Interpreter training is essential for all interpreters because it is not enough to speak two languages; interpreters need to be trained in interpreting techniques and to receive feedback on their work.
The European Union institutions require anyone applying for the post of staff or freelance interpreter to hold an M.A. in Conference Interpreting.
Interpreting is a very specialised skill. In order to be a successful interpreter it is not sufficient to be “good at languages”.
In Ireland, there is only one dedicated course, the MA in Conference Interpreting at NUI Galway. Languages offered are English, French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish.
While there is no accredited course in community interpreting available in Ireland, a community interpreting module (e.g. for French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese) is available as an option on the M.A. in Translation Studies and during the final year of the B.A. in Applied Language and Translation Studies.
The European Masters in Conference Interpreting is run by universities in Antwerp, Budapest, Cluj, Geneva, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Trieste and Warsaw, in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Parliament.