Faq

What classes will I be taking? What are they like?

The program focuses on four major types of classes. The first set of classes in the series is the American Sign Language Courses. Each student will progress through the various levels of language acquisition.

While learning American Sign Language the students also take several courses focusing on Deaf culture and history. Once the language classes are finished, students start taking interpreting courses. These courses run for two years starting with Introduction to Interpreting and ending with Practicum.

In practicum students actually go out with working interpreters in Boston and observe and utilize the skills developed in the program in real life interpreted situations.

What sort of support services are offered to me? Are there any clubs I can go to for support?

Our professors and staff members always have office hours in which they can help you with your questions. Along with the support from professors and staff members, the Interpreting Club at Northeastern University (ICNU) is run by students for students and hosts events throughout the year. Also there are student organizations that may be of interest.

Also, every year, first year students are paired up with upper class students who then becomes their mentors as they progress through the first year at NU. This way, freshmen always have someone to ask questions about classes they would recommend taking and other suggestions

I need more information about financial aid, housing, admissions, etc. Who do I contact?

Any other information you might need can be obtained by contacting the appropriate office.

I am a transfer student who already had a degree from another school; how do I fit into the program?

The first step you have to take is to take a language evaluation to see where you should be placed in the program. After that, you will have a meeting with the director to discuss what credits you can transfer and what classes you still need to take. Interpreting classes are not transferable; you will have to take all interpreting classes at NU.

You can pursue another degree (Bachelor of Science) full-time at the day program, or you can attend the evening program part-time and choose between a B.A. or a Certificate of completion. For information about the part-time program, please visit the School of Professional and Continuing Studies website or call 617-373-2400.

I already know ASL because I have Deaf friends/family or I have had ASL while in high school. How do I fit into the program?

The language evaluation is your first step so that you can be placed in a class that is appropriate for your language level. Make an appointment to take the evaluation at the ASL Office at 617-373-3064.

I want more information about the Boston Deaf/Interpreting Community. Where can I find it?

For information about the Deaf and interpreting communities at Northeastern and in the greater Boston area you can contact any of the following groups/agencies:

Join a mailing list with Yahoo groups that will allert you about Deaf community events and keep you in the loop about what is happening in the interpreting and Deaf communities. To join, visit www.groups.yahoo.com and type Mass_Deaf-Terp in the search field.

After I graduate what is my next step? What is State Screening? What is Certification?

As a graduate of the program you have many options open to you, there are various mentorship opportunities in Boston and the surrounding areas as well as employment opportunities in many settings.

Mentorship programs are set-up to further the practicum experience. You are paired with a working interpreter with whom you work for the duration of your mentorship experience. For Boston's Mentorship Program, you can find more information at http://www.massmentorship.org/index.cfm

The Screening process is run through the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) and is intended to ensure minimal skill for interpreters working in Massachusetts. The screening is split into two parts, interview and performance. The interview part focuses on your communication and decision making skills and the performance part focuses on your interpreting skills working form both voice to sign and sign to voice. For more information and how to apply for the Screening, please contact Colin Paget at MCDHH at Colin.Paget@state.ma.us

Certification is a higher qualification level. The national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides certification to interpreters in an attempt to ensure a high standard of skill for interpreters nationwide. For information about certification exams, please visit the RID website at www.rid.org

Do interpreting majors participate in the co-op program? If so, where can I work?

The co-op program is optional for interpreting majors, but you can participate if you so choose. Some students find is necessary for financial reasons or because they need more time to interact with Deaf people and further acquire the language. It can be a very useful and important experience. There are many places on and off campus where you could find a co-op position.

Interpreting students in the past have held co-op positions at The ASL office, The Disability Resource Center at Northeastern University, The Learning Center for Deaf Children, and more. The co-op contact for Interpreting and ASL students is Nancy Geoffrion and she can be reached at 617.373.3453. Or, you can e-mail Nancy at n.geoffrion@neu.edu

Can I visit the program and see what it's like?

Prospective students are always welcome to set up a visit. Come meet students, go to classes, Deaf Club and Interpreting Club meetings, and ask everyone questions. Feel free to call us and set something up or just stop by if you are on campus.

Are your classes taught by Deaf people? How will I communicate with my professor if my skills are still shaky?

Deaf professors teach all language classes and an interpreter is provided on the first day of class. After that, you are on your own during class, and the professor will work with you to keep communication flowing. The best way to learn ASL to jump in with both feet. If you need a meeting with your professor you can schedule time during that professor' office hours and someone will be able to interpret for you.

I do not really want to be an interpreter, but I do want to learn ASL and be involved with the Deaf community. What else does NU offer?

We offer several options for Dual majors such as: ASL/ Psychology, ASL/Theatre, and ASL/ Human Services. This way you can be involved with the language and the community while pursuing alternate professional goals.