Interpreter trainers connect by videoconference with universities around the world to support Conference Interpreter training
Virtual classes explained
Virtual classes are training sessions, lasting 2-2:30 hours, organised by videoconference with partner universities. Interpreters from DG Interpretation with training experience are assigned to specific sessions as trainers and speakers.
Around 60 sessions are organised by academic year with more than 30 partner universities from around the world, and other international and European institutions.
The project started around 2009 linking EC, EP and a group of European universities with the organisation of multilateral virtual classes reuniting 3 universities each time and the institutions.
You can see below a picture of one of the first of these multilateral virtual classes.
With time each institution developed its own virtual class programme and emphasis was put on bilateral virtual classes (between one EU institution and one partner university). However, DG Interpretation still organises trilateral Virtual Classes either linking two partner universities or one university with another European or international institution.
Currently offered modules go from standard consecutive or simultaneous interpretation training sessions, to seminars and mock interinstitutional tests for freelancers.
You will see below some pictures of the different types of Virtual Classes organised by DG Interpretation and a link to the Virtual Training Menu, where you can consult the different remote training modules currently offered in Virtual Class format.
In order to take part in the Virtual Class programme, universities must have a videoconference system which is compatible with technology used by DG Interpretation.