Simultaneous Interpreting Boot Camp
The Simultaneous Interpreting Boot Camp is an intensive, four-week training designed for professional English–Spanish interpreters seeking to strengthen their skills in the simultaneous mode. This live, instructor-led course places a strong emphasis on practical application, combining interpreting theory with structured, high-frequency practice.
Participants receive 20 hours of live instruction, delivered three times per week, along with guided practice activities to complete outside of class. Through consistent hands-on work, individualized feedback, and targeted skill-building, interpreters will develop greater accuracy, endurance, vocal control, and confidence in simultaneous interpretation.
This course is conducted entirely online using Zoom’s interpretation channels, allowing participants to work in a realistic simultaneous environment while receiving real-time feedback and coaching from the instructor.
This course is only available for English/Spanish interpreters.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Interpret accurately and confidently in the simultaneous mode across a range of scenarios
- Apply key techniques such as décalage, anticipation, paraphrasing, and chunking
- Manage cognitive load and maintain performance while interpreting under stress
- Demonstrate improved vocal quality, breath control, pacing, and endurance
- Identify personal challenges in simultaneous interpreting and apply practical strategies for improvement
- Transition into simultaneous interpretation smoothly and without hesitation when required
Instructor Marcela Pinilla is a professionally trained interpreter, educator, and vocalist with an international background in language and performance. She completed her training at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, earning two certifications in simultaneous interpreting and is also a certified medical interpreter.
Based in Tennessee, she is known for her accuracy, professionalism, and ability to perform in high-pressure settings. In addition to her interpreting work, Marcela has more than 30 years of experience as a professional vocalist and has worked many years as a teaching artist with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center through the Disney Musicals in Schools program.
Her training approach integrates voice, performance, and communication to develop confident, effective interpreters.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our program offers an in-depth exploration of simultaneous theory, techniques and best practices. Through interactive sessions, you gain practical experience that prepares you for the complexities of simultaneous interpretation.
Small Class Size
Our program has a limited number of spots so the trainer can provide personalized guidance for students and support their individual needs.
Live, Online Instruction Using Zoom Interpretation Channels
All practical components of the course take place using Zoom’s interpretation channels, allowing participants to practice simultaneous interpreting in a setting that closely mirrors professional remote assignments.
This format enables:
- Real-time interpreting practice during live speeches
- Immediate instructor feedback and targeted coaching
- Opportunities for peer evaluation and collaborative learning
- Increased comfort using remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) technology
Participants must access Zoom through the desktop or mobile app and actively engage with cameras on to ensure full participation.
Continuing Education Credits
Completing our course gives interpreters opportunities to fulfill their CEU requirements. It provides:
- 20 hours of foreign language credit for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) of Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, and Tennessee.
- 20 instruction CE hours Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI). This is more than half the required number of CEs over a four-year period leading up to renewal.
- 2.0 CEUs with the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). This is two-thirds of the required CEUs required every five years.
Participants must:
- Speak English and Spanish fluently.
- Be a professional, experienced interpreter. This is not an introductory course. Participants should have already received training on core interpreter protocols such as standards of practice and consecutive interpretation.
- Possess a stable internet connection, access to Zoom and proper headphones.
- Be able to attend all twelve sessions (no make-up classes will be offered).
- $800
- A non-refundable $50 deposit is required at registration and is applied toward the course fee.
- Payment plans are available. The remaining balance may be paid in two installments.
- Participants receive their certificates of completion and CEUs upon full payment.
- Discounts available for select organizations (see Discounts).
The next session is August 24–September 19, 2026
- Mondays and Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- All times are Central time zone
- 12 sessions total (8/24, 8/26, 8/29, 8/31, 9/2, 9/5, 9/7, 9/9, 9/12, 9/14, 9/16, 9/19)
- **You must be able to attend all twelve sessions in order to complete this course. No makeup classes will be offered.
A nonrefundable $50 deposit is required to save your spot. Deadline is Aug. 10, 2026.
The registration deadline is August 10, 2026.
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to register and is applied towards the total course cost.
Register today to save your spot!
The following discounts are available. The discount applies to the total course cost. After registration ends, participants will be asked to provide their affiliation to receive the discount. Discounts may not be combined.
- 20% discount for active TLC interpreters.
- 10% discount for members of the TAPIT, AAITE, NAJIT or ATA.
- 10% discount for full-time interpretation employees of Metro Nashville Public Schools.
- 10% discount for full-time staff interpreter at VUMC.
- The $50 deposit is nonrefundable.
- Fees are due by course start date.
- Students who withdraw after the course starts: No refund.