ideas from one language to another. In this
case, the voice of the speaker and that of the interpreter are heard at the same time, and the interpreter
must be able to listen intently in one language while speaking another language at the same time.

GENERAL SUITABILITY, ADAPTABILITY AND AVAILABILITY

Since the work often calls for extensive travel, interpreters must be willing to work away from home.
Interpreting assignments can be very strenuous, entailing long hours and almost constant travel for weeks
on end. Consequently, the interpreter needs considerable physical and nervous stamina. Good vision and
unassisted physical mobility are required. In rural areas and in National Parks, it is extremely helpful if the
interpreter is willing and able to drive a rental car.

PROFESSIONALISM AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

As a representative of the United States Department of State, the interpreter must present a highly
professional image, have an exceptional aptitude for problem solving, and possess strong organizational and
listening skills.

Interpersonal skills also play an important role in the work of the interpreter. Interpreters are expected to
meet and work with persons from diverse backgrounds. This can include men or women, individuals of all
ages, races, ethnic groups, religions, and social classes. Interpreters will need to deal directly with hotel
personnel, airline ticket agents, waiters and taxi drivers, community leaders of all types, educators, mayors,
governors, and members of Congress. Therefore, the ability to work constructively with a cross-section of
American society as well as with foreign visitors is essential. The interpreter needs to be able to understand
the types of problems that arise when foreign visitors are confronted with a different culture and unfamiliar
environment, and to know how to explain the diversity of the American experience to the visitor.

CITIZENSHIP

United States citizenship is preferred, although not essential for most languages, as long as there is no legal
restriction against the applicant’s earning money in this country. Because contract interpreting is not
considered regular employment, the Office of Language Services cannot sponsor visa applicants who do not
currently have work authorization.

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 THE WORK OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE INTERPRETER

Interpreting for international exchange programs offers the most potential freelance work, especially for
people just entering the interpretation field. Although it involves interpreting for in-depth professional
exchanges on a wide variety of subjects, the setting is usually informal. That fact may afford the interpreter
the possibility of occasionally seeking clarification from the speaker or, when interpreting in simultaneous,
even influencing the speed of the discussion when necessary so that the interpreter can keep up with the
speaker.

The program that requires the largest number of Language Services’ contract interpreters is the International
Visitor Program administered by the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Next in rank,
according to numbers of interpreters used, is the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, administered by the
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and the Law Enforcement Training Program, administered by the Bureau of
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

When accompanying one or a few individual exchange program visitors, a consecutive interpreter (E/I) is
selected. S/he usually works as the sole interpreter and the mode of interpretation is consecutive.

For larger delegations, simultaneous interpretation may be preferable to the consecutive mode. In such
cases, a seminar interpreter (S/I) is required. The seminar interpreter hears the speaker directly trough the
air but speaks into portable sound transmission equipment. The members of the visiting delegation wear
earphones to hear the interpreter. Seminar interpreters work in teams of two and take turns interpreting.
Sometimes an administrative interpreter is added to the team.

Interpreting for international exchange programs should not be viewed as a permanent career or as a sole
means of livelihood. While the work is very interesting and educational, and can be most rewarding as a
contribution to international understanding, most people eventually tire of the frequent travel and of the
uncertainty of receiving work offers.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCED INTERPRETERS

CONFERENCE INTERPRETING

The conference interpreter (C/I) performs the most demanding tasks. S/he usually works in formal settings
and cannot seek clarification or influence the pace of the discussion. The conference interpreter must
express each concept in the way it would normally be expressed by a good public speaker of the target
language. S/he must be able to use a wide range of language registers with particular emphasis on the
formal. Also, s/he must be able to establish a connection between the speaker’s message and the
implications the listener will hopefully draw from it. On-the-job pressure also requires the conference
interpreter to show sufficient nervous stamina to prevent stress from negatively interfering with the quality of
the work. From public policy to diplomacy, from current events to scientific and military topics, the daily
activity of the conference interpreter requires a well-rounded repository of general knowledge.

The Office of Language Services maintains a roster of freelance conference interpreters, although there is
less demand for the conference level than for the consecutive and seminar interpreters who work on
international exchange programs.

COURT INTERPRETING

The need for interpreters in the state and federal courts has increased dramatically during the 1990’s, and is
expected to increase even further during the coming decade. By far the language in greatest demand is
Spanish, but there is also a need for interpreters in Chinese, Korean, Haitian Creole, and Navajo. At the
federal level, the Administrative Office of the US Courts administers a formal interpreting test for candidates
who wish to become federal court interpreters. Unlike the Department of State, the US Courts issue formal
certification for applicants who successfully pass both a written and oral examination. At the state level,
each state has its own system for selecting and certifying state court interpreters.

