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Dominique Leveillé
and
Claire Bessant
This course is primarily aimed at students of conference interpreting, or people who wish to begin studying conference interpreting. It is based on a long-standing lecture course given by the oldest interpreting school in the world, the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Geneva.
Our course looks at organizations from a viewpoint which very few people ever get to see; international organizations seen from the interpreting booth. You will learn about the history, development, structure and functions of international organizations, and of course the question of multilingualism.
Read more
This course is primarily aimed at students of conference interpreting, or people who wish to begin studying conference interpreting. It is based on a long-standing lecture course given by the oldest interpreting school in the world, the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Geneva.
Our course looks at organizations from a viewpoint which very few people ever get to see; international organizations seen from the interpreting booth. You will learn about the history, development, structure and functions of international organizations, and of course the question of multilingualism.
Read more
This course is primarily aimed at students of conference interpreting, or people who wish to begin studying conference interpreting. It is based on a long-standing lecture course given by the oldest interpreting school in the world, the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Geneva.
Our course looks at organizations from a viewpoint which very few people ever get to see; international organizations seen from the interpreting booth. You will learn about the history, development, structure and functions of international organizations, and of course the question of multilingualism.
The purpose of this course is to help you, as a budding interpreter or translator, to gain basic knowledge about the institutions which may be your future employers, and to give you the essential tools that you will need to easily and efficiently prepare yourself for working at an international organization.
Naturally, Geneva – renowned for its uniquely high concentration of international organizations – takes centre stage in this course. Throughout this course, we will take you with us to visit a number of these organizations, and to benefit from interviews with various experts who will give us an insider’s view of multilateralism, multilingualism and the other topics broached in the course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/3fb7ak/international
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What's inside
Syllabus
International Geneva
Welcome to Module 1 of our course. In this Module you will find out how Geneva became a centre of multilateralism, learn about the main international organizations in Geneva, and learn how to identify different kinds of international organization.
Read more
Syllabus
International Geneva
Welcome to Module 1 of our course. In this Module you will find out how Geneva became a centre of multilateralism, learn about the main international organizations in Geneva, and learn how to identify different kinds of international organization.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the role of international organizations from the perspective of conference interpreters, offering a unique angle into their operations
Provides a thorough overview of the history, development, and structure of international organizations, giving learners a solid foundation in the subject
Helps learners understand the mandates and roles of international organizations, equipping them with knowledge essential for working in this field
Geared towards students of conference interpreting or those interested in pursuing this field, offering specialized knowledge and insights
Taught by instructors with expertise in conference interpreting and the United Nations system, ensuring the delivery of up-to-date and relevant content
Covers multilingualism in international organizations, a crucial aspect for conference interpreters, fostering understanding of the challenges and opportunities it presents
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Reviews summary
Insider's guide to ios for interpreters
According to students, this course offers a unique and indispensable perspective for aspiring conference interpreters, focusing on international organizations from the interpreting booth's viewpoint. It provides a solid foundational understanding of their history, structure, and the crucial role of multilingualism. Learners particularly value the insights into Geneva-based organizations and the inclusion of expert interviews, which enhance the practical relevance. While primarily theoretical, it effectively equips future interpreters with essential preparation tools for potential employers in the multilateral system, covering topics like official languages and the profession's origins. It’s highly recommended for those specifically targeting a career in international interpreting.
Offers virtual visits and insights from experienced professionals.
"The virtual tours of Geneva organizations and interviews with experts provided a fantastic 'insider's view'."
"I really enjoyed the practical aspect of seeing how these organizations function, beyond just theoretical knowledge."
"The insights from those working directly in multilateralism and multilingualism were invaluable."
Builds a solid base in IO history, structure, and functions.
"I gained a robust understanding of how international organizations are structured and how they've evolved over time."
"The historical overview, from the League of Nations to the UN system, was incredibly informative."
"I now feel much better prepared with the basic knowledge about institutions that might be my future employers."
Provides an essential, focused perspective for interpreters.
"I appreciated the course's specific focus on international organizations from an interpreter's perspective, which is hard to find elsewhere."
"This course gave me crucial insights into the day-to-day realities and historical context of multilateralism, directly relevant to my career."
"It really helped me understand the intricacies of IOs as a future professional in the interpreting field."
Deep dive into languages, official policies, and interpreting's role.
"The module on multilingualism was particularly valuable, explaining the nuances of official vs. working languages."
"I learned a lot about how simultaneous interpreting developed and its crucial role in the current UN multilingual system."
"Understanding the increasing dominance of English and the cost of multilingualism was a key takeaway for me."
