Learn
Learn on the go, apply for degrees programmes all around the world, or figure out how to get into literary translation!
Formal degrees
Study Portals is the world’s most comprehensive university course finder. Start your search for official translation degree programmes right here!
Click the level that’s right for you - from here, you can filter your search further by country, tuition fee, and specialisation.
Online translation courses
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Coursera partners with almost 300 universities and companies to offer both free courses and paid-for specialisations.
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Open Learn is Open University's catalogue of free courses. Its ‘Translation as a Career’ course is a wonderful introduction to the profession itself.
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Translators without Borders pairs language volunteers with essential humanitarian initiatives. Join up to develop skills through their Learning Center!
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FutureLearn is a UK-based social learning champion that offers everything from microcredentials to full degrees.
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Need guidance on how to run your business? Then check out Skillshare, a platform for entrepreneurs keen on sharing what they know.
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EdX was founded in 2012 by Harvard University and MIT. Today, it meets the learning needs of over 100 million people!
Language learning tools
Dozens of linguistics experts have developed the Babbel Method for learning languages.
Today, Babbel offers mobile apps and live tutorials to anyone looking to learn Spanish, Norwegian, Indonesian, and more. Click the button below to join millions of satisfied subscribers!
Rosetta Stone has spent three decades developing its immersive language learning experience for 20+ languages. Now, it offers live tutorials and streamed sessions, as well as Android and iPhone apps. Follow the link to start your own language learning journey!
Duolingo (available as a web app and a mobile app) features mini-tutorials, multimedia, and AI-based reminders to support your language learning journey. What's more: it does so free of charge! Join over half a billion learners of 30+ languages below!
Career Tools
General resources
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The job board Indeed has helpfully created a CV template for translators, available here.
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Make sure to work through this 9-point checklist on how to edit your work before sending it to a client. As an aside, creating an account with Grammarly, an AI-based proofreading service, is a good way to take your editing practice to the next level.
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The productivity app Asana has developed lots of aids for anyone looking to become more effective, including this resource library.
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Worried about what sitting at the desk all day is doing to your health? Not to worry - FitOn, a free fitness app, features an ‘At Work’ series with lots of 5-10 minute ‘exercise snacks’.
Literary translation toolkit
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If the book translation process is a mystery to you, treat yourself to this wonderful guide developed by the British Centre for Literary Translation, Society of Authors, and more.
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Ready to pitch a book translation to publishers, but not sure how? Have a look at renowned translator Ros Schwartz’s advice sheet here, also available as a ready-to-use Word template.
As of January 2023, you can also apply for a Momentum Grant worth USD 3,000 to prepare a translation proposal if:
1) You want to translate literary work into English and
2) You have yet to publish a full-volume translation.
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To give your translation proposal the best chance, find out what publishers - and specifically acquisitions editors - want from a book.
If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s a list of 100+ publishers accepting unsolicited proposals (last updated: December 2023).
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Before agreeing to final terms with a publisher, be sure to read over this model contract and this negotiator’s checklist.