From 17 March to 5 April the school is hosting Mikhail Smirnov, an interpreter at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). This means an increased workload for the students, who currently have daily workshops run by the guest in addition to their regular classes. However, far from complaining about the extra demands on their time, they have demonstrated a real enthusiasm to learn from the experienced interpreter, to the point of requesting additional classes in French and Spanish. The workshops have been a new experience for Mikhail too, who has never previously acted as a trainer. We sincerely hope that he finds interacting with our young interpreters in the making to be enjoyable. In addition to the actual training, Mikhail’s visit also has a vocational component: the school administration is planning to expand internship opportunities, and is looking into the possibility of cooperating with UNON.

Mikhail Smirnov will also act as an observer in the aptitude tests scheduled for 31 March – 4 April.