Yes, that’s right. It’s time for another MCI Open House. Like previous events, we’ll be giving interpreters-to-be and would-be applicants a chance to kick the tires, so to speak.
Our event will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. We will meet in Glendon’s Interpreting Lab (York Hall 143). Here’s what we will have in store for you that day.
Open House Program
10:00: Where is the interpreting profession headed? And how can the MCI get you there?
It’s no secret that the work interpreters do is changing — and quickly! Face-to-face work is dwindling, staff positions are hard to come by, and clients want service in new and unfamiliar modes. It’s enough to leave the average interpreter exasperated! But don’t worry, the MCI has you covered. In this short interactive talk, MCI Director Andrew Clifford will explain how the MCI helps new interpreters tackle the challenges of a changing professional landscape head-on.
10:30: Conquering consecutive: Delivering a stand-up performance with panache
Doing long, conference-style consecutive is not for the faint of heart. But MCI graduate Alejandro González has several tricks up his sleeve that he learned during his time in the program. Listen as Alejandro explains and demonstrates some key principles for a successful consecutive. Then try your hand at long consecutive and get practical feedback from Alejandro, Andrew, and Jack.
11:00: Taming Simultaneous: Strategies to start you using a new interpreting mode
Simultaneous isn’t hard to do. It’s just hard to do well! But don’t despair, there are techniques you can use to make your simultaneous performance stand out. MCI graduate Jack Xu will introduce you to several of these before letting you try them out in the booth. Alejandro, Andrew, and Jack will be on hand to help you assess your own work.
11:30: Taking charge of your online learning: Tips for a successful first year
The first year of the MCI is delivered entirely online, through interactive, real-time classes. While this experience is a lot like regular classroom learning, it is different in significant ways. So students have to be ready to deal with these differences. In this informative talk, listen as our current MCI students discuss how they got the most out of their remote experience.
In addition to these planned talks, there will also be two other features that might pique your interest. First, you are welcome to test out the booths in the lab at any point. Want to try your hand at shadowing, or even interpreting simultaneously? Simply sit down in one of the booths and put on your headset. You’ll be able to hear the discussion on the floor and shadow/interpret to your heart’s content.
Second, we will also be maintaining a “Question Corner”. At the back of the lab, we have an informal seating area. One of us will be on hand throughout the day to answer specific questions you might have about classes or getting enrolled.
Directions to Glendon
Glendon is located in uptown Toronto, at 2275 Bayview Avenue, at the intersection of Lawrence and Bayview avenues, close to Sunnybrook Hospital.
If you are coming here by public transit…
First, make your way to the Lawrence Station. From there, take the 124 Sunnybrook bus, and get off when the GPS system announces “306 Lawrence Avenue East, Glendon Campus, York University”. For more information, consult the Toronto Transit Commission trip planner. If you are on Lawrence Avenue at Bayview and facing east, Glendon’s main gates will be right in front of you.
If you are coming here by car…
There is metered parking on the campus. Parking on the upper campus is available in Lot Number 4 and Lot Number 5 (see the map). You can also park on the lower campus in Lot Numbers 1 and 2. However, you will have to take the (very steep steps) to climb back up to the top of the ravine. Information on daily parking rates is available Parking Services page.
Once you’re here…
Head to the new main entrance of York Hall (aka, the “Centre of Excellence”). It’s immediately visible once you pass the gates. When you are inside the building, keep to your left and walk straight ahead. You will pass the amphitheatre, walk down a hallway of classrooms, and approach
the main wing of the old building. Once you are past the sliding glass doors, open one of the solid doors on your right. The entrance to the Interpreting Lab will then also be on your right.
If you would like to join us at the Open House, there is no need to RSVP. Simply show up between 10:00 a.m. and noon.