Student profile
“ With the small class size in my programme, students benefit from the interaction with the lecturers and high-caliber interpreters and translators. ”
Priscilla, Shan Yat Lam, MA Interpreting & Translating
Why Bath?
I chose to study in Bath because of the good reputation of the University of Bath. The Interpreting and Translating programme has gained a high recognition among universities offering similar programmes. In addition, Bath is well-known for its historical and cultural heritage. The city’s landscape and architecture are in itself fascinating. It is the loveliest thing to be able to study in such a beautiful city.
Why the MA Interpreting & Translating?
It is my long-cherished dream to pursue my knowledge in language studies. I am dedicated to contributing to the field of translation and interpreting.
During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed to a wide variety of theories and skills in translation and interpretation. I longed to further my studies in this field and to boost my language proficiency. I hope to work as an interpreter after graduation; it is a very satisfying thing to be able to facilitate communication between people who speak different languages.
What’s best about Bath?
With the small class size in my programme, students benefit from the interaction with the lecturers and high-caliber interpreters and translators. The teaching staff at the university is not only highly-qualified but also very dedicated. I am convinced that the University of Bath provided me with a motivating learning environment pursuing knowledge in interpreting and translation in the previous academic year.
Besides high-quality teaching, the university offers excellent sports facilities for students. The Sports Training Village enables students to engage in all sorts of sports which help to balance students’ studies and leisure time.
What is life in Bath like?
There are many international students studying in Bath. Meeting people from different countries and cultures has further inspired me in taking a new perspective towards other cultures and while still valuing my own culture and tradition. In addition, I have done many different walks in Bath and I am really amazed by all those hidden valleys, tranquil woodlands and patchworks of meadows. Visits to places like the Victoria Park, Prior Park, Skyline and Bathwick Hill have been extremely enjoyable and memorable. I also enjoy the richness in wildlife and rare plant species. This is something unique about Bath and I really cherish that.
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to stay and work in the UK. I hope to contribute to the field of interpreting and translation and I also hope that I will be able to serve the community with my language skills.
As a student of Interpreting and Translation, I am always under the intense training of doing both interpreting and translation work. Simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting are very interesting and at the same time, challenging. I have had to sharpen my skills in multitasking and have to have a high degree of concentration. This practise has trained me to become more analytical in information processing and competent in message delivery.
How did you experience the British higher education system?
Actually I didn’t encounter big challenges in the British higher education system. This is probably because the education system of Hong Kong is quite similar to that of Britain. Students have to take the initiative to explore different aspects of the subject and take an active role in self-learning. Peer learning is also very important. With study groups, students are able to learn the strength of the others and improve themselves. Also, students have to be very aware of things happening around the world and try their best to equip themselves well in response to the fast-changing world. This is very important.
What were your greatest worries when you first came to Bath?
When I first arrived at Bath, I was a bit worried that I might not know enough about British culture. I also worried that I might be homesick here. However, it is very thoughtful of the English Language Centre to offer us the Pre-MAIT programme which introduced us to many interesting things about British culture as well as equipping us for the MAIT programme.
I am also thankful that I have made many nice friends in church and the Mandarin fellowship. They are very caring and I am often invited to some couples’ place for dinner, I felt home indeed. At festivals like Chinese New Year and Christmas, I also had very lovely celebration with my Mandarin fellowship and my classmates. I did not feel lonely during my stay in Bath. I also keep in close contact with my family and close friends in Hong Kong. I share my life and my experience here with them, so that they know how I am doing.
Did you do a placement as part of your course?
I went to the UN in Vienna, Austria, for an internship as part of my master programme for two weeks. It was really an eye-opening experience for me as I was able to practise simultaneous interpreting in the booth and listen to professional interpreters performing their tasks in the international meetings. I am further convinced that perseverance and diligence is the only key to realise my dreams.
Besides this internship, I also took up some freelance translation and interpreting work. I was suggested by my course director, Dr. Kumar to do simultaneous interpreting at a business conference held in Dubai between Dubai, China and Hong Kong. Earlier this year, I also did simultaneous interpreting at a UK-China summit at the University of Nottingham. This has been such a valuable experience as it enabled me to bring into practice what I have been learning. Apart from the interpreting skills, I am further convinced that, to be a good interpreter, wide-ranging knowledge is as vital as the command of languages. This echoes with the saying that interpreters ought to “know something about everything under the sun". These trips have not only enriched my life experience but also motivated me to strive even harder towards my goals.
Would you recommend the University to a friend?
I will definitely recommend the University to my friends who want to study in the UK. Bath is an ideal place for studies and the University offers excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff for students. I have enjoyed my studies here so much and I just don’t want to say goodbye to the University!
