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The Japanese translation and interpretation program equips students with the latest skill sets for exciting and rewarding careers. 

Careers

We have a well-connected and influential alumni network that is eager to help you launch your career. Our recent graduates are sought after around the world, and close to 100 percent are employed soon after graduation. They work at prominent international companies and organizations including, Honda, Google, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, the IMF, Bloomberg, the U.S. Department of State, and SMBC Nikko Securities; and at academic institutions such as Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Rikkyo University. Many thrive as freelance translators and interpreters.

Middlebury Institute Japanese graduate Maiko McKelvey

Maiko McKelvey

Current Employment: Freelance interpreter and translator (Tokyo, Japan)

First Job after Graduation: In-house interpreter, Honda (Tokyo, Japan)

Internship: On-site interpreter, Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center (California)

Degree: Conference Interpretation

Languages of Study: Japanese, English

Institute Advantage: The Middlebury Institute network, individual career advice, and the career fair are helpful. Now that I am a freelancer, I have expanded my client base using referrals from my professors at the Middlebury Institute and my former classmates.

Middlebury Institute Japanese graduate Katrin Larsen

Katrin Larsen

Current Employment: Interpreter and translator, DeNA Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)

Internship: Translation fellow, World Intellectual Property Organization (Geneva, Switzerland)

Degree: Translation and Interpretation

Languages of Study: Japanese, English

Institute Advantage: The Practicum in Interpreting course was incredible—it gave me the opportunity to interpret on a wide variety of topics, to get hours of actual interpreting practice, and to connect with other interpreters.

High Demand for Japanese Language Experts

The demand for professionals with Japanese language skills is significant. Top companies are desperately seeking professionals trained in Japanese translation, interpretation, and localization management. Hear from our alumni on how the Middlebury Institute helped them launch exciting careers.

Japanese Translation & Interpretation Career Panel

Middlebury Institute alumni from the Japanese master’s programs in translation, translation and interpretation, and conference interpretation as they share insights on how their Middlebury Institute experience has helped them in their careers and the wide range of opportunities for our graduates in the language services industry.

Internships

During the summer breaks, students take advantage of available internships at high-profile companies such as Honda, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and Daikin.

Course Work

Thanks to our small class sizes, you will receive individual attention, immediate feedback, and intensive mentoring from your professors, greatly accelerating your development. This also means you will have more hours of practice in our interpretation booths, giving you a competitive edge once you graduate.

Our classroom environment includes an optimal balance of native English and Japanese speakers, which fosters peer linguistic feedback and a more dynamic academic atmosphere. Courses cover a variety of topics, including economics, politics, technology, patents, health and medicine, and business.

We also often host guest speakers and career-oriented workshops.

International Students

Our international students greatly benefit from the immersive English environment at the Middlebury Institute. Upon graduation, international students may be able to take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the U.S. for a year.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to make this investment in yourself and your career more affordable. More than 95 percent of students who request scholarship consideration receive institutional support. U.S. and international students are eligible.

Connect with Us

If you would like to meet more of our alumni and learn about day-to-day life as a student in the Japanese translation and interpretation program, or the Japanese translation and localization management program, please visit our Instagram, Facebook and check out our blog.

Recent Events

Author and Translator Talks: The Power of Literature and Translation in an Age of Conflict

Japanese Translation and Interpretation Career Panel: Careers in Gaming, Entertainment, and Technology

Faculty

Our faculty are active professionals who bring a broad range of experience and expertise to their teaching. They foster strong mentoring relationships with students, providing guidance on academic performance and career opportunities.

Regular Faculty

Hideko Russell

Associate Professor; Program Head, Japanese Translation and Interpretation

Office:
McCone Building M122

Visiting Faculty

Chiyo Mori

GSTI Visiting Assistant Professor

Office:
400 Pacific Street D106A

Adjunct Faculty

Maki McEldowney

T&I Adjunct

Office:
McCone Building M118

Faculty Emeriti

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