[J_89]

Hi guys,

I have a couple of questions about the Fast Stream and working for the EU as a translator.

I am currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at a European university (but I am English).

I have a German A-level, and speak working level French and Italian (although despite having worked in both these countries, neither of them are yet A-level standard, pretty good though).

I would like to work for the British/EU govt either in diplomacy or as a translator. Would either of these options be spossible with my background?

More specifically:

1. Does the Fast Stream (diplomacy) require a degree from a top English uni? I realise this won't be a stated requirement formally, but is that what they usually look for in applicants?

2. The translator guidelines are vague in that they state that you must have knowledge of two European languages but they do not say if one of them may be English or not. If I studied hard this year I could get my Italian up to A-level standard, but obviously I have a degree in neither German nor Italian. Does that matter?

Thanks a lot for any help. I was going to post this in the Fast Stream 2012, but as I'm not applying in 2012 and just want a couple of questions answering, I figured it would be better to post it alone.

[gt94sss2]

(Original post by J_89)
1. Does the Fast Stream (diplomacy) require a degree from a top English uni? I realise this won't be a stated requirement formally, but is that what they usually look for in applicants?

No - the Fast Stream process is competitive but they won't care what university you went to or what your degree was.

With your knowledge of languages, you may also want to consider the European Fast Stream, as well as the Diplomatic Service.