Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting (MACI)

The Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting provides students with a solid grounding in Interpretation Theory and over 300 hours of hands-on training in inbound and outbound interpreting. Roughly 50% of the training is done in the Interpreting Lab using interpreting booths.

Program Structure

The program requires the completion of a total of 10 courses plus a Thesis to earn the Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting [MACI]. The duration of the program is 12 months. An academic year includes two semesters, each semester running for 15 weeks. Successful completion of the program will require a total of 33 credits / 10 courses and 1 thesis (3 credits).

Things You’ll Learn

Upon completion of the MA in Conference Interpreting degree studies, students should be able to interpret accurately and precisely speeches, texts, and abstracts in and out of their native language in a variety of professional settings and scientific and technical domains. Students will develop essential skills including:

• Sight Translation, Liaison, Consecutive, Remote & Simultaneous Interpreting
• Critical thinking
• Summarizing for interpretation
• Intercultural communication
• Identifying key linguistic resources needed for specialized interpreting assignments such as medical, legal, and technical conferences

MACI Research & Hands-On Learning

During their studies for the MACI, students will have the opportunity to engage in peer research projects under the supervision of faculty and participate as working interpreters in simulated conferences. Students will also develop their language fluency and decision-making through interpreting assignments and special language-enhancement master classes. Finally, students will receive extensive training in all Conference Interpreting modes including sight translation, community, consecutive, and simultaneous interpreting in and out of their native language.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the required documents for admission, candidates applying for the Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting (MACI) program must also submit:

• Evidence of Second Foreign Language or Greek Language Proficiency; this can include:
  • An undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in which the second foreign language is the language of instruction
  • Equivalent certificate of proficiency for the second foreign language (if involved)
  • Equivalent certificate of proficiency for the Greek language (for non-Greek citizens)
  • Other evidence of proficiency will be reviewed individually
• Applicants to the MACI Program also need to take an oral test conducted by interpreters and interpreting instructors. In this test, the candidate will be asked to do a sight translation, that is, to read a text from the source language simultaneously into the target language.

Career Paths

The program's structure and content are fully tailored to meet the needs of aspiring interpreters who wish to pursue a career in national and European institutions and public services. Also, as a graduate of the MACI program, students can pursue an interpreting career with media organizations and agencies specializing in conference organization. Students can also participate in all EU calls for conference interpreting personnel (through EPSO).

Strengths of the MACI Program

The M.A. in Conference Interpreting reflects the way conference interpreting is practiced today. It is taught by faculty with extensive experience as professional interpreters providing services to national and international organizations and events. Furthermore, the program is in alignment with the training requirements set by the Directorate General for Interpretation (SCIC) of the European Commission. Program strengths include the following:

• Practice on a wide range of material such as speeches, presentations, and webinars on a rich variety of topics, including EU, international politics, business, law, and medicine.
• Over 300 hours of interpreting practice in situ (interpreting booth environment) and online (remote interpreting).
• Direct links with the interpreting industry through participation in conferences, congresses, and seminars as auditors as well as practitioners.
• Faculty mentoring and personal support for academic and professional development.
• Career counseling and networking opportunities through the Career Development Office during and after studies.
• Cooperation with the Terminology Coordination Unit of the European Parliament on terminology projects.
• Cooperation with the Model European Union Strasbourg (MEUS) project, an immersive, inclusive, and engaging simulation of the European Union legislative process. Conference interpreting students from different European universities are eligible to offer pro bono interpreting services during the event.

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Outline:

• Program Structure:
• Students complete 11 courses and a thesis for a total of 36 credits in 12 months (2 semesters of 15 weeks each).
• Core curriculum consists of 33 credits from 11 courses, with the remaining 3 credits coming from the thesis.
• Course Content:
• Covers a wide range of interpreting topics and mediums, including speeches, presentations, and webinars on EU, international politics, business, law, and medicine.
• Sight Translation, Liaison, Consecutive, Remote & Simultaneous Interpreting Techniques.
• Critical thinking, summarizing for interpretation, intercultural communication.
• Identifying key linguistic resources for specialized interpreting assignments (e.g., medical, legal, technical conferences).
• Module Descriptions:

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Teaching:

• Practice-Oriented: Hands-on training in interpreting booths, simulating real-world scenarios.
• Experienced Faculty: Instructors are professional interpreters with extensive experience in national and international organizations.
• Industry Collaboration: Participation in conferences and congresses as observers and practitioners.
• Career Counseling: Assistance through the Career Development Office during and after studies.
• Terminology Expertise: Cooperation with the Terminology Coordination Unit of the European Parliament.
• Model EU Simulation: Participation in the Model European Union Strasbourg (MEUS) project for immersive training.

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Careers:

• National and European Institutions: Interpreting for national governments, EU institutions, and public services.
• Media Organizations: Interpreting for media outlets specializing in conference organization.
• EU Call Participation: Eligibility to participate in EU calls for conference interpreting personnel (through EPSO).

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Other:

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in a second foreign language or Greek language.
• Research Opportunities: Engagement in peer research projects under faculty supervision.
• Language Enhancement: Master classes for developing language fluency and decision-making.
Its focus on practical experience, industry connections, and expert faculty equip graduates for diverse career paths in national and international interpreting fields.

Hellenic American College

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Overview:

Hellenic American College is an institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs of Hellenic American University (HAU) at its facilities in Athens, Greece. It provides a student-centered learning environment with small class sizes, diverse student body, and an internationally trained faculty.

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Services Offered:

• Academic Services:

  • Library with extensive collections and resources, interlibrary loan services, and information literacy programs.
  • Academic Center for the Enrichment of Students (ACES) offering academic support, career development, counseling, mentoring, and writing center services.
  • Online learning opportunities.

• Student Life:

  • Student Success programs focusing on academic and career development.
  • Office of Student Affairs organizing student council, activities, teams, and clubs.
  • Civic Engagement opportunities.
  • Events and a blog for student engagement.

• Admissions:

  • Undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.
  • Transfer and international applicant support.
  • Financial assistance programs.
  • Opportunities to visit the college.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Hellenic American College can expect a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body and a strong sense of community. The college offers a variety of co-curricular activities, clubs, and events to foster student engagement and personal development. The college also provides extensive support services to help students succeed academically and professionally.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Aid for Students with Need:

The majority of students receive scholarships and financial aid.

One-on-one Academic and Career Support:

Students benefit from faculty mentoring, writing tutors, career counseling, and dedicated teachers.

Student-Centered Learning:

Small class sizes, diverse student body, and an emphasis on hands-on learning create an engaging and challenging environment.

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Academic Programs:

• Undergraduate Programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Music

• Graduate Programs:

  • Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics-TESOL
  • Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting
  • Master of Arts in Translation
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Sales Management
  • Master of Science in Informatics
  • Master of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Science in Stress & Health Management
  • Ph.D. in Language and Communication

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Other:

• Hellenic American University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
• The college offers a variety of study abroad programs.
• The college has a strong focus on research and teaching.
• The college offers lifelong learning programs in translation and interpretation, teacher education, and technology training.
• The college has a strong alumni network.
• The college is located in Athens, Greece, offering students the opportunity to experience a vibrant and historic city.