International exchange programs like Study USA and the International Visitor Leadership Program create incredible opportunities for students and rising professionals to visit the United States. However, between the prep work, the packing, and the tour planning, there’s a significant consideration for hosting companies: the language barrier.
Professional interpretation services from JR Language make it easy to overcome language barriers and provide a top-tier experience for visitors. Professional language access, such as translation services and interpretation services, especially those offered simultaneously, helps facilitate communication, engage participants, and build the foundation for lasting relationships.
International Exchange Programs
Study USA
Study USA tours are one of the most popular ways for international college students to get an education in the United States. Colleges and Universities across America participate in international exchanges, which allow students from various countries to spend a holiday, a semester, or a full year continuing their education here. Students on longer visits typically speak English well, but students visiting for a week or two on holiday may not.
Study USA is not the only program that offers international student exchange; many programs welcome international students.
International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
The IVLP is an international professional exchange program run by the US Department of State under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This program hosts short-term visits (one to four weeks) for current and rising leaders in specialized fields to exchange knowledge and build relationships with their American peers.
In-Person or Virtual Interpreters? Deciding Which Interpretation Service Is Right
Interpretation services allow visitors and tour participants to communicate effectively, build connections, and engage in their experiences. However, many different services exist remote and onsite, simultaneous interpreting versus consecutive interpreting. Which one is right for you?
In-Person Interpreting Services
Having an interpreter on-site makes effective communication easy. Deciding which service is right depends on your specific needs.
Escort Interpretation Services
An escort interpreter goes where they’re needed. Instead of working for a one-off call or event, the interpreter joins a group for the duration of the visit or tour to provide on-demand language assistance. An escort interpreter ensures that participants have continuous access to information and support and can make the most of their visit. Escort interpreting services work best for groups that speak one language.
Consecutive Interpretation Services
Consecutive interpretation works like a conversation: one person speaks, the interpreter translates the message, listens to the response, and translates it back to the first speaker. This can create a lag in the conversation but ensures that both parties communicate clearly.
Consecutive interpreters work best for smaller groups, site visits, and meetings where people must talk and ask questions.
Simultaneous Interpretation Services
With simultaneous interpretation, there’s no lag in the conversation. An interpreter listens to a speaker and translates the message into their native language in real-time. Simultaneous interpreting often requires specialized equipment to listen and speak and is ideal for large events, business meetings, international conferences, or learning seminars. With large events, you’ll need multiple simultaneous interpreters.
Virtual Interpreting Services
Need an interpreter for a scheduled meeting or in a pinch? Virtual interpretation services make it easy.
Over-the-Phone Interpretation (OPI)
Phone interpretation services give you an interpreter on demand when you need one, no matter the time of day. With OPI services, you dial a number, choose the language you need assistance with, and connect to a professional interpreter who provides consecutive telephone interpreting almost instantly.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
With VRI, you can easily add interpreting services to any meeting. Popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom interpretation services allow you to add a professional interpreter to facilitate effective communication. VRI also has the added benefit of enabling visual communication, which allows the interpreter to understand non-verbal cues from the speaker and the participants. Video interpreting can be done with consecutive or simultaneous interpreters.
The Need for Interpretation Services for International Exchange
Language access is essential, but how, exactly, do interpreters provide value to international students and visiting professionals?
Remove Language Barrier
Participants visiting the US may speak English well, some English, or not at all. Providing interpretation services ensures that participants in these programs can make the most of their visit, engaging with what they see, asking questions, and communicating with one another. Without interpreters, these visits would be much quieter, less cultural exchange would happen, and effective communication would fall to any group member who does speak English.
Localized Meaning
Conveying messages from one language to another isn’t about a word-for-word exchange. Interpreters take the message and express it in a way that retains the original meaning while accommodating cultural differences. Language communicates cultures, values, and norms, and proper interpretation can help visitors better understand and appreciate American culture.
Inclusivity
Language access is inherent in inclusivity. It wouldn’t be fair for participants to take the time and energy to visit the US and not be able to understand what is being said during their visit or communicate with their peers. Professional interpretation services allow all people to participate fully in their visit, regardless of whether they speak English, creating a more positive, inclusive experience.
Cultural Diplomacy
Inviting bright students and rising professionals to the US isn’t about providing an opportunity to visit a beautiful country – it’s about exchanging cultural and cultural diplomacy between countries. Interpreters facilitate communication to help build mutual understanding and lasting relationships. Language access is the foundation of building trust and respect between the people hosting the tour and the participants.
Need Simultaneous Interpreters? Reach Out to JR Language Today
Study abroad programs like Study USA and IVLP create incredible opportunities to visit the United States, expand one’s understanding of the world, and build cross-cultural connections. JR Language’s professional interpretation services bridge the language gap so that every visitor can completely immerse themselves in the experience. We also provide translation services and localization options to strengthen communication across target language pairs.
JR Language is a comprehensive language services agency with decades of experience providing on-site and digital interpreting services in over 100 languages. Reach out to our team today for a free quote to get the process started and receive a customized language solutions plan.
