Interns provide intensive interpreting and translation services in exchange for 3 academic credits through the Rutgers Undergraduate Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies. Interns are required to work 8-10 hours a week to receive academic credit and commit to availability during two interpreting timeslots per week. Additionally, interns meet weekly with the Program Manager for skills training. Training includes best practices, ethics, memorization techniques, note-take skills, creation of a glossary, resume-building, and problem-solving as needed. At the end of the semester, interns complete a written assignment and receive an academic grade based on their work throughout the semester.
LAP aims to provide a needed service to the community while developing students’ professional skills. Students ability to gain experience in professional-level interpreting and translating has opened new employment opportunities and educational paths. Previous interns have gone on to translate novels, work in nonprofit organizations that provide legal services to the Newark community, start side businesses interpreting and translating for law firms, prepare for the legal interpreting court exam, consider becoming certified as a professional legal interpreter, and apply to law school.
