To lower language barriers for foreign blood donors, the Korean Red Cross Blood Services is running the Korea Translation & Interpreting Supporters program. As donation campaigns spread across university districts and campuses to create safe, welcoming donation environments, student volunteers at CBNU are assisting with interpretation, guidance, and clear explanations of safe donation procedures—boosting participation in the process. CBT reporters interviewed program coordinators, on-campus supporters, and foreign participants who received interpreting support to hear about program operations, activities, and their experiences.

  The Korean Red Cross will operate the supporters’ program throughout 2025, providing on-site interpreting for foreign donors, translation of documents, and promotional activities. Built on partnerships with universities, the program is designed to offer interpretation at reception and medical screening, translation of blood-service documents, interpretation at international events and visits, and outreach to foreign residents in Korea. Activities are primarily conducted in the volunteer’s assigned region, with cross-regional support available as needed.

  According to the official notice, the activity period runs from Jan. to Dec. 2025, with applications accepted from Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025. Applicants are required to be at least 19 years old and have English proficiency equivalent to a TOEIC score of 700 or a New TEPS score of 265. Students majoring in English translation or interpreting may apply without submitting an official test score.

  Explaining the program’s purpose, a Korean Red Cross official Jeon Young-jin said, “This was created to provide practical help to foreigners who want to donate but hesitate because they are not confident in Korean.” Jeon emphasized that “For privacy and other reasons, friends or family members cannot interpret during the medical questionnaire stage, so trained third-party volunteer interpreters are institutionally necessary.” Jeon added, “As the number of foreign donations has grown markedly in recent years, the demand for interpreting has risen in track,” noting that “Since the Korean Immigration Integration Program (KIIP) recognizes blood donation, it also serves as an avenue for community engagement.”

  Once an application is received, coordinators assign foreign donors with supporters on a rotating basis; the supporter then directly contacts the donor and provides in-person interpreting at a blood center or group-donation site. Translation and promotional tasks are allocated as needed to interested participants. Supporters are clearly instructed on their role boundaries and are prohibited from making medical judgments or performing any medical procedures.

  Park Su-min (Dept. of Forest Science, 21), a CBNU supporter, has shown sustained interest in blood donation since middle school, having donated eight times and volunteered at the blood center. “I applied because I was inspired by the idea of facilitating blood donation through language, and have cared about blood donation for a long time,” Park said.

  Park served as an on-site interpreter at the World Blood Donor Day events held in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul, from June 13 to 15, assisting foreign visitors with directions and program information. “Watching people proceed from the event to the bloodmobile and donate in real time made me feel how essential interpreting is,” Park recalled. Among her most memorable moments were meeting a donor who adjusted their travel schedule to donate before leaving, another who hoped to complete their 13th donation in Korea before returning home, and a first-time donor who overcame a fear of needles.

  Park added, “It was rewarding to apply the skills I have built through The Chungbuk Times and translation/interpreting training,” noting that “Because of Chungbuk’s regional characteristics, opportunities to meet foreign donors can be relatively limited, so more local outreach is needed.”

  Hind Aboussabr (30, Morocco), who donated with the help of an interpreter, learned about the program through her husband, “The idea that foreigners can donate more easily in Korea felt meaningful,” she said. When choosing between a safety course and blood donation under the KIIP, she added, “I opted to donate because I wanted to do something that helps people.” Aboussabr described her experience positively: “Supporter Park was kind, patient, and professional. She explained each step clearly, and I felt comfortable from start to finish.” She added, “The service is already excellent, but I hope awareness and outreach expand so more foreigners can learn about it.”

  On the ground, stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for standardized interpreting during the questionnaire and better access to multilingual information. At the university level, because recruitment, training, and placement are closely linked to operational efficiency, some call for establishing a standing cooperation channel between universities and the Korean Red Cross, strengthening local outreach to address regional demand gaps, and continuously updating standard phrases and multilingual scripts.

  Notably, even simple, well-timed interpretation can help reduce first-time donors’ anxiety and misunderstandings, encouraging them to return—creating a positive cycle. In this light, CBNU students’ involvement is seen as widening a safe and friendly donation culture in the local community.

  At CBNU, a total of 38 students are serving as supporters; 23 were selected in 2024 and around 20 joined in 2025. Meanwhile, next year’s additional recruitment will be pursued after a comprehensive review of current supporters’ continuation and regional operational needs. Barring major changes, selections are expected to continue, with possible adjustments to eligibility requirements.