As the socioeconomic situation in Eastern Europe evolves, the need for speakers of Eastern European languages is expected to grow as well. The study of foreign languages has also been long recognized as a way to overcome cultural isolation and to enhance the pleasure to be derived from travel, literature, and the arts. They must have perfect or near-perfect command of both languages, and be able to understand the subject matter under discussion. Interpretation requires a far better knowledge of foreign languages than can be obtained in a four-year degree program. Work in graduate school and living for periods of time in the countries whose languages are being spoken are highly recommended.
Translators are professional writers who convert one written language into a second language.
The professional translator must be able to prepare a complete and accurate translation written in a style appropriate for its intended use. Teachers of European languages at the secondary level are often required to be able to teach two languages. Teaching positions in community colleges require a master s degree and a Ph.D. is required for positions in universities. Language Specialists are hired by multi-national businesses that offer positions to people who speak foreign languages, especially those who have business or technical skills. Journalists are sometimes hired by virtue of their ability to speak and write a foreign language and are trained to work for the specific publication or broadcast media organization that hires them.