San Jose Translation and Interpretation Services

Costa Rica has always been known as a lush and vibrant coastal country, with rich culture, coffee, and tropical rain forests. Today, its compelling geography, warm climate, and laid-back way of life draws Americans and other foreigners alike for tourism, retirement, and corporate events.

The simultaneous interpreters and translators at Chang-Castillo and Associates provide platinum standard language solutions in San Jose and throughout Costa Rica. We support international corporations, NGOs, and tech industry professionals in navigating the language and cultural differences while they find common ground with prospects and associates.

Located in the heart of Latin America, the variety of the Spanish language spoken in Costa Rica differs from other Spanish variants such as Castilian (European) Spanish. Communicating your brand’s message with the natural flow and ease your target audience responds to relies on native speaking interpreters and translators who understand the nuances of Costa Rican culture, phrases, idioms, political ideologies, etc.

The interpreters and translators at Chang-Castillo and Associates (CCA) know Costa Rica in and out, and we can meet your team online or anywhere as you prepare your itinerary and we accommodate your language services needs.

Professional translation

Our translators can get to work before-hand or once you arrive, to ensure your documents, marketing materials, speeches, corporate communications, medical or legal documents, and other vital text are accurately translated from English to Spanish, or any other target language you request.

Don’t forget to ask us about our subtitling and transcription services, which can transform your English video content into multilingual ROI powerhouses.

Simultaneous interpretation

Are you hosting or attending an event with a large-format conference, summit, or presentation requiring simultaneous interpretation? Our team of interpreters are highly educated, trained and experienced at delivering 100% accurate, seamless, real-time interpretation.

Consecutive interpretation

Interested in participating in smaller group meetings, social events, and outings, or negotiating key business agreements during your stay in Central America? Our consecutive interpreters are just as comfortable in a conference or boardroom as they are on a jungle trek or regional coffee farm tasting events.

Interpreting rental equipment

Even if your prospective venue “guarantees” on-site interpreting equipment, we highly recommend renting your own to be on the safe side. Your company’s reputation is on the line, and that can feel quite literal when on-site interpreting equipment fails, isn’t available as expected, or produces invasive static or interference that stymies communication. The interpreting rental equipment from CCA is top-of-the-line, impeccably maintained, and accompanied by a designated conference technician to eliminate potential glitches.

Teleconferences

Teleconferencing offers an affordable way to communicate “face-to-face” with local San Jose colleagues, partners, and prospects before, during and after the event. Developing personal relationships is a critical part of a Costa Rican business strategy, and teleconferencing builds loyalty and trust your competitors can’t compete with.

We can support medical technology and pharmaceutical companies

Costa Rica’s business economy is transforming before the world’s eyes. In addition to its booming tourism and property development (largely the result of its increasing ex-pat retirement population), the TMF Group states that Costa Rica “has been transformed from a reliance on agriculture to a diverse, modern, thriving economy where the leading export is medical devices.” And, since Costa Rica is still considered a developing country – albeit a safe one – it is not without its fair share of multinational business challenges.

The professional linguists at CCA are not only adept at navigating the business challenges presented by developing countries and cultures that view business negotiations differently from the American way, but we also have linguists specializing in the medical arena, including the med-tech and pharmaceutical industries.

Those highly specific, niche industries demand the linguistic expertise of conference interpreters and professional translators who care as much about your company’s success as you do.

Working with language solutions specialists you can count on

There are several steps you can take to ensure your interpreters and translators have the level of education, training, and working experience your company requires in San Jose, Costa Rica. Keep in mind that many of the interpreters advertising as “Spanish interpreters” are actually community interpreters rather than professional conference interpreters. There is a notable difference between the two. For corporate level and/or sensitive communications, especially requiring diplomacy, always look for professional conference interpreters rather than community interpreters to benefit from the executive-level performance you’re looking for.

Proof of credentials

Your team of linguists should be happy to provide you with a resume demonstrating their education, experience, and memberships with peer-reviewed, industry organizations. Things to look for include:

• Graduate-level degree from renowned linguistics programs around the world
• Membership with organizations such as TAALS or AIIC
• Proof of five years (approximately 200 hours) of conference interpreting experience

Professional looks, presentation, and comportment

Every time you meet in person with your interpreters and/or translators, they should look, dress, and act professionally – and with the utmost confidentiality. In the industry, we refer to this as the interpreter’s code. You should feel 100% confident that you can trust your brand’s image and reputation to their expertise, including sensitive or proprietary information.

Learning about your company

Finally, interpreters and translators should have a hungry desire to learn all they can about your company so their language, tone, and nuance is aligned with your brand’s reputation. This includes borrowing materials and copying or creating style guides and glossaries so your language becomes their language.

At Chang-Castillo and Associates, we provide all of the above to our prospects, and look forward to showing you why we’ve earned a reputation for being the platinum standard in our industry. Contact us to learn more about how we can facilitate communication in Costa Rica, and to obtain a competitive estimate.