Training to become a Translator and Interpreter
Language Labs
The Language Laboratories of SSML Nelson Mandela represent a central element of the educational pathway, providing students with a learning environment designed to foster the development of professional skills, where theory and practice are constantly integrated.
Thanks to well-equipped laboratories and professional IT tools, students become familiar with the technologies used in the translation and interpreting sectors, developing practical skills in line with the standards required by the labour market.
Throughout the degree programme, students are guided in the use of the main software and technologies employed by professional translators and interpreters. Through exercises, simulations, and laboratory activities, students put into practice the knowledge acquired during lectures, consolidating their working methods and refining their linguistic, translation, and communication skills.
The teaching approach of SSML Nelson Mandela combines academic preparation, professional methodologies, and advanced digital tools, providing comprehensive training oriented towards the real needs of the professional world.
In the laboratories, theory becomes practice: students can work on real-life cases, use professional technologies, and develop the skills necessary to operate confidently in the fields of linguistic mediation, translation, and interpreting in national and international contexts.
Simultaneous Interpreting Booth
The training programme includes the use of a professional double-seat booth for simultaneous interpreting, which is an integral part of the educational pathway dedicated to Oral Linguistic Mediation.
Through activities carried out in the booth, students become familiar with the tools and working methods typical of the interpreting profession, practising simultaneous interpreting, conference interpreting simulations, and practical activities supervised by lecturers.
Interaction with classmates and lecturers during exercises allows students to develop technical skills, linguistic accuracy, stress management abilities, and confidence in handling real communication situations.
The professional interpreting booth is also used during seminars and international conferences organised annually by SSML Nelson Mandela, offering students the opportunity to experience an authentic professional environment and apply the skills acquired through a qualified and efficient simultaneous interpreting service.


CAT Tools and Computer Lab
A professional translator must possess strong linguistic and methodological skills, but must also be able to use the technological tools that support the translation process. For this reason, CAT Tools (Computer-Aided Translation Tools), software applications for translation assistance, represent a fundamental component of modern translator training.
At SSML Nelson Mandela, learning how to use CAT Tools is an integral part of the Written Translation courses and is further developed through the course Computer Tools for Translation and Interpreting.
In the Computer Laboratory, students become familiar with the main digital tools used by professionals in the sector, experimenting with working methods based on translation memories, terminology databases, and linguistic project management.
The software included in the educational activities includes OmegaT and Wordfast, CAT Tools used in professional and academic contexts, which allow students to develop practical skills in line with the requirements of the translation market.
SSML Nelson Mandela also promotes continuous professional development through seminars and conferences dedicated to language technologies, providing students with an educational pathway that is constantly updated according to the evolution of the profession.

