No one knows better than a diplomat how interpretation can make or break high-stakes conversations.
The Middlebury Institute’s new MA in Interpretation for Diplomats and Executives (IDE) helps build the interpretation skills that high-level staff need to help their countries or companies navigate complex negotiations.
“ This is designed for diplomats and executives to focus on what they want and need and allows them to customize their program,” said Andrea Hofmann-Miller, program co-chair of the translation and interpretation programs, including the new IDE program.
Master’s candidates in the IDE program build their interpreting skills and also expand their policy and area knowledge through elective courses. The program is available in seven languages: Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
Indian diplomat Aishwarya Sheoran is currently completing her master’s in translation and interpretation (French) at the Institute and appreciates that the course options allow focus on what is most relevant to someone in her role.
“It’s not a vague set of themes but very specific things on geopolitics or international relations. The program allows me to have my courses in interpretation and also gain expertise in other domains that can interest me as a diplomat,” said Sheoran. “This is a place where you get it all.”
Overview of the MA in Interpretation for Diplomats and Executives
Professor Andrea Hofmann-Miller shares how this program is designed to meet unique needs and allow customization.
Students taking IDE courses focus on consecutive interpretation and sight translation, which are critical when interpreting in a meeting and reviewing important documents like contracts or nondisclosure agreements on the spot.
“When two leaders are in conversation, you can’t interrupt to say, ‘Wait, let me interpret,’” said Hofmann-Miller. “It’s incredibly difficult to do consecutive interpretation when the speaker goes on for more than three minutes. We teach you the right tools and techniques to achieve that. We also teach sight translation, which teaches you how to read between the lines and cut through the thick of the words and really focus on the meaning.”
Hofmann-Miller has worked as an interpreter for the U.S. State Department since 1991 and has also worked for the German parliament, the Deutsche Bundestag, and various German ministries accompanying delegations on their travels in the U.S. Many Institute faculty have experience interpreting at global organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, as well as for executives.
Another unique aspect of the program is the opportunity to complete an eight-week intensive immersion program in Vermont through Middlebury Language Schools, whether right before starting or mid-program.
“The intensive, immersive program is fantastic for accelerating fluency,” said Hofman-Miller.
Learning from native speakers—both faculty and students—also provides the opportunity to go deep into cultural nuances and navigate areas that are particularly sensitive or taboo.
While most diplomats come to the program with a strong base, their coursework, summer language school, and tutoring work together to strengthen their fluency and broaden their familiarity with terminology.
Students can also dive deeper into policy areas relevant to their work. They can choose from a wide range of courses in global security, environmental sustainability and climate resilience, development, policy analysis, and international trade.
An Indian diplomat shares her experience studying French interpretation and translation at the Middlebury Institute.
The Middlebury Institute is a uniquely international community. More than 40 percent of students are international, hailing from over 30 different countries. Many students have lived or worked outside their home countries and speak at least two languages.
Over the past decade, the Institute has had Indian diplomats complete translation and interpretation programs in Chinese, French, German, and Russian.
Sheoran found a welcoming community in Monterey.
“When you come to Middlebury, you actually understand why the world is one big family and why we are all in this community with so much unity. I found a home here. My professors, staff, friends—everybody encouraged me to grow,” said Sheoran. “That’s what has made this the best two years of my life.”
Master of Arts in Interpretation for Diplomats and Executives
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