Opportunity to Earn Money Using Chinese for US Residents

[Nathan Mao]

Just found out about this organization last week.

National Language Service Corps

 

It isn't full time, and it isn't really even part time.

 

You apply, and once your abilities are verified, if the govt needs someone with language abilities to deal with a crisis, they might call you up.  In some cases, they might even want to send you somewhere and pay expenses.

 

I have just applied, so I don't know how the process works or how long it takes, or even how much they pay.

 

However, going through the application process, it seems like you may be able to get a security clearance out of this. That could make it easier to get a linguist job with a contracting company.

 

You do have to be a US citizen or permanent resident, and they may end up asking you probing questions about allegiances and trips abroad.  But this might be a good opportunity to get your language ability certified, get a security clearance, and maybe even earn a little money.

[Nathan Mao]

I have completed the first few steps.

 

If you apply, they will contact you and ask you a few questions:

1) Are you a US citizen?

2) Are you willing to travel in the US or abroad?

 

I don't know if being unwilling to travel overseas is a deal-killer or not.

However, if you are a citizen and are willing to travel, you then move to the next phase, where you provide a self-assessment of your abilities in the non-English language(s) you know and in English.  

 

They will evaluate your self-assessment.

At this point, it sounds like they do no testing of your ability, they just take your word for it, and if your self-assessment pegs your abilities as sufficient, you are entered into the database.

Then when an opportunity (need for someone to translate/interpret) comes up, you (and many others with sufficient abilities) are contacted with the details.  The resumes of those who respond as willing & able are reviewed, and the required number are chosen.

 

However, sometimes the agency/organization that needs the linguist will have a requirement for you to take the DLPT or an Oral Proficiency Interview...that's one way to get a DoD certification of your abilities (for free!).

 

If your abilities are determined to be good enough,then they pay all your travel expenses plus a stipend of about $25/hour (for the actual language performance time, not travel or non-duty time).

 

I haven't heard anything more about the possibility of getting a security clearance, but the language certification itself should be helpful.

[Nathan Mao]

So I am an approved member now!

I had to sign a commitment letter, and fill out a self-assessment form.  One quick phone interview, and that's it.  You're in!

 

I haven't been contacted to work yet.  We'll see when/if that happens.

[imron]

Congrats.  Be sure to update once you know what sort of work they get you doing.