The Turtle Story

by Brenda Arbeláez

When I was four years old, my aunt gave me a turtle. Like a dutiful “Mom” I fed the turtle long green onions and leftovers every day and kept the water dish full. The turtle, a dear member of my family, was free to roam about the house as it pleased.

One day I noticed that the turtle was missing. My mother informed me that she’d given the turtle to neighbors. I don’t recall crying or getting upset. I had suffered a bigger loss with the death of my baby brother and already knew that those hardships were a part of life. Many years later my mother explained that the family had to move, traveling by bus, to another city and she was forced to give the turtle away.

Later, as an adult, I discovered the famous fable of the Tortoise and the Hare. After hearing the story, and recalling my beloved pet turtle from childhood, I believed the turtle’s attitudes resembled my own, and I came to adopt the turtle’s approach to life; take things as they come, do your best every day, be patient, honest and persistent. Empowered with this philosophy, I believe anyone can have a long and rewarding life and it can be surprising how far a person can travel one step at a time.

Our Process

At PALS INTERNATIONAL, we follow a structured and client-focused process to ensure seamless project execution, high-quality deliverables, and effective communication across languages and cultures. From the initial consultation to final delivery, we prioritize precision, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in every project.

1. Project Consultation

Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your specific needs, objectives, and target audience. Whether you require translation, localization, interpretation, or language training, we assess:

• Project scope and language requirements
• Industry-specific terminology and compliance needs
• Preferred turnaround times and delivery formats
• Customization for cultural and regional relevance

Our team of linguistic experts and project managers collaborates with you to develop a tailored solution that meets your goals effectively.

2. Quote Preparation & Approval

Following the consultation, we provide a comprehensive project quote that includes:

• Detailed pricing based on project complexity, language pairs, and turnaround time
• Estimated completion timelines
• Customization options for specialized services like desktop publishing, voice-overs, or technical formatting

Once the quote is reviewed and approved, we proceed to project implementation with a dedicated project manager overseeing every step.

3. Implementation & Project Management

With the project scope defined, our experienced project managers coordinate all aspects of execution, ensuring a smooth workflow. This includes:

• Assigning native-speaking linguists, certified interpreters, or specialized instructors
• Managing translation memory tools and terminology databases to maintain consistency
• Overseeing multimedia localization, formatting, and technical adaptation for websites, software, and digital content
• Scheduling and managing onsite, phone, or video interpretation services
• Organizing language training programs with tailored learning methodologies

Throughout the process, we provide regular updates and remain responsive to client feedback, ensuring every project stays on track.

4. Quality Process & Assurance

Quality is at the core of everything we do. We implement a rigorous quality assurance process that includes:

• Multi-step reviews by professional linguists, editors, and proofreaders
• Terminology validation to ensure industry-specific accuracy
• Compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and industry regulations for sensitive information
• Post-translation formatting and localization testing for multimedia content
• Client feedback integration before final delivery

Every project undergoes thorough linguistic, technical, and cultural validation to guarantee accuracy and effectiveness.

5. Language Instruction Methodology

For our language training programs, we use a structured instructional methodology tailored to different learning styles and professional requirements.

Our approach includes:

• Native-speaking instructors with industry expertise
• Immersive learning techniques, including role-playing and real-world simulations
• Customized curriculum based on skill level, industry needs, and professional goals
• Flexible learning formats (in-person, virtual, and hybrid)
• Assessment and progress tracking to ensure measurable improvement

Brenda Arbeláez, President and Founder

Brenda earned a teaching degree in Bogotá, Colombia, and taught in bilingual schools for ten years. After arriving in the United States in 1975, she began teaching Spanish language instruction to private students in her home. As an immigrant who personally experienced transplanting her family to a country with an unfamiliar language and culture, Brenda understood the challenges and rewards of mastering a second language. She began teaching groups of executives assigned to Spanish-speaking countries, and by 1983, she formed PALS INTERNATIONAL.

Brenda has established a network that has grown to 2,000 professionals in over 100 countries. She built the company with the mission to assist with the global needs of her clients. The vision and values upon which she has built PALS INTERNATIONAL set it apart in the global marketplace, as they are incorporated into its management style.

As president, Brenda is actively involved in various organizations and associations, through which she continually improves company programs and services. She stays up-to-date on the business community, especially the Hispanic business community, and relentlessly seeks opportunities to expand the services provided by her company by forming agreements with business associates around the world.

Brenda has won many awards and honors, including:

• Global Ties Detroit Board Member, 2012 – Current
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, 2004, 1992
• Hispanic Business Magazine – One of fifteen category finalists for the 12th Annual Hispanic Business Magazine Entrepreneur Award, 2002
• Minority Business Entrepreneur – Featured as cover story, 2000
• Crain’s Detroit Business Newspaper – Featured as one of the Metro Detroit’s “American Dreamers”, March 29, 1999
• Hispanic Business Alliance – Business Recognition Award, 1998
• Leadership Detroit 15, 1993, 1994

Employment

Come speak to the world with us! Our success as global language experts is driven by the excellence of our professional staff. If you have expertise in language instruction, translation, or cultural awareness training, we invite you to join our team.

We are looking for:

• Experienced foreign language instructors
• Skilled freelance translators and interpreters
• Qualified English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors
• Cultural specialists with in-depth knowledge of specific regions

If you’re passionate about language and culture, let’s connect—in whatever language suits you! Submit your resume today.

Current Opportunities:

• Native-Speaking English as a Foreign Language Instructor
• Experienced and Qualified Simultaneous Interpreter
• Experienced Native-Speaking Translation Team Member

General Application Form
Language Service Provider Application Form

What Our Instructors Say About PALS INTERNATIONAL

“The passion, quality, and dedication of our leadership and long-term vision all contribute to making PALS INTERNATIONAL stand out in our ever-changing world.”
– Sara V., ESL instructor since 2000

“PALS INTERNATIONAL provides its instructors opportunities for professional development on a regular basis.”
– Iris G., German instructor since 2005

“PALS INTERNATIONAL’s staff is very understanding and supportive of their instructors.”
– Junko M., Japanese instructor since 2003

“PALS INTERNATIONAL distinguishes itself by extensive experience in the business and in the experience of its instructors. A sense of extreme loyalty is present within the company.”
– Silvia A., Spanish instructor since 1993