Translation & Localization in E-Learning – Easier said than done?

 

Hi everyone, I’m currently thinking on implementing localization for e-learning courses, and I’d love to hear your experiences and advice.

At first glance, it sounds simple: click a button and your course is available in multiple languages. But in reality, from my point of view it’s much more complicated. Here’s why:

• Beyond Translation: It’s not just about language. For example, a regulation in Swizerland might differ from Austria, so content sometimes needs to be adapted—not just translated.
• Multiple Components: I use Storyline blocks in Rise (Frame is mostly Rise, than integrate all sorts of stuff) that require separate translation, plus external videos and documents that also need localization.
• Costs & Coordination: Every additional language adds cost and complexity. I would be responsible for approving international workflows and managing all the moving parts (In real there is a language barrier in meetings and stuff).
• Media Integration: External media (videos, PDFs, graphics) must be translated and re-integrated, which adds another layer of complexity.
• Updates: Years later, when content changes, the entire process starts again—across all languages.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Localization means involving multiple international subject matter experts. Suddenly, I’m coordinating with 10 additional stakeholders per project, managing approvals and quality checks myself. Even after release, minimal content changes can trigger new costs because SMEs often spot issues later.

For example:
If I have 10 mandatory courses and each needs to be translated into 15 languages, I still have to coordinate everything myself. That’s a huge workload. I work as a solo e-learning designer, and we all know the challenge of endless feedback loops with subject matter experts.

My thesis:
To keep things truly simple, I’d probably need to reduce complexity drastically—stick to Rise blocks only and avoid external media altogether. But it also means losing interactive elements and creative possibilities that make learning engaging.

Questions for you:

1. How do you manage localization projects efficiently, especially as a solo designer or in small teams?
2. Do you use tools or workflows that simplify translations and media updates?
3. Any strategies to minimize effort when updates roll out years later?
4. How do you handle external media that needs localization?
5. How do you deal with legal or regulatory differences between countries without creating endless review cycles?
6. How do you handle the stakeholders who review and approve translations? Are you very strict—one review round and done? i would probably to this because otherwise it could result in chaos and stress concerning so many projects on the table.

Maybe i am overcomplicating things by trying to maintain flexibility? I’d really appreciate your insights, tips, and maybe even tool recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Best Regards 
Paul