In the 2016-17 School Year, the U.S. hosted 1.1. million of the 4.6 million international students enrolled in higher education institutions. For international students and English Language Learning (ELL) students, language interpretation in education settings is not only beneficial but a necessity as language diversity continues to grow in the United States, as more international students enroll in public schools and universities around the country, and especially given the need for distance learning amidst the COVID-19 health crisis. Communication is important, especially in times of crisis. Language services for higher education are even more crucial now, as many institutions across the country move to online platforms for distance learning.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, schools must ensure that students who are learning English have equal opportunity to progress academically. Language services for higher education help ensure that students who are learning English are receiving the language support they need to progress in school.
Propio Language Services provides Video Remote and Phone Interpreting Services, as well as Translation Services, to empower education systems, including institutions of higher education (IHEs), to overcome language barriers.
Language Services for Higher Education: Who We Help
In addition to K-12 education and responding to the needs of U.S. school districts, institutions of higher education serving ELL, limited-English proficient (LEP), refugee, and international students require interpretation and translation services to remain Title IV compliant. Interpreters and translators may also be necessary to communicate effectively with non-English speaking families and LEP communities. The following IHE’s may experience a greater need for language services to support distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Colleges and universities
- Liberal arts colleges
- Graduate schools
- Community colleges
- Institutes of technology
- Trade schools
Students Who May Require Language Services
- Students not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English
- Students who come from environments where a language other than English is dominant
- Students with difficulty speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language
- Students from environments where a language other than English has had a significant impact on his/her level of English language proficiency
The Need for Language Services in Higher Education
- Second-generation Americans, children born in the United States to immigrant parents, account for almost 20% of all U.S. college students. Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education
- Around 24% of community college students are second-generation Americans. Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education
- international students in the U.S. more than doubled. Migration Policy Institute
- In SY 2016–17, international students contributed nearly $37 billion to the U.S. economy and created or supported more than 450,000 jobs, according to NAFSA estimates. Migration Policy Institute
- The United States hosted 1.1. million (of the 4.6 million) international students enrolled in higher education institutions for SY 2016-17. Migration Policy Institute
Image Source: Institute of International Education (IIE)
Top 10 Countries of Origin for International Students (SY 2016–17)
- 1. China, 351,000
- 2. India, 186,000
- 3. South Korea, 59,000
- 4. Saudi Arabia, 53,000
- 5. Canada, 27,000
- 6. Vietnam, 22,000
- 7. Taiwan, 22,000
- 8. Japan, 19,000
- 9. Mexico, 17,000
- 10. Brazil, 13,000
*The share of international students from other countries was 311,000, or 28% of all international students.
States with the Largest International Students Population and % of U.S. Share (SY 2016–17)
- 1. California, 14.5%
- 2. New York, 11%
- 3. Texas, 7.9%
- 4. Massachusetts, 5.8%
- 5. Illinois, 4.8%
- 6. Pennsylvania, 4.7%
- 7. Florida, 4.2%
- 8. Ohio, 3.6%
- 9. Michigan, 3.2%
- 10. Indiana, 2.8%
*Other states accounted for 37.3% of the U.S. total for international students.
Language Services for Higher Education: Solutions for Distance Learning and On-Campus Learning
Propio Language Services provides complete language services for higher education institutions, including:
- Telephonic Interpretation (Over-the-Phone)
- Video Remote Interpretation
- Translation Services
- On-Site Interpretation
Live interpreters can be added in seconds to provide language interpretation in educational videos, phone meetings, and live virtual lessons using videoconferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype, Webex or any other virtual learning platform.
Propio Language Services can provide phone interpreters or video remote interpreters in 350 spoken languages, and American Sign Language (VRI) to communicate with students, families, communities, and staff in need of language interpretation. Translation services are also available to provide translated lessons, written communications, COVID-19 notices, etc. All translators with whom we contract for education projects are subject-matter experts with experience translating for educational institutions.
