Available to hire
I am James Donald Sim, a bilingual professional specializing in translation, teaching, and intercultural training. I work across Europe and the Americas, delivering precise translations, engaging language instruction, and practical intercultural programs, backed by years of experience with major corporations, schools and non-profit organizations.
I thrive on cross-cultural collaboration, creative problem solving, and lifelong learning, and I enjoy helping people communicate effectively in English, Spanish and German, whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or on the road during study abroad and volunteering projects.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
German
Advanced
Work Experience
Freelance Translator at Hitachi Energy
January 1, 2012 - October 30, 2025Translate business letters, technical reports, presentations, inspection reports, method statements, expert reports, contracts, advertising material, test protocols, minutes of meeting and press releases into English for major electricity grid expansion projects in Europe. Past translations include SAP, TATA, PKF Auditors and for private persons.
Class Instructor at Max-Planck-Gymnasium (Max Planck Secondary School)
January 1, 2010 - October 30, 2025Teach biology in English to 10th and 8th graders; lessons conducted in both English and German (with a native German speaker) so pupils learn the subject in both languages in parallel. Also teach English to 9th graders. Past experience includes teaching chemistry to 9th and 10th graders and teaching English to 5th graders.
Freelance English Trainer at Various Companies
January 1, 2004 - October 30, 2025Currently conduct English lessons for employees of KSB, Hitachi, JobRouter, Jumag and PKF Auditors, Deif. Past experience at SAP, BASF, Springer Publishers, John Deere, BASF, Duale Hochschule Baden Württemberg (Cooperative State University) and Mannheim der Abendakademie (Night School), and with high school and primary school level pupils. Lessons include all aspects of grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension, conversation and writing. Business English is heavily emphasized. Intercultural training is also integrated into business English courses. Text Editor: Texts for scientific publication, conference presentation and academic purposes are edited both grammatically and stylistically.
Freelance Tour Leader at Self-employed
December 31, 2006 - December 31, 2006Led safe, enjoyable and informative tours through Latin American countries such as Cuba, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as Germany and the Czech Republic. Designed and implemented custom tours for couples, families, and senior citizen groups, as well as educational tours for university study abroad programs. Conducted workshops regarding security considerations for visiting tourists and study abroad groups in Guatemala.
Director at Project Mosaic Guatemala (PMG)
December 31, 2005 - December 31, 2005Coordinated a Guatemala-based, non-profit volunteer resource center that helps hundreds of people from around the world to find volunteer work placements in social organizations that benefit the poor, the environment, and the arts in Guatemala. Oriented (in English, Spanish) newly arrived international volunteers, helping them to integrate into placements in hospitals, schools, libraries, day-care programs, etc. Conducted workshops to support and enhance cultural and volunteer experiences. Helped to initiate a sustainable tourism project supporting a Mayan women’s group. Jointly founded legal associations in the USA and Germany to facilitate fundraising. Created administrative and operational systems and policies of the organization using creative and intellectual skills. Worked as a consultant to facilitate the continued success of the organization.
Translator / Interpreting at Guatemala Adopt Antigua
December 31, 2004 - December 31, 2004Interpreted English and Spanish dialogue during face-to-face interactions between adopting families and guardians. Translated (between Spanish and English) written correspondence exchanged between adopting families and guardians.
Director and Trekking Guide at Quetzaltrekkers
December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000Coordinated and guided mountain treks to raise money for the social program Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC) to benefit street kids in Guatemala. Initiated a restructuring that resulted in a doubling of profits in 1999/2000, allowing EDELAC to expand their services to children in need. Assisted Maya communities along trekking routes by donating funds for small, local projects, such as the repair of a damaged grinding mill that all villagers rely upon to grind corn for their daily tortillas.
Freelance Photographer and Writer at Revue Magazine
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999Wrote articles and photographed for Revue, an English language monthly magazine. Conducted research by travelling throughout Guatemala to interview and photograph political leaders, community representatives, business people and tourists. Published articles and photos in newspapers, a travel guidebook and on the Internet.
Course Instructor at D’Arcy Lane Institute
December 31, 1994 - December 31, 1994Taught courses in human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, public health and medical terminology to students of professional massage therapy. Developed curricula for all courses taught. Tutored numerous students needing additional instruction.
Researcher at The University of Western Ontario
December 31, 1991 - December 31, 1991Conducted experiments to determine effects of exercise on protein production in muscle. Published results in the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and presented findings at the annual ACSM conference in Orlando, Florida, USA.
Education
B.Sc. at York University, Toronto, Canada
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1989M.A. at The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1991Qualifications
First Aid and CPR Certification
January 11, 2030 - October 30, 2025Deutsch als Fremdsprache Zertifikat (ZD)
January 11, 2030 - October 30, 2025Industry Experience
Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
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