What is an internship?

Research has demonstrated that learning from experience is a characteristic of exceptional practitioners.  An internship is a time when student interpreters apply classroom theory and practice to actual work settings with supervision and support from an on-site mentor.  Internship experiences are essential in the education and preparation of competent entry-level interpreters.

Internship for Sign Language interpreting students takes place during the last semester of the program, usually the Spring semester.  You will meet in class once a week during the internship.  Students will work a total of 160 hours, which are expected to be hands-on interpreting work.  This can include a maximum of forty hours observation of other interpreters. 

• An internship experience creates opportunities for students to refine their emerging interpreting skills, interpersonal skills and decision-making skills in order to enter the field.

• Learning in an internship setting provides student interpreters with opportunities to reflect on ”real-life” experiences, examine assumptions and make critical discoveries that are not possible in classroom settings.

• Observing, participating with, and receiving guidance from experienced practitioners is crucial for interpreters on the cusp of entering the field.

• During internship, students have the opportunity to assess their performance and to set goals for their ongoing skills development.

• By engaging in internship experiences, students will have an opportunity to develop a personal philosophy of practice.

• Student interpreters are expected to develop other critical skills while on internship, including: problem solving, flexibility, creative thinking and taking personal responsibility for their decisions/actions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: During this time of Internship, your last semester, you will need to file your application for graduation.  The deadline for this application is posted in the current ACC schedule.  Details regarding this application can be found in the Admissions office.

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