Students and recent graduates of interpreting programs have expressed the need for more support. Students seem to want something beyond what happens in the classroom.
In December 2010, the Regional Interpreter Education Center at Northeastern University (NURIEC) created a Facebook group: the Student & Novice Interpreter Network. This group consists of students and recent graduates of interpreting education programs in the NURIEC region: New England, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In Spring 2011, NURIEC hosted its first Student & Novice Interpreter Network Conference! Facebook group members and conference participants raved about the experience. Students had a lot in common with one another despite being from different states. This conference was hosted and run by students. Conference topics included how to get involved in the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities, ethics, mentorship, and transition from school to work. The conference was a great place for students and novice interpreters to get the information they want to know. NURIEC hopes to continue to offer support to other interpreting programs to possibly host another conference in the future.
If you live in the NURIEC region, please join the Student & Novice Interpreter Network Facebook Group.
If you live outside the region and have questions, feel free to contact NURIEC. Also if you want to initiate your own Student & Novice Interpreter Network, go for it! If you need any help, support, or encouragement, reach out to the NURIEC: Anna Davis, Project Coordinator, at a.davis@neu.edu.