Ideal for aspiring interpreters, less so for general interest.
"This course is absolutely perfect if you're serious about conference interpreting, but probably too specific for a casual learner."
"As a budding interpreter, I found every part relevant, but I imagine others might find it too specialized."
"It truly caters to the needs of future translators and interpreters, providing very specific preparatory knowledge."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in International Organizations for Interpreters with these
activities:
Review basic grammar and vocabulary in your target languages
Show steps
Ensure your language skills are up to par by refreshing your grammar and vocabulary.
Show steps
-
Identify areas where your grammar or vocabulary needs improvement.
-
Use textbooks, online resources, or language apps to review grammar rules and vocabulary lists.
-
Practice using the reviewed grammar and vocabulary in writing and speaking exercises.
Join a study group with other interpreting students
Show steps
Connect with fellow interpreting students to discuss course material and practice your skills.
Show steps
-
Identify other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group.
-
Establish a regular meeting schedule and location.
-
Take turns leading discussions on course topics.
-
Practice interpreting exercises together.
Practice shadowing exercises
Show steps
Improve your listening and comprehension skills through shadowing exercises.
Browse courses on
Shadowing
Show steps
-
Find a recording of a speech or presentation in your target language.
-
Listen to the recording while simultaneously speaking out loud, matching the speaker's pace and intonation.
-
Focus on understanding the content and structure of the speech.
-
Repeat the exercise with different recordings.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Follow tutorials on simultaneous interpreting techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques by following guided tutorials.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources for simultaneous interpreting tutorials.
-
Choose tutorials that cover specific techniques and skills you want to improve.
-
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
-
Record yourself practicing and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Create a conference interpreting portfolio
Show steps
Start a portfolio of conference interpreting assignments to showcase your skills and demonstrate your proficiency in the field.
Show steps
-
Gather materials for your portfolio, including transcripts, recordings, and feedback from supervisors.
-
Select the best examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and range.
-
Organize your portfolio in a professional and visually appealing manner.
-
Share your portfolio with potential employers and clients.
Review basic grammar and vocabulary in your target languages
Show steps
Ensure your language skills are up to par by refreshing your grammar and vocabulary.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify areas where your grammar or vocabulary needs improvement.
- Use textbooks, online resources, or language apps to review grammar rules and vocabulary lists.
- Practice using the reviewed grammar and vocabulary in writing and speaking exercises.
Join a study group with other interpreting students
Show steps
Connect with fellow interpreting students to discuss course material and practice your skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group.
- Establish a regular meeting schedule and location.
- Take turns leading discussions on course topics.
- Practice interpreting exercises together.
Practice shadowing exercises
Show steps
Improve your listening and comprehension skills through shadowing exercises.
Browse courses on
Shadowing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a recording of a speech or presentation in your target language.
- Listen to the recording while simultaneously speaking out loud, matching the speaker's pace and intonation.
- Focus on understanding the content and structure of the speech.
- Repeat the exercise with different recordings.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Follow tutorials on simultaneous interpreting techniques
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques by following guided tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources for simultaneous interpreting tutorials.
- Choose tutorials that cover specific techniques and skills you want to improve.
- Follow the instructions and practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
- Record yourself practicing and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Create a conference interpreting portfolio
Show steps
Start a portfolio of conference interpreting assignments to showcase your skills and demonstrate your proficiency in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials for your portfolio, including transcripts, recordings, and feedback from supervisors.
- Select the best examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and range.
- Organize your portfolio in a professional and visually appealing manner.
- Share your portfolio with potential employers and clients.
Career center
Learners who complete International Organizations for Interpreters will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Conference Interpreter
Conference Interpreter
Conference Interpreters facilitate communication at international conferences and events where multiple languages are spoken. This course is specifically designed for students of and professionals in the field of conference interpreting. By gaining knowledge of the history, development, structure, and functions of international organizations, Interpreters can better understand the context in which they work and effectively perform their duties. The course also covers multilingualism in international organizations, a crucial aspect of successful conference interpretation.
Interpreter
Interpreter
Interpreters translate spoken or written text from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including international organizations, businesses, and legal proceedings. This course is specifically designed for students of and professionals in the field of interpreting, especially those who wish to work in international organizations. The course covers topics such as the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, as well as multilingualism in international organizations, which are essential aspects of the work of an Interpreter in this field.
