Interpreter trainings
Interpreting in the fields of training, health, social, asylum and justice is a complex and demanding profession. Interpreters serve as a bridge between people of different backgrounds and cultures. To do this, they must acquire a thorough knowledge of the theory, technique and practice of interpreting.
Training, supporting, evaluating and developing the professional skills of our interpreters is our main objective in order to offer a quality service.
Our in-house training offers all interpreters the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, develop and acquire a high professional level both in the area of ethical principles and in skills in interpreting protocols, procedures and techniques .
Our interpreter training & support program
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Mandatory upon hiring, the Bhaasha training service offers interpreters, whatever their level of initial training or experience, individualized briefing/initiation sessions with the aim of familiarizing them with the context of the profession and the different expectations of the employer and customers.
The basic briefing/initiation is followed by technical training of 1 to 2 hours depending on their digital aptitude.
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Bhaasha offers a comprehensive foundation training to become a professional interpreter, with clearly defined objectives and a well-organized course structure. It also prepares participants to obtain the INTERPRET certification.
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The intervision groups carry out a reflection oriented towards the search for solutions to concrete and specific problems. The conduct of the discussion is entrusted to a person who comes from the same professional background. Sessions are held monthly.
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Monthly supervision sessions led by a psychologist approved by INTERPRET.
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In addition to the 151-hour basic training, our training service organizes several continuing training sessions and specialized workshops of 6 to 9 hours each year for Bhaasha interpreters. The objectives of these sessions are to:
• Master the terminology specific to the topic/area covered.
• Develop interpretation techniques in the relevant context.
• Strengthen the accuracy and fidelity of the message in complex situations.
• Practice through real-life scenarios.
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We offer our interpreters individual support, which provides them with support and advice to improve their skills.
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Periodic evaluations are carried out (in collaboration with clients/ professionals) on the basis of pre-established criteria.
Our Basic Training Program
Base Training
Our 151-hour basic training prepares participants for the exam to obtain the INTERPRET certificate. We offer two French-language training courses, one in Geneva and the other in Yverdon-les-Bains, which run concurrently from September of the current year to January of the following year. Classes are held twice a week online and in person (upcoming dates below).
Main objectives
Understand the role and responsibilities of interpreters in the fields of training, social, health, asylum, and justice.
Acquire in-depth knowledge of the specialized terminology in each field.
Apply the principles of sight translation and determine the situations for which this technique is appropriate.
Master the technique of consecutive interpreting by developing an individual note-taking system.
Understand the asylum context in Switzerland and its legal framework, as well as the rights and obligations of migrants.
Acquire stress management skills to cope with emotionally demanding situations.
Become familiar with the protocols and procedures relating to interpreting in the fields of training, social, health, asylum, and justice.
Teaching methods
Theoretical courses: Presentations, readings, discussions on key concepts.
Practical workshops: Group interpretation exercises, scenario simulations, case studies.
Feedback and evaluation: Skills assessment, individual tutoring (if necessary).
By completing this training, participants should acquire the skills necessary to become professional interpreters who are competent to work in different contexts.
Registration prerequisites
1) Language proficiency:
The required level of French is minimum B2 Delf, certified. Priority is at level C1.
The minimum level of native language required is C1, certified.
2) Academic level: At least a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
3) Age: Be over 20 years old.
4) Professional experience: Previous interpreting experience is desired (at least 50h are required to enroll for the INTERPRET Certificate exam).
5) Interpersonal skills: As an interpreter, it is important to have good interpersonal skills, such as empathy, cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt to different contexts and interlocutors.
The language prerequisites must be fulfilled at the time of registration or, at least, one month before the start of the training. 50 hours of professional experience are required to enroll for the exam.
Upcoming Training Programs
Upcoming Training Programs
Sept. 2025 to Jan. 2026
By videoconference and on-site in Yverdon-les-Bains
Basic interpreting training - Yverdon-les-Bains
Training aimed at people interested in working or already working as an interpreter in the field of Training, Asylum, Justice, Education, Social and Health and who are preparing for the exam to obtain the INTERPRET certificate.
This training aims to enable participants to acquire a professional concept of the role of the interpreter, to have in-depth knowledge of the code of ethics of the profession, to master interpreting and communications techniques and to face the challenges that arise in different socio-cultural contexts.
Sept. 2025 to Jan. 2026
By videoconference and on-site in Geneva
Basic interpreting training - Geneva
Training aimed at people interested in working or already working as an interpreter in the field of Training, Asylum, Justice, Education, Social and Health and who are preparing for the exam to obtain the INTERPRET certificate.
This training aims to enable participants to acquire a professional concept of the role of the interpreter, to have in-depth knowledge of the code of ethics of the profession, to master interpreting and communications techniques and to face the challenges that arise in different socio-cultural contexts.
Continuous training workshops (only for Bhaasha Interpreters)
7th April 2025 (Yverdon)
12th May 2025 (Geneva)
Community interpreting workshop
Various scenarios to train for professional practice, methodological learning and practical exercises linked to theory.
5th June 2025 (Yverdon)
Specialized interpreting in mental health
Develop terminology, strategies and techniques for interpreting in mental health.
5th June 2025 (Yverdon)
Constitution of glossaries for the medical domain
Learn to orient research, identify sources, and elaborate glossaries in the medical sector.