Interpreting In Asylum and Refugee Context

Duration: 38 hours (over 2 months)

Cost: €400 (€200 deposit required to secure a place)

Format: Saturday mornings – 3-hour online sessions x 8 weeks = 24 hours. Two full day in-person sessions (14 hours) – dates to be agreed during intro session

Commencing: Beginning of March 2026

Trainer: Meet The Trainer

Course Overview

Community interpreting is essential for equal access to services, empowering individuals who speak different languages to fully participate in society. This course goes beyond basic interpreting skills, offering targeted training for asylum and refugee contexts. Through interactive workshops, practical role-plays, and real case studies from Ireland’s asylum procedures, participants gain specialised knowledge that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Who Should Apply?

This course is ideal for individuals with strong bilingual skills who are interested in developing or strengthening their interpreting practice, particularly in asylum and refugee contexts. Suitable applicants include:

• Community interpreters supporting asylum seekers and refugees
• Bilingual individuals wishing to professionalise or enhance their interpreting skills
• NGO staff and volunteers providing language support in community and refugee settings
• Professionals seeking specialised training in asylum and refugee interpretation

No prior formal training in interpreting is required, but a good command of two languages and a commitment to supporting fair and equal access to services are essential.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding of Ireland’s asylum process and the interpreter’s role
• Apply interpreting techniques in sensitive situations
• Adhere to professional standards of confidentiality and impartiality
• Develop trauma-informed interpreting practices
• Strengthen skills in terminology and cultural mediation

Course Modules

1. Foundations of Community Interpreting
   • Role and responsibilities of interpreters
   • Core interpreting skills and communication techniques

1. Asylum and International Protection in Ireland
   • Key stages and procedures of applications
   • Rights and access to justice
   • Interpreter’s role and responsibilities in asylum settings

1. Ethics and Professional Standards
   • Codes of ethics and principles of practice
   • Maintaining professional boundaries
   • Confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy

1. Interpreting Skills in Practice
   • Modes of interpreting, note-taking, and memory techniques
   • Strategies for managing high-stakes and emotionally charged sessions

1. Trauma-Informed Interpreting
   • Working effectively with vulnerable people
   • Self-care, resilience, and reflective practice for interpreters

1. Practical Application in Asylum and Refugee Contexts
   • Role-plays of asylum interviews and hearings
   • Reflective feedback and peer learning
   • Navigating cultural differences and power dynamics

1. Terminology and Professional Development
   • Building specialised glossaries and portfolios
   • Opportunities for working with NGOs and institutions
   • Pathways for further training and professionalisation

Certification

• Continuous assessment through practical tasks
• Certificate of Completion awarded on successful participation

Schedule

• Duration: 38 hours
• Commencing: Beginning of March 2026
• Location: Irish Refugee Council Training Centre, Dublin and Online
• Sessions: Saturday mornings – 3 hour online sessions x 8 weeks = 24 hours. Two full day in-person sessions (14 hours) – dates to be agreed during intro session

Fees and Registration

• Total Cost: €400
• Deposit: €200 payable upon registration (non-refundable)
• Limited places available to ensure interactive learning

Apply: Fill out the form below.

For enquiries, contact: interpreters@irishrefugeecouncil.ie.