London Metropolitan University is one of just 22 universities in the world to join UN network
Date: 26 April
Students at London Metropolitan University are set to benefit from a prestigious partnership with the United Nations.
London Metropolitan University, has completed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Language Careers network, which supports the training of interpreters and translators around the globe.
The University is one of just 22 institutions in the world that are members of the UN network, which provides languages students with learning opportunities and training with UN officials and experts.
London Met students will be taught by UN translators and interpreters who visit the University from Geneva, Vienna and New York; have access to UN placements and internships; and take part in visits to UN offices. They also have training from UN conference organisers to run mock conferences as part of their course.
Dr Alex Krouglov, Associate Professor at London Metropolitan University and former FCO employee, said: “This is great news for our students who will have access to UN training, facilities and expertise, as well as the opportunity to make contacts across a truly global network.
“The UN also advise us on how to get the best of our interpreting and translation curriculum to give our students the best chance of success when going for posts at the UN.
“We’ve already had great student successes in languages careers, and being part of the UN network only broadens the opportunities for London Met students.”
MA Conference Interpreting student Katrina Mayfield believes the partnership is of great value to her studies and future job prospects.
“We have the opportunity to do two weeks of traineeships with the UN; one week in Geneva and one week in Vienna, giving us the opportunity to work alongside the best conference interpreters in the world, communicate with them and learn the trade from the best experts in the field.
“I am truly grateful to the university for creating such opportunities for me, and I shall take the knowledge gained and the skills developed through my traineeship in the UN offices with me into my post university professional life.”
In the past, London Met students and graduates have interpreted for statesmen such as President Obama, and the University has always fought to broaden access to the industry. For example, the University is hosting ‘Women in Translation’ – an event exploring how more women can access the field – on Thursday 21 April.
