Grouphorse launched its interpreting camp in London from June 8 to 16.

The camp members took training sessions given by Dr. Kevin Lin, lead interpreter (Chinese) of the Foreign Office of the UK Government, lecturer on the MA Business Interpreting in Chinese and English (BICE) at the University of Surrey and Grouphorse’s exclusive interpreting trainer, and his colleagues, where they learned basic interpreting skills, how to fix unexpected problems when interpreting and better use their voice and body languages, as well as work ethics, international protocol, table manners in the UK.

At the Seventh Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit held on June 13 and 14, camp members provided simultaneous interpreting service and got to meet with former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming, Minister Moulay Hafid Elalamy of Industry, Trade, Investment and the Digital Economy of the Kingdom of Morocco. They also talked with Pro-Vice Chancellor Ralph Waller of the University of Oxford and Cambridge Mayor Jeremy Benstead.

Themed “Sino-European Innovative Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative”, this summit was attended by more than 400 politicians and business leaders, including UK Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, CBBC Chairman Lord Sassoon, former UK Justice Minister Lord Neil Davidson, Stephen Perry, chairman of UK’s 48 Group Club.

In addition, camp members went to the China-British Business Council (CBBC), one of Grouphorse’s clients, and met with Lise Bertelsen, executive director of the CBBC, who introduced the history of Sino-British relation and CBBC’s vision with the “Made in China 2025” initiative, and encouraged camp members to contribute more to promoting Sino-British exchanges.

The camp members had a great time visiting London landmarks such as the Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower (formerly known as Big Ben), Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Hyde Park, as well as organizations such as the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, the London bullion market, HSBC Holdings, Barclays, Citibank, and Lloyd’s.

Echoing national drive to promote people-to-people cultural exchanges, the eight-day journey  enriched these camp members’ knowledge, cultivated their personality and broadened their horizon.

“I did learn a lot from interpreting at the one-hour one-to-one meeting. I really want to thank Grouphorse for its training,” said Xia Yuetong, a camp member.

“I really appreciate Grouphorse for gaving me such a great opportunity to talk with so many VIPs. I now  better understand my strength and weakness. The interpreting camp is very rewarding,” said Chen Xiangru, another camp member.

The camp leader and interpreter Tang Xuejiao and former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Camp members and former French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin.

A camp member talks to Pro-Vice Chancellor Ralph Waller of the University of Oxford.

The camp members in training sessions given by Kevin Lin and his colleagues at the University of Surrey.

Camp members and Lise Bertelsen, executive director of the CBBC.

Camp members in London.

Camp members at the Seventh Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown gives a keynote speech.

Former French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin gives a keynote speech.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming gives a keynote speech.

Prof. Justin Yifu Lin (third from right), former senior vice president of the World Bank, speaks in a panel session.

Camp members at the Seventh Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit.

Camp members interpret in the speaker room and one-to-one meeting room.

Camp members at the VIP dinner party.

Camp members were awarded a course-completion certificate by Dr. Kevin Lin, lead interpreter (Chinese) of the Foreign Office of the UK Government, lecturer on the MA Business Interpreting in Chinese and English (BICE) at the University of Surrey and Grouphorse’s exclusive interpreting trainer.