Xiangning Tang
"The professional staff and all the facilities that I use are a highlight for me."
Entry year
2018Placement company
International Maritime OrganisationI previously studied Electronics and Information Science and Technology at Shaanxi Normal University. However, I chose to do the MA Interpreting (Chinese Pathway) at the University of Surrey because I am passionate about the subject and I want to be a professional interpreter. The interpreting program at Surrey is strong among all British universities as it provides both academic and practical skills.
"My teachers are knowledgeable and kind; they assisted me in my academic, interpreting and writing skills with patience and diligence."
I didn’t receive any systematic English or interpreting training before I came to Surrey, but my teachers are knowledgeable and kind; they assisted me in my academic, interpreting and writing skills with patience and diligence. The professional staff and all the facilities that I use are a highlight for me. Also, in my spare time, I’ve enjoyed visiting and being a member of Surrey Sports Park, the university’s gym and fitness centre.
The Centre of Translation Studies at the University of Surrey provided a valuable placement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which enabled me to practice simultaneous interpreting in an United-Nation standard interpreting booth. It was a five-day placement at IMO headquarters in London. The trainees sat in the interpreting booth and conducted simultaneous interpreting in turn.
It was valuable to have the real job experience and get the feedback from my classmates as well as IMO interpreters. I learned about the conference interpreting setting and received useful suggestions from IMO interpreters. At the same time, I practiced teamwork and time management during the placement.
I would recommend everyone to do a placement, if possible. Firstly, it is hard to get an internship chance at IMO as a new interpreter. The placement provides first-hand experience of my future career and with this experience, I now have a better understanding of interpreting as a profession and can prepare myself for the challenges I have already identified.
Secondly, the placement is helpful in my studies at Surrey. My course sets weekly simultaneous interpreting tests and what I learned from the placement is also applicable to my course.
Thirdly, it is very useful to get to know and establish long-term contact with experienced interpreters that work for IMO. I have not only received personal feedback from them, but with these new contacts, I can ask for assistance even after I finish my MA course.
Discover more about our postgraduate courses in languages, communication, translation and interpreting, including our MA Interpretation (Chinese Pathway).
