Print friendly
Print PDF
Type
Course
Deadline

United Nations Language, Translation, and Interpretation Immersion programme

Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Date
-
Duration
5 Days
Programme Area
Multilateral Diplomacy
Website
https://unitar.org/langu…
Price
$3,000.00
Including accommodation costs in Geneva. Excluding flight ticket, visa and insurance costs. Please see "Additional Information" for more details
Event Focal Point Email
multilateralism@unitar.org
Contact Number
022 917 84 00
Registration
Open-registration event
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
English
Pillar
Multilateral Diplomacy
Event Objectives

UNITAR is delighted to offer the very first United Nations Language, Translation and Interpretation Immersion Programme in cooperation with University College London. The programme offers participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the United Nations ecosystem while learning directly from professional interpreters and practitioners.

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
Background

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.

In 2024, UNITAR reached 559,083 learners and beneficiaries worldwide. Operating in more than 90 countries and financed entirely through voluntary contributions, UNITAR combines instructional excellence with global reach and field-based relevance. 

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.

Content and Structure

The purpose of this programme is to enable students to deepen their knowledge and develop practical skills in their respective fields of study through direct exposure to the work environment of the United Nations and learning from experienced professionals, including insights into international law and international relations.

The programme also aims to build a strong foundation of UN-specific background knowledge relevant to careers in international organizations, diplomacy, law, multilingual communication, and global affairs. 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 insights from professional UN staff and other UN experts, including in areas of international law and diplomacy
  • Learn about UN agencies and organizations such as UNITAR, WHO, ILO, UNHCR, and others, and their role in multilateralism and global governance
  • Develop core diplomatic and professional skills, including public speaking, leadership, and negotiation
  • Gain access to UN premises such as the Palais des Nations or other agency headquarters
  • Receive insights into career development and professional opportunities within the United Nations system
Methodology

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 United Nations Language, Translation and Interpretation Immersion Programme is designed to be highly interactive and participatory. Activities include direct exposure to policy practitioners and diplomatic environments, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of multilateral diplomacy, and global policy making. Through engagement with professionals and observation of international meetings at the United Nations, participants will gain practical insights into how international organizations function in real-world diplomatic settings.

All of the activities will take place in the English language.

Targeted Audience

This June, UNITAR is delighted to deliver its first field visit to Geneva specifically tailored for students from University College London. It will offer participants the chance to fully immerse themselves into the UN ecosystem and learn from professional practitioners first-hand.

Additional Information

UNITAR will be responsible for the overall design, coordination and implementation of the 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 support 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 for six nights (Check-in: Sunday, 07 June 2026 and Check-out: Saturday, 13 June 2026) for all participants, and provide a welcome package including relevant training materials and entry tickets to sights and museums.

In the event that the minimum number of participants required for this specific programme is not reached, UNITAR reserves the right to transfer registered participants to the standard UN Immersion Programme taking place in Geneva during the same period. In such cases, participants will be informed in advance. While the standard programme offers a broader overview of the UN system and its work across different thematic areas.

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"

Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.