Over-the-Phone and Video Remote Interpreters for Higher Education
Propio Telephonic Interpretation and Video Remote Interpretation give educators on-demand access to professional interpreters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether it’s a scheduled meeting or an unexpected call, a video interpreter or over-the-phone interpreter can be easily added to any call or videoconferencing application, with no special equipment needed. While telephonic interpretation is a perfect solution for spoken languages, video remote interpretation (VRI) has the benefit of visual communication with the interpreter, offering the ability to see the facial expressions of students/families, ensuring a more personal interaction, and providing a high level of accuracy. Because of the visual aspect, VRI can be used for spoken languages as well as American Sign Language to serve Limited English Proficient, and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students and communities.
Professional Interpreters: Propio Language Services interpreters are 100% U.S. based and superior-trained to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality interpretations – every time! Propio’s education interpreters are tested and trained to interpret for the education industry. Nationally accepted codes of ethics and standards of practice are routinely reviewed throughout the interpreter’s training to ensure the highest quality services.
Fast Connections: Over-the-Phone Interpreting and Video Remote Interpreting Services are available around the clock, 24/7 to take critical inbound calls. Propio’s proprietary technology allows us to provide the fastest connect times in the industry with zero interruption in service. With our technological capabilities, we are able to utilize automated dialing features that ensure a fast connection time for all of our clients, regardless of organizational size.
Access from Anywhere: Propio’s remote interpreting services can be accessed globally. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll always have access to a professional interpreter.
Document Translation for Distance Learning
For appropriate language access in academic settings, written materials communicating with Limited English Proficient students should be professionally translated.
Commonly Translated Documents for Higher Education:
- Diplomas of professional education and higher education
- Academic references
- Academic publications
- Campus Information and Student Services
- Financial Aid Information
- Enrollment and Registration Information
- Brochures, Marketing, and Pamphlets
- Course Descriptions and Class Schedules
- Legal Documents
- GPA and Transcript Request Forms
- Testing/Lecture Materials
- Community Notices and Bulletins
- Distance Learning Materials and Instructions
- COVID-19 and Public Health Notices
Propio Language Services Document Translation Services are 100% human translations, and our translators are subject matter experts to ensure the highest level of accuracy in education settings.
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Propio is offering all new contracts our language interpretation and translation services with no contract required. You will pay ONLY for the minutes you use, and there are no minimum requirements.
Quick and Easy Account Set-up
Account set-up can be done remotely and completed in minutes. You can begin offering your communities over-the-phone, or video interpretation and translation services the same day you call – with the equipment you likely already own!
Free Support Materials and Staff Training
Propio Language Services can also provide free customized electronic, and printed, reference material for you to distribute to your families, communities, and staff. Unlimited staff training can be conducted via webinar or conference call to ensure efficient use of services.
Call 1 -913-381-3143, or contact us to begin services today!
Language Interpretation in Education Whitepaper features information to help your organization:
- Differentiate needs regarding language services for higher education and K-12 education
- Understand the legal requirements of providing language services for higher education and K-12 education.
- Select a qualified language service provider.
Author Hayley Emmons details the need for language support for ELL, ESL, and bilingual students and families, she provides an in-depth understanding of federal regulations for education systems, as well as academic applications for K-12 and higher education environments. Understand the role of a language service provider in supporting language needs and how to select a qualified partner for your needs.
Language services for higher education, including distance learning, online learning, educational tutorials, and community outreach are available to help your institution communicate in over 300 languages.
Propio Language Services has been providing customers with the highest quality of language service since 1991. We support 350 languages, 24x7x365 utilizing 6,000+ U.S.-based interpreters. Propio Language Services currently supports over 8,000 accounts around the world – in all industries. Services include over-the-phone, on-site and video remote interpretation, as well as document translations, interpreter management and scheduling, reporting, invoicing, language assessment evaluations, and much more.
Contact us for more information, or schedule a free demo to address your questions about language support for your organization.
6,000+ interpreters ready to speak in over 350 languages! On-demand interpreting solutions available 24/7, 365 days a year.
