Peru is a country with a powerful tourism industry and one of the economies with the highest economic growth in the region. Companies require more and more translators. Translation has ceased to be an occasionally required profession, to a permanent job in companies. The steps to follow to become a translator in Peru are explained here.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Select a language
Step 1. Choose a language that you like
It is important that you think about what language you would like to learn fluently. It's a matter of getting inspired and realizing what culture you could connect with. A good way to do it is through the internet.
- Keep it simple and don't try to learn 2, 3 or 4 languages at the same time. It is advisable to start with just one.
- Take into account that in Peru the most popular languages for you to do translations are English and French. However, in recent years Italian, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese have become extremely in demand.
Step 2. Immerse yourself in the culture of the language
Start by watching movies in the original language in which you are interested, but with Spanish subtitles. Also, listen to music, play video games and read books in the language you are learning to connect even more with the culture.
- That Spanish is your mother tongue gives you a great advantage to learn Portuguese and Italian. The words are very similar and you can even understand them without knowing anything about them.
- For example, you can learn Portuguese in 6 months or less at the Cultural Center of Peru-Brazil.
Step 3. Find a fellow student
Having contact with a native person in the language you want to learn is very important. Especially if this person is learning Spanish. So they can help each other and get serious about studying.
To find a partner, use the Tandem app for iOS and Android. This app connects you with people who learn your language and who speak the language you want to learn. It has the option of chat, video call and voice message
Step 4. Stop thinking in Spanish
The main goal of becoming fluent in a language is to start thinking in this language. This helps you feel more comfortable speaking and writing. Also, the translation process will be easier because translations are not always literal and almost never are.
It is very likely that you have seen someone, friend or family member who has returned to Peru after many years of living in the United States speak in “Spanglish”. This happens because these people have stopped thinking in Spanish and have adopted the new language as their own. Therefore, they sometimes mix both languages when speaking
Step 5. Don't put writing aside
If you want to learn a new language you have to know the grammar backwards and forwards. Actually, grammar is one of the most difficult parts of translation. Therefore, dedicate your time and if you make a mistake or do not understand something, do not despair.
- Read grammar books, find free online classes, or finally study at an educational institution.
- It is normal for you to be wrong. It's a process and don't expect to learn everything in one day.
Step 6. Visit a country where they speak the language you have chosen
This increases your skills as a translator such as vocabulary, idioms, mannerisms, among many others. In addition, it connects you with the culture and its inhabitants. Also, improve your accent and pronunciation.
- You can get a temporary position abroad. Many countries offer temporary jobs.
- You can apply for a study abroad scholarship.
- There are also language programs for you to learn with native teachers in the country of your choice.
Part 2 of 3: Become a Certified Translator in Peru
Step 1. Select a university
In Peru there are only 4 universities that offer translation courses and they are affiliated with the College of Translators of Peru. These are the Ricardo Palma University (URP), the Feminine University of the Sacred Heart (UNIFÉ), the Cesar Vallejo University (UCV) and the University of Applied Sciences (UPC).
- Universities vary in price, curriculum, infrastructure, and location. So it would be good if you inquire at 4 o'clock to see which one best suits your needs.
- You do not have to live in the capital, a university offers the degree in its provincial headquarters.
Step 2. Dedicate yourself to study
Focus on your career and try to keep up with good grades. These are important for pursuing a major and obtaining future tuition. In addition, the effort you invest in your studies will be reflected in the quality of your translations.
- Do not put aside the study as your grades affect your future work.
- Don't aim to just pass courses with an 11. Always try to be the best!
Step 3. Get your tuition
After you finish your degree at the university of your choice and get your degree, it is important that you belong to the College of Translators of Peru (CTP). This allows you to be a certified translator in Peru. As well as gives you professional support in case you have a problem.
- If you are part of the CTP, you have your own seal to carry out your certified translations.
- By being part of the CTP you are part of the database of translators of Peru. That is, anyone who enters the CTP website can find your data and contact you to use your services.
Part 3 of 3: Tuition Requirements and Processes
Step 1. You must be Peruvian or resident in Peru
You have to present a copy of your identity document to apply for tuition.
- Although the 4 universities mentioned above are the only ones recognized in Peru by the CTP, that does not mean that you cannot apply for tuition if you have studied abroad.
- According to Peruvian regulations, you can only apply to the CTP if you have a professional translation degree (bachelor's degree).
Step 2. You need to fill out the forms provided by the CTP
You have to complete a registration and data sheet provided by the CTP. As well as another form provided by them to indicate when you would like to take your interview.
- Do not forget to make the payment for the right of incorporation. For an individual ceremony, you have to pay $ 550 and you can divide it into up to two installments. This payment covers the expenses of the swearing-in ceremony, the issuance of the collegiate diploma, the collegiate card, the medal of member of the order, the institutional pin, a copy of the institutional regulations and the 3 photos of the ceremony.
- You can also choose to pay $ 350 for a group ceremony with another group of translation graduates instead of having a personal one.
Step 3. You need to have your title handy
It is necessary that you deliver the professional title of Bachelor of Translation or its equivalent from the university where you studied, validated by SUNEDU. When opting for the professional title, the university gives you your diploma and it is very important to keep it in good condition. In the event that you lose it, you can request a new one at the university for a certain cost.
- Along with your title you must attach a proof of signature authentication and registration of the title issued by the National Superintendency of Higher University Education (Sunedu).
- You must present 2 photostatic copies of your professional degree authenticated by the general secretary of the university granting the degree.
- In addition, you must submit 2 front photographs, passport size in color on a white background and 2 photographs with the same characteristics in passport size.
Step 4. You need to submit your criminal background records
You need to present your criminal and judicial records. It is recommended that you measure your time since there is usually a fairly long queue at the Banco de la Nación. Also, for no reason do you throw away or lose your payment receipt.
- To get your criminal record, you can easily do it at the Banco de la Nación making a payment of 51.20 soles for the legal fee and 10 soles for delivery commission. You can visit the list of branches where this procedure can be done here. If you want to do it online, click here
- To get your legal record, you have to pay 37 soles at any Banco de la Nación branch. Then present yourself with the proof of payment and your ID at any of the places mentioned here
- As soon as you make your payment at the bank, take a photo of the receipt with your cell phone to avoid loss problems.
Step 5. You must write a resume
This is practically a resume. Here you have to put your educational training, work experience and personal data. It cannot pass all three sheets.
- Only write your most important works if you have too much information.
- For no reason do you lie on your resume!
Step 6. Attend the interview
After submitting all the aforementioned papers, you will be informed of the date of your interview at the CTP. This is very important to obtain tuition. Arrive early as punctuality is taken into account. You will also need to attend the certification course, if you want to be a certified translator.
- Dress formally for the interview.
- Be yourself, don't try to surprise.
- Just relax! Do not be nervous.
Step 7. Attend the ceremony
On the day of the ceremony you receive your CTP diploma, card and medal. In addition, you offer your greetings to the table of honor, take your oath and pose for the 3 official photos of the ceremony. Also, your loved ones are by your side to see you get your tuition.
- Before the ceremony you will be asked the name of the 3 guests that you would like to accompany you that day.
- Congratulations! You already have your own stamp and you are part of the database of registered translators in Peru.
Advice
- Try to learn at least one of these languages: English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese since they are the most commercial in Peru.
- Don't be afraid to stop studying one language and start another. Not all people like the same things and it is easy for them to study the same things.
- If you have questions about tuition, you can call the CTP at these numbers: 444-9084 or 444-9084.