How does one become a conference interpreter?
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Before you can start a
programme in conference interpreting you must have a good command of one or more
foreign languages, and in addition complete mastery of your mother tongue in a
wide range of registers. A good general education is also a great advantage.
Formally you are required to have a university degree and to pass an entrance
test in interpreting. There are also institutions that offer 4-year training
programmes which you can enter with a school-leaving qualification. The
programme comprises both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting and courses
in life, institutions and civilisation of the countries whose languages you
speak. Tolk- och översättarinstitutet (TÖI) at Stockholm University regularly
arrange programmes in Sweden. You will find more information about training
programmes at AIIC eller TÖI. CIUTI is an association of
institutions offering interpreting and translation courses all over the world,
and their web site has addresses to many different interpreting programmes.