United Nations Interpretation Immersion Programme
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the work of the UN and its member states.
UNITAR designs and conducts close to 500 different training and knowledge sharing events per year for some 50,000 beneficiaries worldwide. Participants include diplomats, other government officials, non-governmental representatives, and other stakeholders.
At the heart of UNITAR, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDPU) delivers training workshops to address the needs of these international actors. MDPU’s activities cover a wide range of domains, including training on the UN system and skills development.
This March, UNITAR is delighted to deliver its second field visit to Geneva specifically tailored for postgraduate students of MA in Translation and Interpreting from Newcastle University. It will offer participants the chance to fully immerse themselves into the UN ecosystem and learn from professional interpreters first-hand.
UNITAR will host most of the activities in the historic Palais des Nations and the UNITAR headquarters, located at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) building in Geneva. They will consist of a nuanced balance between the following elements:
- Interpretation Practice in Real UN Booths
- Expert Lectures and Training Workshops
- Attending Multilateral Conferences Live
- UN Career Development Sessions
- Private Guided Tours through UN Premises
The purpose is for students of translation and interpretation to acquire more knowledge and skills in their area of studies through being exposed to the UN work environment and directly learning from professionals.
The programme also aims to build up the UN-specific background knowledge required to perform well as translator or interpreter in the future. By the end of the programme, participants can expect to have experienced the following key components:
- Practice interpretation in the real booths of the United Nations
- Receive first-hand lessons and practical tips by professional UN interpreters
- Witness live multilateral conferences such as the Human Rights Council or others
- Learn about UN agencies such as UNITAR, WTO, WIPO, UNHCR or others
- Obtain core diplomatic skills in public speaking, leadership or negotiation skills
- Gain access to UN premises such as the Palais des Nations or other agency headquarters
- Get exclusive insights into career development and opportunities to become UN interpreter
Given the complexity of Geneva's multilateral environment, UNITAR will cover a series of different thematic areas during the course of the Programme. These will include the peace and security, human rights and humanitarian affairs, global health and well-being, trade and technology as well as environment and sustainable development.
The Interpretation Immersion Programme is designed to be highly interactive and participatory. Activities will include a high level of direct exposure to policy practitioners and diplomatic settings, thereby allowing participants to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the diplomatic interpretation by practice interpretation in the real booths of the United Nations
All of the activities will take place in the English language.
This March, UNITAR is delighted to deliver its second field visit to Geneva specifically tailored for postgraduate students of MA in Translation and Interpreting from Newcastle University. It will offer participants the chance to fully immerse themselves into the UN ecosystem and learn from professional interpreters first-hand.
UNITAR will be responsible for the overall design, coordination and implementation of the Interpretation Immersion Programme. It will liaise with participants on a regular basis prior to the activity's implementation in order to ensure a smooth and flawless organization for everyone involved.
The participants are responsible to purchase their own travel tickets to and from Geneva as well as to apply for visa to Switzerland. UNITAR can supports this process with the help of an official visa invitation letter. Participants need to take care of their own daily meals.
UNITAR will be responsible for the accommodation of all participants, sponsor a welcome dinner to the participants, welcome package including relevant training materials, entry tickets to sights and museums as well as a cultural activity in Geneva.
Please read this before registration "I understand that the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) does not insure participants in the above-described activity and I am advised to arrange at my own expense insurance against sickness, accident, permanent or temporary disability, death, and third-party risk for the period of the meeting, including travel time"