Grouphorse Translations took a team of trainee interpreters to London to take part in a practical interpreting training camp that incorporated two exciting work placements at international conferences from June 9 to 19.

The camp is designed for the trainees to learn through experience, giving them days of immersion in another country’s values, culture, and high-end working environment. It can push them to reach an international professional standard, advance their practical abilities beyond recognition and putt them in good stead for their future careers. 

The 11-day trip  gave these trainees intensive training sessions, taught by a senior interpreter from the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC). Outside the classroom, they had the rare opportunity to attend practical work placements at the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the 8th Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit (SEES). There was time to visit major British institutions such as the BBC, the British Museum, and Oxford University, as well as time to take a detailed tour of London’s cultural attractions. 

Trainees on their simultaneous interpreting placement at IMO.

Trainees receive interpreting tips from Zhang Guangbo.

 Video clips of the trainees.

The day after their arrival, the trainees began by receiving a first-class training from Lori Chen, former translator to the Prime Minister of the UK and member of the AIIC, in preparation for their upcoming work placements at the IMO and SEES. 

The training content included lectures in simultaneous interpreting techniques, and practical drills in English-Mandarin two-way interpreting, sight translation, and simultaneous interpreting. 

Zhang Wen said that, "As soon as we saw Lori, her warm smile made all our nerves and apprehensions melt away. This friendly manner carried through the entire training process."

 "All through our lessons with Lori, she was incredibly patient and tolerant with us," said Wu Liangkun, another trainee.

Grouphorse trainees meet at Ms. Chen’s office to receive indoor/outdoor training.

The Grouphorse trainees pose with Lori Chen.

On June 12 to 13, the trainees were tasked with the daunting role of simultaneous interpreters at a major UN international conference under the guidance of seasoned IMO interpreter, Zhang Guangbo, where they were able to develop their understanding of the etiquette and processes requires at such conferences. 

Zhang gave friendly encouragement followed by in-depth advice on how to improve any areas of weakness, helping them to identify their weaknesses and find a direction for their learning.

Liu Xinrui, a member of the camp, said, "Thanks to Mr. Zhang’s pointers, I now have a much better understanding of simultaneous translation, and how best to practice it."

Trainees at the IMO.

Trainees mid-translation at the IMO.

Trainees take instruction from Zhang at the conference.

Trainees at the cafeteria of the IMO.

The second leg of the trip was the SEES, which took place on June 14th in London. Over 400 Chinese and European dignitaries, leading entrepreneurs, experts, and scholars attended the Summit. This year’s theme was “Build partnerships, Create value together”.

The Grouphorse trainees carried out methodical, targeted preparation for the conference, making sure that they had a thorough understanding of the topics that would come up. Following the conference, former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin spoke to the trainees to express his praise for the quality of Grouphorse’s interpreting services at the Summit. 

Chen Bingjie said that, "Having been through the past few days of intensive interpreting training and the IMO internship, when it came to interpreting at the Summit, I had already overcome any feelings of anxiety." 

Trainees arrive hours early at the conference to begin preparations.

Interpreting under the supervision of their team leader.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown makes a speech at the opening ceremony.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, makes a keynote speech.

The forum in progress.

From the left: Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK; former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown,; former Prime Minister of France Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

The Grouphorse delegation together at the SEES.

Raffarin meets with the Grouphorse trainees.

Once these highly challenging, the visitors from Grouphorse saw Big Ben, Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St James’ Park, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and the financial center, the City of London, and the university town of Oxford.The final stop on their journey was the BBC headquarters. 

Britain’s oldest law court, the “Old Bailey”

St James’ Park 

Christ Church college, Oxford (one of the shooting locations for the Harry Potter films)

They celebrate their successful trip at Oxford’s Turf Tavern.

Trainees take photos with travelers on Tower Bridge.

Oxford University’s Bodleian Library

Grouphorse trainees pose with new friends at an Italian restaurant. 

Trainees commemorate their visit to the BBC.

"There’s really no arguing that the Cema Training School of Translation and Interpreting is the best and most diverse translation training agency in China," said Wen Xiaofei.