FAQs

The FAQs are split into different sections to make it easier to find the answer to any specific question you may have. The Translations FAQs are at the end of the In Languages FAQs.

In Languages

Section 1 - Evening Classes

Section 2 - Cyber Teachers and Telephone Language lessons

  • How do the telephone classes work?

Section 3 - Lunchtime Language Clubs

  • How do I organise a French Language Club at Lunchtime?

Translation services

Section: Rates

Section: General issues

 

In Languages

What's the difference between a Survival and the Academic Programme?

The Survival Programme is designed for those who are complete beginners and wish to study for a short period of time, 6 weeks, to learn enough practical language to be able to communicate in simple situations should they go to that country, on holiday for example. The teaching approach put emphasis on oral communication and practical cultural differences. The Academic Programme is designed for those who wish to study for a longer period of time, 11 weeks, and would like to develop all their skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The course is structured so that students can continue study throughout the year by offering 4 terms a year with short breaks in between.

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Are the teachers fully qualified and experienced?

All our teachers at our Modern languages centre are all fully qualified native speakers with extensive experience in teaching general and business language to groups and individuals. They are all highly motivated and are trained in a variety of techniques and approaches. Many of our staff are also involved in our teacher training programmes and are qualified and experienced teacher trainers.

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What qualification do I get at the end of the course?

All our courses have a general focus. Their main objective is to improve your ability to communicate accurately and effectively. If you wish to take an exam, please contact the relevant cultural institute.

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Are these courses GCSE equivalent?

In most cases a GCSE level is the equivalent to our elementary level. Because the standard of GCSE varies depending on language and institution, we recommend you take our test on line.

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What if I select the wrong level?

The first lesson will be a diagnostic lesson so that the teacher can properly assess students’ level and needs. After the first lesson the office will make sure that every student is in the most appropriate level.

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Can I go into the intermediate class after beginners?

We offer 8 different levels in our Modern Languages Department. Please find more details on Full level chart, situated on the right hand side of the page on our Academic programmes.

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I am a beginner. Will the teacher translate in English?

Our teachers are trained to maximise your exposure to the target language during your lessons so to give you every opportunity to learn and practice the language of your choice. The teacher is able to clarify meaning through the effective use of teaching aids like pictures and mime. As all the language taught is related to a specific topic, it easy to understand the meaning of the new language, even without translation.

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What is the difference between the Survival once a week and the Survival twice a week?

The Survival once a week covers 6 topics in 6 lessons where the twice a week option covers 12 topics in 12 lessons.

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What can I do if I wish to continue after finishing the Survival course?

If you have just finished the Survival once a week you should join the Academic Programme at Beginners level. Some parts will be similar but in the Academic Programme you will learn the basic structures of the language, so you will work on all the 4 skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and grammar. If you have just finished the Survival twice a week you should join the Academic Programme at Beginners Continuation level.

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Translation Services

Can you translate the gist of a text ?

Sometimes clients need a service which is a ‘For-information translation’ where you need to know what it says but don’t need to have a word perfect translation, which we term ‘For-publication’. You can always get a machine translation for free, but it is not an ideal solution.  This cheaper option lets you understand basic texts at very reasonable rates. For more information please contact us.

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How quickly can you turn round a translation?

A good translator working from good quality source copy can complete between on average 2000 words of text per day which normally allows enough time for proofreading and editing. For urgent assignments we can use more than one translators.  If you have a tight deadline, send us the text by email (and let us know it's urgent!) we'll give you an achievable turnaround time.

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What format do we email projects to you in?

The most popular format is MS Word files or PDFs by email.  To be honest very few send hardcopies, although we can handle these too. Please check with us if you have any other format.

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What format will you return the files to me in?

For the majority of cases we will send your translations as Word, Excel or PowerPoint files.

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Can you translate letters from my friend?

In a word No. We only provide translations for corporate clients and charitable organisations. Your best bet is to find a local private translator.

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Section: Rates

How much do you charge?

The price of a translation depends on the source language that you are working from and the target language that you are working into, as well as of course the length of the translation and most importantly the type of translation needed – medical, legal, technical, etc and how quickly it is needed!

You will ONLY pay for the number of words translated – there are no hidden fees. Some languages, such as Chinese and Japanese, are always invoiced against the English source or target count .

The best thing is to email us or call us.

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Section: General issues

Is there a wide fluctuation in word count when translating from English?

Many of the European Romance languages (Italian, French, Spanish, etc) are more wordy than English and can expand by as much as 25 or even 30 percent. German is also about 30% longer on average.  However the Slavonic languages are far more concise and will only expand by a modest amount. There are some languages, like Finnish, which will even contract!

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What are your procedures for safeguarding confidential information?

Please read our privacy statement here.

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Where is InTranslation based?

In Translation is trading name of In Languages Ltd, based in EC2 London.  The company no. is 05630925

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How do I become a translator with InTranslation?

We are interested in talking to new translators with specific skill sets.  If you have recognised qualifications and at least three years experience then please visit our jobs page to apply.

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