Update: I’m no longer living in Germany, and I’m not working as a professional translator anymore. Want the newest details? Check out my About page.
My name is Rachel. I am a professional Spanish to English translator from the U.S., and I am about to move to Aachen, Germany. Yes … Germany. Our move is scheduled for November 2011.
Wouldn’t I rather move to Spain? Sure! But when this opportunity arose, I jumped at it. I can’t wait to immerse myself in a new language and explore a new culture … and be only a short flight away from Barcelona.
Why Aachen?
When I was a student, I spent half a year living in Barcelona, Spain. I always wanted to go back and live there for a longer period of time, but it never worked out. When my partner received an offer to work in Aachen, we decided to go for it. It may not be Spain, but it’s close!
How do you work as a Spanish-English translator in Germany?
As a translator, my work is mostly location-independent. I am self-employed, working from home for clients around the world. Living in Germany, I will have to make an extra effort to maintain my language skills in both Spanish and English. However, I look forward to immersing myself in German and possibly coming out of this experience with a new working language. I am also excited to strengthen my ties with clients in Europe.
Expat Linguist 