Andy,
If her English is not up to much, IM isn't going to help you out much. Why not ask the translator to give you her agency email address, that way you can still write as you were before. The email goes thru the translator in both directions as before too, it's just your not paying for it, as you are with EMF's. You can still go for the IM route too, as a way of closer contact ... But if her English is not too clever right now, the email address will keep the communication flowing. The email address is part of your ladies contractual undertaking with the agency, that's one of the reasons they pay so much in the initial fee..... for the translation facility!!
David....