As the host of the EU-Russia Summit of 2003 and the G8 Summit of 2006, as well as of other important international fora, St. Petersburg is rapidly becoming a major political, economic and international center, the so-called Northern capital of Russia. Plans for other international events are in the pipeline.In this context, the role of highly professional conference interpreters/translators is ever growing. The idea behind the project is to establish in St. Petersburg its own School of Interpretation and Translation, which will train the necessary staff tailored to the needs of the city and its business community. The ultimate goal is meet the needs of the national and international civil services and high-level international conferences.The School will have its own strict code of conduct, rituals and traditions. The trainees are expected to demonstrate full commitment to the School and their chosen profession.