Introduction
Today, the world is like a big family where big companies work together from many different cultures. People who work in these companies often go to different countries and stay there for a long time. Because of this, there are more jobs for people who are experts in foreign languages.
Knowing another language well is now really important if you want to move ahead in your career. Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese (Mandarin) are the most pursued foreign languages.
So, if you are the one who likes to learn something new, a career as a Foreign Language Expert can be a good career choice.
Who is a Foreign Language Expert?
Foreign Language Experts have a deep understanding and proficiency in a language that is not their native tongue. These individuals possess strong language skills, cultural awareness, and practical experience that enables them to communicate in a foreign language with native speakers effectively.
Their expertise allows them to serve as interpreters, translators, language teachers, or even cultural ambassadors, playing a vital role in bridging communication gaps and promoting cross-cultural connections.
Career Scope as Foreign Language Expert
Foreign Language Experts have a vast career scope due to globalisation. Now more and more Indian companies are going for mergers and acquisitions with global companies.
This is where the role of a Foreign Language Expert comes into play. He communicates effectively and helps to have a smooth communication process, thereby ensuring that cultural and linguistic barriers are overcome. Further, their expertise strengthens stronger international relationships, business efficiency, and effectiveness in a globalised marketplace.
Role & Responsibilities of Foreign Language Expert
The primary responsibility of a Foreign Language Expert is to translate or communicate between individuals who speak different languages.
He facilitates communication or translation between speakers of various languages. During conversations, they make sure everyone understands each other’s ideas and points of view. They also help bridge cultural gaps and make sure messages are clear across different languages and cultures.
Employment Scope Career Options for Foreign Language Expert
Foreign Language Experts have diverse opportunities across various sectors. They can work in numerous industries like entertainment, media, personal relations, travel and tourism, education, IT, BPO/KPO, etc.
Foreign Language Experts can work in various roles such as Interpreter, Translator, tourist guide, Transcriptor, Editor, etc.
Some of the popular corporate companies that hire Foreign Language Experts include:
- Urban Pro
- Department of Tourism
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Infosys
- Tata Consultancy
- Tech Mahindra
- Wipro
- TCS
- Amazon
- Genpact, etc.
Salary Range
The salary of a Foreign Language Expert in India can vary depending on factors such as experience, language proficiency, location, and employer.
Foreign Language Experts can get a package of 3 to 5 lacs per annum in India as. A fresher. However, their earning potential may increase substantially with experience.
Salaries may also differ based on the industry in which they work. For example, those employed in IT, BPOs, or multinational corporations may command higher salaries compared to those in education or non-profit sectors.
Eligibility Criteria
The first and foremost criterion to enrol for an undergraduate degree course for foreign language is to complete grade 12 with a minimum of 45% marks from any stream and from a recognised board.
Candidates who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in any particular foreign language need to hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 45% marks.
In addition, candidates are also required to fulfil any additional criteria as set by the individual institute in which they wish to seek admission.
How to Become a Foreign Language Expert?
In India, numerous institutes provide foreign language courses. You can enrol for short-term and long-term programs, as well as degrees, diplomas, and certifications, as per your choice and need.
Students can apply online through the course website for online foreign language courses.
For offline courses, you’ll need to visit the institution. There aren’t any specific rules for online courses, but knowing a bit about the language and being eager to learn is helpful. However, some colleges may require at least 45% marks in grade 12 for their certificate programs.
Aspiring students can also achieve different levels of certification or diplomas in a language by passing specific exams. For instance, they can take the DELF/DALF exams for the French language. Such certifications can make you stand apart from other students and give you a competitive edge while applying for jobs.
Entrance Exam for Foreign Language Expert
Most of the institutions in India give admission on merit or direct entry to candidates enrolling for foreign language courses. However, some institutions conduct entrance exams to shortlist the candidates.
JMI, BHU UET, BHU PET, DUET, etc. are some of the common entrance exams conducted for seeking admission to foreign language courses.
Skills Required to Become a Foreign Language Expert
Foreign Language Experts need a mastery of the particular foreign languages in which they specialise.
Apart from that, they also need skills such as good communication and interpersonal skills, translation and interpretation skills, teaching skills, cultural knowledge, oratory and public speaking skills, networking skills, and technological expertise.
Top Colleges for Foreign Language Expert
There are many institutions in India and abroad that provide foreign language courses. These institutions have full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree courses.
Some of the top institutions in India that offer foreign language courses are listed below:
- French at Alliance Francaise de, Mumbai
- German at Goethe Institute (Max Mueller Bhavan), Kala Ghoda – Mumbai
- Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Tardeo
- Confucius Chinese Institute (Mumbai University), Kalina
- Fujiwara Japanese Language Institute, Mumbai
- Cambridge Institute, Mumbai
- Excel Academy in Andheri and Malad, Mumbai
- IGNOU
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- University of Delhi
- Second Tongue language school in Vashi – Navi Mumbai & Ghatkopar (E).
Top International institutes for foreign languages are:
- Universitat Rivora, Virgili
- University of Glasgow, UK
- University of Groningen, Netherlands
- DePaul University, USA
- Steinhardt, New York
- Murdoch University, Australia, etc.
Usually, most of the candidates complete their graduation and learn a foreign language from nearby private teachers to expand their skill set and increase their competitiveness in the global job market.
However, it entirely depends on you whether you wish to complete a full-time course or just learn a foreign language of your choice from a private tutor.
Fees for Foreign Language Courses
The fees for a foreign language course can vary depending on factors such as the institution offering the course, the duration of the program, the level of instruction, and the language being studied.
The fees in India usually vary between 50k to 2.5 lacs. Government colleges usually charge less than the private institutions.
Also, some institutions may offer scholarships or financial aid options to help students afford the program.
Conclusion
Foreign Language Expert can be a rewarding career for individuals who have an interest in learning something new and exciting. By mastering a foreign language, individuals can enhance communication skills, broaden cultural understanding, and increase their competitiveness in the global job market. With dedication and practice, acquiring proficiency in a foreign language can lead to rewarding experiences and new connections worldwide.