Local companies face challenges when trying to convince foreign buyers to import Jeju products because of a shortage of interpreters on the island. Thanks to a new training course, locally-residing immigrants can now contribute to the island's export business. Mike Laidman reports on this win-win situation.
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Jeju Business Agency (Aug. 15)

At a classroom at the Jeju Business Agency a lecturer teaches trading terminology.

The students pay close attention, as this is an interpreter training course for export businesses organized by the Jeju Office of the Korea International Trade Association.

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Training course for export interpreters

The import and export industries require multilingual translators and interpreters. But in Jeju, it's not easy for local companies to find the right interpreter for the job.

This new training course was designed to train potential interpreters.

Interview
Myeong Ji-hoon / Korea International Trade Association
If we hire professional interpreters from the mainland for consultations between local firms and foreign buyers, we have to pay for their travel and accommodations. This training course will help to reduce costs.
[인터뷰 명지훈 / 한국무역협회 제주지부 과장]
"해외 바이어들과 수출 상담시 수도권에 거주하는 전문통역 인력을 초청할 경우 체제비 등 비용이 너무 많이 발생하는 것을 감안해서 이번 다문화가정 통역 인력양성사업을 추진하게 됐습니다. "

As the island expands its export items to include agricultural and processed products, more and more professional interpreters are being required.

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Participants satisfied with course

The course provides opportunities for potential interpreters to understand trading terminology and international trade.

Interview
Kim Sun-im / Chinese participant
I don't have much background knowledge in trade, so when I interpreted between local producers and Chinese buyers, I made a lot of literal translations. In this course I’ve learned trading terms and gained a little insight into that world.
[인터뷰 김순임 / 수강생(중국) ]
"전문용어도 그렇고 무역에 대해 잘 알지 못하다보니까 통역이 말을 그냥 옮기는 수준에 있었는데 이렇게 배우니까 이런 거였구나라고 많이 깨닫게 됐어요. "

Interview
Yi Cheon-ryong / Chinese participant
Whenever I interpret, I face difficulties trying to find the appropriate words. But now, thanks to this course, I know what to say.
[인터뷰 이천룡 / 수강생(중국) ]
"자주 통번역을 나가게 되면 지식이 많이 부족하다는 것을 느꼈는데 이번 수업을 통해서 앞으로 떳떳하게 통역할 수 있을 거라 생각합니다. "

[CAMERA] Kim Seung-cheol
[REPORT] Mike Laidman

More than 10,000 foreign immigrants live in Jeju.
They can make a big contribution to the province's export efforts because many already speak at least two languages and have an understanding of foreign buyer culture.

Mike Laidman, KCTV