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

2. 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

3. Ethics and Professional Standards

Codes of ethics and principles of practice

Maintaining professional boundaries

Confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy

4. Interpreting Skills in Practice

Modes of interpreting, note-taking, and memory techniques

Strategies for managing high-stakes and emotionally charged sessions

5. Trauma-Informed Interpreting

Working effectively with vulnerable people

Self-care, resilience, and reflective practice for interpreters

6. 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

7. 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.