Complete eLearning Localization Guide [Checklist]

So you've built an amazing online academy, eLearning program, or course library—and now you're ready to take it global. Congratulations! But before you dive in, you need a solid localization plan. Without one, you risk cultural missteps, technical headaches, and wasted budget.

This guide gives you a practical, copyable template to prepare for, execute, and maintain your eLearning localization project. Whether you're a VP of Learning & Development, a business owner, or a senior manager tackling this for the first time, this checklist will keep you on track.

Tip: Qurioos AI localization is 100x times cheaper and 1000x faster than human translators.

Common pitfalls to avoid

1. ‍Starting localization before finalizing source content: This creates rework across all languages‍
2. Treating localization as just translation: Cultural adaptation is just as important as linguistic accuracy‍
3. Embedding text in graphics and videos: This makes updates expensive and time-consuming‍
4. Skipping in-context review: Translation errors only become apparent when viewed in the actual course‍
5. Ignoring mobile learners: Ensure your localized content works seamlessly on all devices‍
6. Forgetting about legal compliance: Different regions have different requirements for data privacy and content‍
7. Underestimating text expansion: Some languages take 30% more space than English

The 4-step process

1. Decide what you want to localize, in which languages and for which locations.
2. Translate the interface (pages, buttons, emails, etc.) and all the course texts and scripts (Qurioos does this in 1-click)
3. Translate the audio files and videos automatically or semi-automatically (The Qurioos team can handle this for you)
4. Launch your academy and online courses in as many languages as you need! (Qurioos allows you to do this in a few clicks)

Phase 1: Before you start

Plan it

1. Set clear objectives (e.g., increase engagement by 30%, expand to 3 new markets)
2. Identify any legal and compliance requirements
3. Survey or interview potential learners about their expectation
4. Identify key roles for texts, videos, images, and the learning platform (Qurioos does everything in one platform)

Setup the content

1. Formatting: Use UTF-8 encoding and plan for a flexible UI layouts as text can expand 20-30% in translation
2. Separate text from graphics, images, and videos.
3. Create consistent file naming conventions
4. Write clearly and concisely (avoid idioms, slang, jargon)
5. Avoid culturally specific references unless necessary (holidays, sports, local customs)
6. Create a glossary for technical terms and acronyms

Phase 2: Implementation

Localize texts

1. Activate the language on your learning platform
2. Answer a few questions to create a glossary of terms, product names, cultural details etc.
3. Select the course your want to localize
4. Click AI translate (Qurioos supports 1-click localization with automated proofreading)

Localize media

1. Replace any images and graphics with embedded texts
2. Pick a voice for the localized voiceovers
3. Generate the voice overs and edit the videos

Localize interface

1. Check if your LMS or online course tool supports multilingual setups (Qurioos supports unlimited languages for free)
2. Activate the languages on your platform

Phase 3: Testing and feedback

1. Test that the user flow works perfectly for some languages just to ensure everything is as expected.
2. You can have native speakers conduct in-context review for any final tweaks
3. Functional testing should be solved by your platform (Qurioos has built-in defaults that don't allow you to mess up the flow or the content)
4. Get feedback from your team and an initial group of end-users if possible

Phase 4: Launch

1. Invite an initial group of users and monitor closely what they do
2. Take note of any improvements you think might be worth making
3. Do the full launch to all users in phases (daily, weekly, or monthly)

Phase 5: Post-Launch (Continuous localization)

Content updates

1. Review content in a fixed schedule to ensure it's still relevant
2. Update translations for terminology changes or other key changes

Continuous improvement

1. Identify low-performing modules by region
2. A/B test different approaches (voiceover vs. subtitles)
3. Refine content based on learner feedback
4. Adjust pacing based on completion data
5. Update assessments to improve learning outcomes

Scaling to new markets

1. Prioritize next markets based on business goals
2. Apply lessons learned from previous localizations
3. Refine processes for efficiency

Quick tips for success

• ‍Start small: Begin with one high-value course and one key market. Run a pilot to refine your process before scaling up.‍
• Don't skip the human touch: While AI and machine translation are helpful, always have native speakers review content. Automated tools miss cultural nuances that can undermine your message.‍
• Budget realistically: If you hire human translators, make sure you understand the full scope. (Qurioos AI localization pricing is 100x times cheaper and 1000x faster than human translators)
• Think long term: Build localization into your content creation process from the start. It's much cheaper to design for localization than to retrofit existing content.‍
• Measure what matters: Track engagement and learning outcomes, not just completion rates. The goal is effective learning, not just translated words.‍
• Keep it updated: Localization isn't one-and-done. Plan for ongoing updates as content, regulations, and cultural contexts evolve.

Localize your academy and courses with Qurioos

Ready to take your academy global but don't want to navigate this complex process alone? Qurioos offers end-to-end eLearning localization that drives results.

Why choose Qurioos?

• Turnkey localization solution: We handle everything from strategy and translation to technical integration and quality assurance, so you can focus on your business
• eLearning expertise: Deep experience with LMS and education platforms and custom solutions
• Cultural Intelligence:  3-step contextual localization process
• Advanced tech stack: AI-powered translation, automated QA, and translation memory systems that reduce costs while maintaining quality
• Netflix level quality: Professional voiceover recording, subtitle synchronization, and video localization that maintains the impact of your original content
• Proven process: A structured methodology that follows this exact checklist, refined through hundreds of successful eLearning localization projects
• Scalable solution: Start with one language or launch in 50+ markets, our infrastructure grows with your ambitions
• Continuous support: Ongoing content updates, performance monitoring, and optimization to ensure your localized content stays relevant and effective
• Compliance & security: Full adherence to GDPR, data privacy regulations, and industry-specific compliance requirements across all regions
• Transparent pricing: Clear, predictable pricing models with no hidden costs, you'll know exactly what to expect from day one
• Faster time-to-market: Streamlined workflows and project management expertise that get your content to global learners faster
• Measurable ROI: We track the metrics that matter and provide detailed reporting on engagement, completion rates, and business impact

Get started today

Let's discuss your localization goals and create a customized plan for your eLearning program. Whether you're localizing your first course or scaling to new markets, Qurioos has the expertise and technology to make it seamless.