Quote: (02-28-2012 10:57 AM)TudoBem Wrote:
Quote: (02-28-2012 10:51 AM)GiovanniRio Wrote:
Problem with Portuguese to especially English translations in Brazil, is that their are a load of US/UK estrangeiros who moved to Brazil and work as a) English teacher b) translator and most of the time, both. As they compete with each other, as well as with existing companies, prices are pretty low. Not mentioning yet the persuasion & especially creativity of a Brazilian company owner when it comes to prices & paying.
You best bet would be working together with the US trade offices in Brazil, befriend their people, so as soon a new company is interested in establishing some kind of trade relationship with Brazil, they'll advise you as a translator. Other option is to participate in the "A small world" or "Internations" events, and get in touch with other expats (many are CEO,...)
This all being said, I don't intend to break your idea down. I believe everything is possible if you have the right mindset & willingness to go for it.
PS. Maybe it would be good looking into a cooperation with someone who speaks Portuguese/Spanish => Chinese/German/Dutch/French/Arabic/...
I respectfully disagree.
The second and third tier cities of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, etc, are filled with mid level well educated professionals who are underemployed or unemployed.
These people will work for much less than some foreigner trying to live the American level lifestyle he is accostumed to in Brazil.
Some can be found on E-lance, but I believe I can do better than that.
I personally know people in Arequipa, Peru. There was a Portuguese language school there with several native Brazilian instructors who all were university educated and spoke and wrote in English/Portuguese/Spanish, and were getting paid crap, like 600-1000 soles a month. These people would happily translate anything for a few pennies a word. They don't even know what E-lance is and they operate on the local economy.
I am confident that I can undercut anyone on price while still maintaining a healthy profit margin.
Without wanting to go into a yes/no discussion... if you are Brazilian & speak fluent English, sure you'll be able to find a job which pays more then a translator job. Its way harder (for most almost impossible) for a foreigner to find a job in Brazil. Most of them still want to stay in the country though, and end up working at a joke income. Know lots of them...
Peru is a total different story.