[Guide] Quick guide to hiring translators
Hi everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick guide on this topic as many have contacted me on kkt with questions on how to hire one or who should they hire. Initially i really didnt think i would hire a translator, thinking i would just wing it or perhaps use translation apps on my phone but when it...
forum.purseblog.com
How to hire someone to translate and guide me around Korea for plastic surgery?
I am extremely bad with directions and prone to getting lost. Even in the country I live in, I still have a hard time going to new places that are far away. If I have a new place to go to, I even practice driving there beforehand. I use google maps, and I still miss turns and go in circles just...
forum.purseblog.com
Hi,
My PS journey isn't at its end yet and I intended to post a longer review when that happens. I stumbled upon the 2 threads (linked above) and I thought it would be immediately impactful if I introduced a new interpreter I've been using. This will be a slightly long read, proportionate to what I'm confident can be gained from it.
To provide context, I speak fluent Mandarin and typically don't need an interpreter because nowadays the trend is for the popular Korean clinics to hire Chinese speaking staff, large migrant supply and large Influx of revenue from very demanding Chinese clients looking for the Korean aesthetic (and not just medical skill, compared to say the more ethnically western countries).
That being said, there are a small subset of popular Korean clinics that only speak Korean. More importantly, I find it immensely helpful to have a local accompany me along the journey. I don't think explaining this is necessary but I'll outline a few reasons anyway:
1) A clinic's clientele is the same as an interpreter's. In the presence of an interpreter they are far more likely to be responsible about the things they say and hold themselves accountable. In such a saturated industry, word of mouth is the most powerful advertising/marketing tool
2) Pictures and words can only convey so much. To be able to communicate in a contextually accurate and culturally appropriate manner demands significantly more than just being fluent in the language. Being a local and making a genuine effort to understand what your client is looking for counts for a lot
3) In the event that you require advocacy beyond just translations, the fee you're paying for this person will likely be worth several times as insurance
The following points can be replaced by joining a community, mostly on Kkt right now. This may not be possible because of the restrictions being placed on foreign accounts. That being said, someone who's helping you because she is being paid is likely to exhibit a different level of enthusiasm compared to a person who's doing it out of goodwill
1) Being in a foreign setting and not speaking the local language is an additional source of stress that you don't need. Especially when you're an emotionally and physically vulnerable state
2) Having someone to answer your questions about preparing, how to research, etc brings you immediately up to speed with the entire process
3) The cosmetic surgery industry in Korea is highly competitive. A person who can share her experiences with various clinics can be helpful assuming she's objective and neutral
I've used 2 translators in the past. Ryan and Selena. The former is well known in this community and his wife does lymphatic massages which may be helpful for those are interested in lyposuction. This time, I decided to go with Selena (kkt ID: sjungh) because Ryan was on holiday and I didn't want to bother him too much, and Selena had a few reviews from the community on kkt. Here is mine.
I engaged Selena not only for clinic translations but also for other cosmetic translation services. She's lived, studied and worked abroad and charges transparently. I prefer this to the more mercenary approach adopted by others. She was able to convey my intent to the doctor with the help of visual aids. Having gone for more than 5 procedures now, I'm reasonably able to tell if the doctor doesn't get it, and she made sure to remind me of points discussed before which I later left out. She went further by furnishing me with her own observations about the consultation.
All in all I felt she treated me genuinely and not just a business product. For others, she's helped out with ordering food and delivery. The thing I appreciated the most about her and which is a big part of why I'm writing this is that I ran into a pretty tight situation this time and she remained with me throughout the few crucial hours.
The only thing is that she's only about half a year in. Personally I consider that a plus because it means she is far less likely to have any sort of pre established relationship with any clinic. In fact, she never suggested any clinic to me and only commented based on what happened during the specific consultations themselves. Another plus point that's more personal to me is that I find girls (especially those who are new to the job) in Korea to be more hardworking and zealous to prove themselves. And she shares the same skepticism about the popular English clinics like me
I'll definitely be using her again in future. Her kkt id is sjungh and if she asks just tell her you saw this thread on pf
