Prepare. Train. Succeed.
Are you struggling to pass the state court interpreting oral exam?
You're not alone. On average, only 12% to 15% of candidates actually pass. That is why Interpretrain and Athena Sky Interpreting have joined forces to design an intensive Master Class.
We will foster the skills you need to achieve excellence in the profession, helping you to be calm, confident and fully prepared on test day.
From April to July 2021, aspiring state court interpreters will join us for our Master Class, working individually, in groups, and in classes for 12 weeks.
You will receive guidance on reaching expert levels of proficiency for all three modes of interpreting.
You will also prepare for the mental challenge of managing this difficult and stressful exam in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Expert Instructors
Meet online with your trainers two times per week (50 classroom hours)
Study Pods
Study weekly in “online study pods” to get personalized feedback (30 study-group hours)
A Proven Learning Approach
Follow a building-block approach and proven principles of cognitive psychology to master Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpretation, as well as Sight Translation
Mental Wellness
Receive guidance on “study self-care” and mental wellness for test-taking
Interpretrain's 3-Step Method™ and Why It Will Work for You
State court interpreter oral exams require you to perform several complex mental processes very quickly, with a high degree of accuracy, and all at the same time.
With our 3-Step Method™, you will master each of these tasks separately, and then learn how to successfully execute them simultaneously.
Master the Vocabulary
Memorize English/Spanish court terminology through:
• Audio Drills
• Slide Shows
• Games/Quizzes
• Target Practices (to focus on the terms you select)
Don’t have the time to study vocabulary? Our Audio Drills can be used on the go. Whether you’re exercising, doing chores, or on public transportation, you’ll be able to memorize the necessary bilingual legal terminology.
Interpret and Voice Record
· Interpret the same practice at slower, then faster speeds (up to 140 words per minute), to progressively increase your pace in the Simultaneous Mode
· Gradually tackle longer chunks of speech in the Consecutive Mode, until being able to accurately render 55-word chunks
· Sight translate real court documents (from the U.S and from jurisdictions around the world where Spanish is spoken) while learning the most effective method to markedly increase your accuracy in this mode
Get a Grade
Seamlessly assess your improvement with our patent-pending grading technology. This immediate feedback helps you learn faster, and takes the guesswork out of your training by letting you know:
· Which vocabulary needs further practice
· When you are ready to move on to the next lab
With your strengths and weaknesses highlighted, you’ll know exactly what you need to review in order to achieve your best score. This invaluable testing feature is not offered by any other interpreting program.
We will:
· Begin with an intensive immersion in note-taking skills (a big portion of the test and an area where interpreters tend to struggle the most)
· Systematically work our way through Interpretrain’s State Oral Exam Training Program (55 study labs adapted from real courtroom proceedings)
· Practice with terminology drills (audio exercises, quizzes, and games) to master highly specialized court vocabulary
· Interpret the same practice at slower, then faster speeds (up to 140 words per minute), to progressively increase your pace in the Simultaneous Mode
· Gradually tackle longer chunks of speech in the Consecutive Mode, until being able to accurately render 45-55 word chunks
· Sight translate real court documents (from the U.S and from jurisdictions around the world where Spanish is spoken) while learning the most effective method to markedly increase your accuracy in this mode
· Meet with ES-EN legal interpreters, giving each other feedback in class and in smaller group study sessions
· Facilitate detailed self-evaluations of each practice, providing you a numerical score
· Cover vital test-taking tips and holistic methods to manage your stress, so you can shine under the most difficult test conditions
· Issue you a completion certificate
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Athena Matilsky
Federally Certified Court Interpreter (ES-EN)
State Approved Court Interpreter (FR-EN)
Certified Healthcare Interpreter (ES-EN)
Master’s in Conference Interpreting
Athena holds a BA in Spanish interpreting and translation from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Conference Interpreting from Glendon College, York University. In the past decade, she has worked as a freelance interpreter and staff interpreter for the NJ judiciary. She owns Athena Sky Interpreting and trains candidates for the state and federal interpreting exams. When she is not teaching and interpreting, you may find her practicing Acroyoga or studying French.
Virginia Valencia
Federally Certified Court Interpreter (ES-EN)
CA, NY, and NJ State Approved Court Interpreter (ES-EN)
Professional Psychologist
Published Author of Interpreter Training Materials
Over 20 years of teaching experience
Virginia became an interpreter in 2003 and has worked in the fields of legal, medical, and conference interpretation. She holds a Combined Certificate in Translation and Interpretation Studies (Hunter College, 2004). In 2012, Virginia and her husband, Brad Wilk, founded Interpretrain. She currently lives in California, where she teaches, develops new materials, and works as an interpreter.
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