In the Washington, DC area only, the Office of Language Services contracts and pays interpreters on a daily
or weekly basis to work in the DC Superior Court and in the US District and Superior Courts. In order to
qualify as a court interpreter through the Office of Language Services, candidates must pass the Language
Services simultaneous test at the seminar level. No per diem or travel costs are borne by the Department of
State for court interpreting work. Virtually everyone who works in the courts in Washington, therefore, lives
in the DC area.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OFFICERS

The Office of Language Services also maintains a separate roster of contractors for which no foreign
language skill is required. Known as English Language Officers (ELOs), these individuals accompany
English-speaking international visitors on their professional programs around the United States, and carry
out the same administrative, logistical, and programmatic functions that an interpreter performs. ELOs are
required for individual visitors who may not have enough confidence to deal with all the vicissitudes of
traveling alone, including getting through airports, taking public transportation, and checking into and out of
hotels during a three-week period. ELOs also work with large groups, generally acting as program
facilitators and coordinators. Finally, ELOs act as administrative officers on programs for grantees
participating in Anti-Terrorism and International Law Enforcement courses.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE INTERPRETING APTITUDE TEST

The interpreting aptitude test administered by the Office of Language Services is a test of the candidate’s
ability to convey in the target language the meaning of a passage spoken in the source language. The test
is given only to those candidates whose applications and telephone screenings indicate that they meet the
necessary requirements. It consists of the following parts:

Interview: In this first section, the examiners ask the candidate to complete and update the information
provided in the application regarding the candidate’s educational and professional experience, travel in the
US and abroad, and hobbies or interests.

Interpreting Aptitude: Consecutive Interpretation: the candidate listens to a passage in English, initially in
small, one sentence segments, then in gradually larger chunks of one or more complete paragraphs. The
candidate is encouraged to take brief notes while listening. S/he immediately renders each of those
segments into the other language and must faithfully render the meaning and intention of the original
passage into the target language. Simultaneous interpretation: if there is a need for seminar interpreters in
the candidate’s language, and the performance on the consecutive test warrants it, the examiners may ask
the candidate to interpret a passage in the simultaneous mode. In this case, the candidate speaks at the
same time that s/he hears the original, without pausing. A soundproof booth and sound transmission
equipment are used in simultaneous tests. Conference interpretation: experienced conference interpreters
are also tested in simultaneous in a soundproof both.

Usually, two different passages are interpreted during each test for each of the three categories described
above.

To determine the candidate’s interpreting aptitude, the examiners assess the completeness and accuracy of
the candidate’s renditions, his/her demonstrated command of the target language, confidence in delivery,
resourcefulness in dealing with linguistic and other difficulties, and ability to communicate.
Given the fast-paced nature of interpreting, there is no time to consult dictionaries or glossaries; therefore
such aids are not permitted in the test.

U.S. Knowledge: the examiners ask a few of a series of standardized questions dealing with the US
government and political system, US history, geography, economics, society, and culture. The candidate
must demonstrate s/he is just as familiar with those subjects as any well-informed citizen would be.

On the Job Situations: The interpreter also needs to be able to handle day to day issues that often arise
when accompanying international visitors. Being able to think quickly and constructively, bridge cross-
cultural differences, and maintain good public relations are all part of the job. In order to assess this skill, the
examiners present to the candidate two hypothetical scenarios based on experiences that have actually
happened to interpreters while on the job. The candidate is not expected to know exactly how the State
Department might recommend that any of these situations be handled, but is expected to demonstrate
his/her ability to analyze the situation and recommend a reasonable and realistic course of action.
The entire test generally lasts from one to one and a half hours.

HOW TO APPLY

The enclosed application form may be completed and mailed to:

U.S. Department of State

Office of Language Services
SA-1, 14TH Floor
2401 E Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20522

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 APPLICATION FOR INTERPRETER CONTRACT
Please complete this application and submit it, along with a resume and references, to:
th
U.S. Department of State/Office of Language Services – SA-1, 14 Fl., 2401 E St., NW, Washington DC 20522
or by fax to (202) 261-8808

Today’s Date:
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Last First Middle Initial
Mr. Mrs. Ms.
Address: Street Address City State Zip Code

Home Phone: Work Phone:

Fax: Cell: Beeper:

E-Mail Address:

Social Security No.: Place of Birth: Date of Birth:

If you are not a United States citizen, please complete below:

Are you a U.S. citizen? Yes No Your Citizenship: Visa you hold: Are you allowed to work legally in the U. S.?

Since when have you lived in the United States?:

BACKGROUND
Country Dates of Residence

Foreign Residence:
Do not include brief visits..

Language How learned? (home, school, residence, work)

Foreign Languages: List languages (other

than English) in which you have a fluent
command and in which you are prepared to
take an oral interpreting aptitude test.

Major Subject
Education Name of Institution Location Dates Attended Degree Granted
(if applicable)

Elementary

Secondary

Higher

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 APPLICATION FOR INTERPRETER CONTRACT
Please complete this application and submit it, along with a resume and references, to:
th
U.S. Department of State/Office of Language Services – SA-1, 14 Fl., 2401 E St., NW, Washington DC 20522
or by fax to (202) 261-8808

Applicant’s Last Name First M.I.

I have no experience as an interpreter or translator.

I have informal experience as an interpreter or translator (e.g., for friends or family).

Professional
Experience I am a professional interpreter or translator. If you check this box, please provide an
attached list of assignments, which includes client names, subject matter, source and target
languages and, in the case of interpreting, consecutive or simultaneous. Also include three
references with telephone numbers.

Employed Self-Employed Student Retired Unemployed

Employment Status What is your regular occupation or profession?

If employed, describe your present employment.

Available year-round Available seasonally. Specify season:

Available for assignments of three weeks or more

Availability Available only for short assignments. Specify maximum length:

Check as many as
apply Available for domestic travel

Available for international travel

Available locally

How did you hear about us?

Have you applied previously? Yes No If so, when?

Please do not write below this line

Comments:

Screened by: _________________________ Date:_______________ Recommendation: E/I S/I C/I Dis. Mor.
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