International Organizations for Interpreters from Coursera

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.

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.

History, Evolution and Trends

Welcome to Module 2 of our course. In this Module you will learn about the founding of the first international organizations and the growth of the multilateral system. We will focus in particular on the League of Nations, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN system as a whole.

The Structure of International Organizations

Welcome to Module 3 of our course. In this Module you will learn about the legal status of international organizations and the functions of their basic texts. We will then examine the structure of organizations, focussing on identifying the various kinds of body found within them. Finally, you will learn about the different kinds of entity that make up the UN system, in particular the UN specialized agencies.

The Competencies and Functioning of International Organizations

Welcome to Module 4 of our course. In this Module you will learn about the mandates and roles of international organizations. We will look at the tendency of organizations' mandates to gradually expand, and the problems that can ensue. You will also learn how international organizations make decisions.

Multilingualism in International Organizations

Welcome to Module 5 of our course. The Module focusses on topics that are of particular interest to future conference interpreters: languages and multilingualism. You will first learn how the current multilingual system at the UN came to be, which, of course, would not have been possible without simultaneous interpreting. You will learn about the founding of our profession, and the important distinction between official and working languages. We will then examine two important issues linked to multilingualism: the increasing dominance of English and the cost of multilingualism within international organizations.

Conclusion

Welcome to the final Module of our course. This Module will help you assess the benefits and shortcomings of international organizations. We will look at the numerous flaws of international organizations, and the cost of the multilateral system — including typical IO budgets — but we will also assess the importance of international organizations and the multilateral system as a whole.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

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Ensure your language skills are up to par by refreshing your grammar and vocabulary.

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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

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Connect with fellow interpreting students to discuss course material and practice your skills.

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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

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Improve your listening and comprehension skills through shadowing exercises.

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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

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Follow tutorials on simultaneous interpreting techniques

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Enhance your understanding of simultaneous interpreting techniques by following guided tutorials.

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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

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Start a portfolio of conference interpreting assignments to showcase your skills and demonstrate your proficiency in the field.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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