UNITAR is pleased to offer the United Nations Language, Translation, and Interpretation Immersion Programme in cooperation with University College London. The programme provides a structured immersion into the United Nations ecosystem, combining practical training with direct engagement with experienced language professionals.

Delivered by UNITAR in Geneva, most activities take place at the Palais des Nations and UNITAR headquarters at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The programme combines:

• Interpretation practice in real UN booths
• Expert lectures and applied training workshops
• Attendance at live multilateral conferences
• UN career development sessions
• Guided access to UN premises

Tailored for students of language, translation, and interpretation, the programme develops both technical competencies and institutional understanding required to operate in multilingual and multilateral environments. It reflects a wide range of linguistic specializations, including audiovisual, scientific and technical, medical, and heritage translation, as well as emerging areas such as translation technologies and machine translation.

08 – 12 June 2026

The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ practical skills while providing a clear understanding of how language functions within the United Nations system. It bridges academic training with real-world application by placing participants in direct contact with UN professionals and working environments.

Through this immersion programme, participants develop both technical competencies in translation and interpretation and the institutional awareness required to operate in multilingual and multilateral settings.

By the end of the programme, participants will have:

• Practicing interpretation in real United Nations interpretation booths
• Strengthening translation skills across different domains, including technical and policy-related texts
• Gaining exposure to translation technologies, including computer-assisted translation tools and machine translation workflows
• Receiving practical guidance and feedback from UN language professionals (translators and interpreters)
• Gaining insight into the work of major UN entities such as UNITAR, WHO, ILO and UNHCR
• Developing complementary diplomatic skills, including public speaking, negotiation, and professional communication
• Accessing UN premises, including the Palais des Nations and other agency headquarters
• Understanding career pathways across both translation and interpretation within international organizations

The United Nations Language, Translation, and Interpretation Immersion Programme is primarily designed for students from the University College London Translation Department, while also being open to participants from other academic disciplines, including modern languages, law, geography, and related fields connected to international affairs.

The programme is intended for students seeking first-hand exposure to the United Nations system, international law, public policy, and multilateral diplomacy in Geneva. It combines academic insight with practical engagement, offering participants a structured introduction to international careers and institutional processes.

To ensure high quality and an interactive learning environment, participation is limited to a maximum of 30 students per edition. The programme package includes welcome materials, cultural activities, and accommodation arrangements.

Upon completion, participants will be assessed and may be awarded either a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Merit, based on their performance. In addition, the top 20% of participants will be considered for a letter of recommendation from UNITAR.

In order to register, kindly click on the following link and follow the below steps:

• On the event page, click on "registration". The programme will then be added to your shopping cart.
• Click on the "check out" button
• Create your own profile on the UNITAR event page and fill out the required sections
• Review the correctness of all information and choose payment method:
  (i) credit card or
  (ii) bank transfer
• If you choose credit card, your payment is definite and is completed immediately on the spot
• If you choose to pay by bank transfer, your payment is not definite yet and could be delayed to a later point in time
• In either of both choices, click on complete payment. UNITAR will follow up with you via email thereafter