Exclusive Edition - 25 March - 29 March 2024

UNITAR is delighted to deliver the second edition of 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

The UN Interpretation Immersion Programme is open exclusively to students of MA in Translation and Interpreting from Newcastle University’s School of Modern Languages. The language combination mostly addressed in the trainings is Mandarin Chinese and English.

In order to ensure the highest quality standards, a maximum of 30 participants will be registered per edition. Slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Welcome packages, cultural activities and several options for accommodation will be included in the package.

At the end of the training programme, all participants will receive a UNITAR certificate of completion. In addition, the most active and outstanding students will have the chance to request an official letter of recommendation by a UNITAR staff.