About the Booth Club
Is the Booth Club affiliated with any university or organisation?
Though the idea for the Booth Club was born out of the EMCI students exchange in 2023, it is an independent project and not part of any organisation, institution or university. It is not a training programme, but an informal community of students and recent graduates.
What does the Booth Club have to offer?
A whole lot! We’re an online community of conference interpreting students and graduates who actively help and support each other. We host practice sessions allowing our members to improve their skills, add new languages, and prepare for finals and exams. Beyond practicing together, we look out for each other, share advice and exchange experiences. Getting started in the interpreting world is no easy feat – but there is strength in numbers.
Practice sessions
What can I expect from a practice session?
We generally tackle three to four speeches in a variety of languages and aim for a mix of simultaneous and consecutive practice. Through the use of relays, all members are able to interpret every speech. Participants are also encouraged to pair up and provide each other feedback.
Two hours and a serious interpreting workout later, we part ways and look forward to the next practice!
When, where and how often do you meet?
All our practice sessions are planned using WhatsApp and held online via Zoom. They usually take place twice a week. The exact schedule changes every week based on the general availability of our members. Though we mostly meet on weekdays, practice sessions can also be planned for the weekend.
What languages do you work with?
Our practice sessions frequently feature speeches in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. With minimal previous planning, Dutch, Polish and Swedish speeches also make appearances.
Using relays, we’re normally able to make sure everyone can interpret every speech.
Becoming a member
Who can join?
The Booth Club is aimed at conference interpreters at the beginning of their career, i. e. conference interpreting students and recent graduates.
Students are advised to join once they have completed the first semester. Practice can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out!
Are there any technical requirements?
Have no fear, we do not use any obscure software you wouldn’t be familiar with! We use WhatsApp to communicate, Zoom to host practice sessions, and Google Drive to share files. Our admin team has also drafted a Booth Club guide to show newcomers how we operate. And if anything is unclear, you’ve got an entire community to come to your rescue.
For practice sessions, a stable internet connection and headset allowing for good sound quality are required to give speeches and provide relay.
Does my language combination matter?
No, the Booth Club is open to conference interpreters of all booths. Please note that if your A language is not yet represented among our members, you will unfortunately not be able to receive feedback.
The best way to avoid this is to bring a classmate or colleague along!
Are there any obligations or fees?
As of now, the Booth Club is free of charge.
It is, however, based on reciprocity. All admins and members are volunteers: part of that is volunteering to give speeches and provide feedback to others.
You’ve convinced me, I want to join!
Fantastic! Then click on the button below, fill out the sign-up form and expect to hear back from us very soon!
the Booth Club 