Multilingual Communications Manager
Multilingual Communications Manager
Multilingual Communications Managers develop and implement communication strategies for organizations with a global reach. This course is specifically designed for professionals in the field of multilingual communications, especially those working in international organizations. The course covers topics such as the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, as well as multilingualism in international organizations, which are essential aspects of the work of a Multilingual Communications Manager in this field.
Translator
Translator
Translators translate written text from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, including international organizations, businesses, and government agencies. This course is specifically designed for students of and professionals in the field of translation, especially those working in international organizations. The course covers topics such as the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, as well as multilingualism in international organizations, which are essential aspects of the work of a Translator in this field.
Diplomat
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries in international affairs and negotiate with foreign governments. This course can be helpful for developing an understanding of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations. It can also help build a foundation in the structure, competencies, and functioning of international organizations. This knowledge can be essential for Diplomats working in the field, as they will be required to interact with international organizations on a regular basis.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course may be helpful for developing skills in analyzing and developing policies related to international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Policy Analysts understand the context in which they work and effectively perform their duties. Additionally, the course covers the competencies and functioning of international organizations, which is essential for Policy Analysts working in this field.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course may be useful for developing skills in conducting research on international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Researchers understand the context in which they work and effectively perform their duties. Additionally, the course covers the structure, competencies, and functioning of international organizations, which is essential for Researchers working in this field.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They may work in a variety of industries, including international development, business, and government. This course may be helpful for developing skills in managing projects related to international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Project Managers understand the context in which they work and effectively perform their duties. Additionally, the course covers the structure, competencies, and functioning of international organizations, which is essential for Project Managers working in this field.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers plan and execute public relations campaigns for organizations. They may work in a variety of industries, including international development, business, and government. This course may be helpful for developing skills in managing public relations for international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Public Relations Managers understand the context in which they work and effectively perform their duties. Additionally, the course covers the competencies and functioning of international organizations, which is essential for Public Relations Managers working in this field.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients. They may work in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This course may be useful for developing an understanding of the legal framework and structure of international organizations. It can also help build a foundation in the competencies and functioning of international organizations. This knowledge can be essential for Lawyers working in the field, as they will be required to navigate complex legal issues related to international organizations.
Writer
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including marketing, journalism, and creative writing. This course may be useful for developing skills in writing about international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Writers create content that is accurate and informative. Additionally, the course covers the structure, competencies, and functioning of international organizations, which is essential for Writers working in this field.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course may be useful for developing skills in analyzing and reporting on international affairs and the work of international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Journalists understand the complexities of the organizations they cover.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including libraries, schools, and businesses. This course may be useful for developing skills in managing and organizing information about international organizations. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Librarians create and maintain collections on these topics. Additionally, the course covers multilingualism in international organizations, an important aspect for providing access to information on a global scale.
Administrative Secretary
Administrative Secretary
Administrative Secretaries are responsible for the efficient functioning of an office. They manage a variety of administrative tasks, operate office equipment, and provide support to senior executives. This course may be useful for developing skills in managing the administrative aspects of an international organization, which would be an asset to an Administrative Secretary working in that environment. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Secretaries understand the complexities of their work environment.
Language Professor
Language Professor
Language Professors teach courses on language, literature, and culture. They may also conduct research in their field of expertise. This course may be useful for developing skills in teaching about international organizations and multilingualism. The course can provide knowledge of the history, evolution, and trends of international organizations, which can help Professors develop course materials and engage with students on these topics. Additionally, the course covers multilingualism in international organizations, an important aspect for understanding the work of international organizations on a global scale.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3fb7ak/international
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
International Organizations for Interpreters.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the study of international organizations, including their history, theory, and practice.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of interpreting studies, including its history, theory, and practice.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sociolinguistics, including its history, theory, and practice.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language and politics, including its history, theory, and practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of international organizations, from the early days of the League of Nations to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students of conference interpreting or anyone who wants to learn more about the history of international cooperation.
Explores the future of international organizations, examining the challenges and opportunities that they face. It would be a valuable resource for students of conference interpreting or anyone who wants to learn more about the future of international cooperation.
Examines the economics of international organizations, exploring the economic factors that shape their behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students of conference interpreting or anyone who wants to learn more about the economics of international cooperation.
Save
Examines the psychology of international organizations, exploring the psychological factors that shape their behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students of conference interpreting or anyone who wants to learn more about the psychology of international cooperation.
Save
Examines the sociology of international organizations, exploring the social and cultural factors that shape their behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students of conference interpreting or anyone who wants to learn more about the sociology of international cooperation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/3fb7ak/international
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Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 17 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Geneva
Instructors
Dominique Leveillé
Claire Bessant
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
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