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Knowledge Centre on Translation and Interpretation

Teaching assistance for universities

DG Interpretation support for masters courses in conference interpreting

Teaching assistance, or ‘pedagogical assistance’ as it is called in DG Interpretation, is assistance provided to the universities with whom we cooperate and who are training conference interpreters.

Eligible universities can apply to request specific training modules.

A unique approach

DG Interpretation has developed its own pedagogical approach to train interpreters to the standards required to work for the EU institutions. We want to share this know-how with universities to help prepare graduates to take and pass our recruitment competitions for staff interpreters and accreditation tests for freelance interpreters.

Simulated test videos

Pedagogical assistance is also a way for us to discuss professional standards and expectations with the universities providing the training. Although students are often being trained by professional interpreters, hearing a first-hand account from a staff interpreter working at the European Commission is an invaluable opportunity. Students can learn about matters ranging from EU policies to job prospects and everyday life as a conference interpreter at an EU institution.

Types of assistance

Universities can request 3 types of pedagogical assistance:

  • training for students
  • training for trainers
  • DG Interpretation attendance at aptitude tests or mid-term or final exams

For student training, there are many modules to choose from. On the Training assistance page, download the file under ‘On site and online assistance’.

An interpreter in the booth during a mock conference organized for students.

Trainers and training material

Pedagogical assistance trainers are staff interpreters who have been trained in-house to teach students and trainers. They have access to training material that has been developed by our highly-experienced trainers.

Impact

Over the last 3 years, DG Interpretation has given around 350 days of pedagogical assistance to over 50 universities in EU countries and candidate countries.

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about our pedagogical assistance system or tell us about how you support conference interpreter training, we would love to hear from you. To do so, please create a community and share your knowledge.

Resources

Professional support to staff interpreters

Training tips on SCICtrain