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by Helen Iwata

I have often mentioned Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) as a school to consider when people asked about further education in translation and interpreting. At the same time, although I had heard good things, I did not have first-hand experience of the school or know much about what it offers. Attending MIIS's symposium and networking dinner on Sunday, June 20 in Tokyo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Japanese program, I learned about MIIS's course content and saw the graduates in action.

Armed with the facts, I can now recommend MIIS with even greater conviction!


Most striking to me was the enthusiasm of everyone involved - especially the students. The presentations were primarily in Japanese, which all the audience understood. Some were in English. The organizers quickly checked for audience members who might need help, and MIIS students ran to their sides and immediately started whispering interpretation. I was most impressed!

The culture at MIIS seems to be to seize every opportunity to practice and improve. Students have study partners to support each other, and are encouraged to speak to each other using keigo (polite Japanese expressions), so that it comes naturally when interpreting.

MIIS also values being practical and adapting to market trends. MIIS professor and JAT member Tanya Sobieski Pound entertained us with her recollection of how MIIS has transistioned from the old days when students scribbled their translation exams in pencil, repeatedly ran up to the stage at the front of the hall to look words up in paper dictionaries, and hot-footed it back to their desks to continue their translations. Now, of course, students use computers and have access to the Internet and electronic dictionaries during the exams.

In addition, MIIS offers courses on computer-aided translation (CAT) tools, advising students to learn how to get the best from such technology while understanding the limitations.

Tanya shared three tips for continuing to bring in business as a translator despite the tough economic climate and other challenges in the industry:

* Deliver top quality
* Develop content expertise
* Be a good business person.


Wise words.

So if you are looking for further education, the MIIS website would be a great place to start (http://www.miis.edu/). If you are not ready to go back to school, but want to learn about quality, build field-specific knowledge, or want advice on the best business practices, explore the JAT website (http://jat.org) and check our upcoming events.

PROJECT Tokyo 2010, this September, will be a fantastic opportunity. For more information see http://project.jat.org/

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