1. Why do you charge at six-hour rates when interpretation is provided outside of Seoul?

When interpretation outside of Seoul commute times are long and thus is physically and mentally more demanding.

2. Are breaks included in the interpretation hours?

If there is a break during an event, interpreters cannot do other work. Yes, breaks are included in the interpretation hours.

3. What happens if the interpreter misinterprets?

Thus far, that has rarely happened. ITC puts its utmost effort in minimizing errors in interpretation. We select and recommend only highly qualified interpreters, send his/her career data and get feedback from the client. We only recommend qualified conference interpreters who have a master’s degree in interpretation.

4. Can the arranged interpreters be changed?

It rarely happens as a result of interpreters mis-scheduling. However, when the arranged interpreters cannot perform the service owing to unavoidable circumstances, we recommend other experienced interpreters.

5. Why should I pay an additional 50% fee for recording interpretation or an additional 100% fee for streaming interpretation?

According to the AIIC, interpreters have copyright over interpreted materials. In addition, recording or broadcasting puts a psychological burden on interpreters. Interpreters should pay more attention to performing interpretation services because the sound of recorded interpretation is totally different from that of interpretation on site. If you wish to record or stream the performances of conference interpreters, you should get their consent and pay the additional fees.

6. Who should I contact for interpretation equipment, such as booths and receivers?

We provide equipment for simultaneous interpretation at a much lower price by introducing partner companies.

7. Can I pay with a credit card?

You can only make a deposit without a bankbook after the bill is issued. If you request an interpretation service, you should pay the interpreter on the day.

8. Is there a fee difference depending on the interpreter’s career experience?

We apply the same rate for conference interpreters who have a master’s degree in interpretation.

9. Why is there a fee for a pre-meeting?

Having a pre-meeting ensures events go more smoothly. In addition, interpreters provide services at the pre-meeting.

10. Why should I pay a cancellation fee for cancelling arranged interpreters even if I didn’t use interpretation services?

The cancellation fee is paid for an arranged interpreter who missed out on the opportunity to do other interpretation work and spent time on preparing for the canceled conference.

11. Why does simultaneous interpretation require two interpreters?

Simultaneous interpretation requires a high level of intense concentration so, two interpreters are required to take it turns to translate in order to give the best possible service. Depending on the duration of meetings and the difficulty, three interpreters may be needed to be deployed.

12. Why should I provide conference materials to the interpreters?

Interpreters can provide a better interpretation service after studying conference materials given from the client in advance even if the translator has excellent language skills.

13. Why should I pay an additional fee for travel times excluding interpretation fees and allowances during business travel?

Interpreters are paid travel expenses to compensate for the loss of opportunity to take on other assignments during those days.

14. Why should I pay an additional 50% fee for interpretation when interpretation services are not needed on a certain day during a business trip?

Like the answer for question number 13, 50% of fees for interpretation are charged for an interpreter who miss opportunities to take on other assignments during those days.

15. Why should I provide the costs for the quickest means of transportation to minimize travel times for interpreters?

Interpretation requires a high level of intense concentration. Long commute times can make interpreters fatigued and undermine the quality of interpretation.

16. Why should I provide allowances for transportation and accommodation which excludes the 100,000 won allowance paid per day?

An allowance is charged for interpreters who provide interpretation services outside of Seoul. All reasonable expenses for services outside of Seoul should be paid by the client.

17. According to a conference agreement, the form is approved by the AIIC. What is the AIIC?

The AIIC was established on the 11th of November 1953 in Paris. The AIIC has its headquarter in Geneva and its members include a total of 2,500 conference interpreters in 81 countries.

18. Do you recommend conference interpreters who have a certification?

There is no official interpretation certification in Korea. We recommend qualified interpreters who have a master’s degree in interpretation.

19. What happens when interpreters leak interpreted confidential content?

Code of Professional Ethics lays down the standard of confidentiality in which interpreters are legally bound to keep all information confidential. All interpreters are carefully selected and are well educated on the rules of confidentially, hence, there has never been a problem with any of our previous clients.

20. Why should interpreters in a booth be able to watch the speaker?

Interpreters can perform much better while observing the speaker’s posture and gestures.

21. Can I assign only one interpreter out of two?

Collaboration between the two interpreters in the booth is very important in a mode of simultaneous interpretation. For smooth interpretation, a team of two interpreters who have a similar way of working is ideal. We have a pool of great conference interpreters, so we encourage you to use the interpreters that we recommend to ensure the quality of the interpretation service remains high.

22. Does an arranged interpreter translate conference materials?

Translation is a professional process which can be deemed as completely different from interpretation. You should pay a separate translation fee to a professional translator.