Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition
Q. Are the Warwick Translates workshops for translation between English and other languages?
A. No. They are only for translation from other languages into English.
Q. Are the Warwick Translates workshops only for translation from the languages listed?
A. Yes. We like to vary the languages offered each year so please keep an eye out next year if your preferred language is not listed for 2020.
Q. For whom is Warwick Translates intended?
A. The summer school is aimed at Anglophones with an advanced knowledge of one or more other languages, whether undergraduates, graduates or others, including practising translators. This is both to develop attendees’ skills and give them an insight into the profession of literary translator.
Q. Do I need to do any preparation in advance?
A. The workshop texts will be emailed to attendees one month in advance to enable you to familiarise yourself with them, look up vocabulary terms and think about the challenges. You are not expected to translate them in advance, because this is what we'll be doing in the workshops.
Residential package
Q. What if I have questions about being a resident on campus?
A. Participants opting for the residential package might have queries about accommodation and campus facilities that are answered in this FAQ document supplied by the University of Warwick. Please direct any questions not answered here to smlc.summer.school@warwick.ac.uk.
Q. I have selected the non-residential fee, will the organisers help me to find accommodation?
A. No. You are required to organise, book and pay for your own board and accommodation and the provision of accommodation shall be subject to the standard terms and conditions of the accommodation supplier.
Cancellation and refunds
Q. What right do I have to cancel and will I receive a refund of my fee?
A. As outlined in our terms and conditions, you have the right to cancel and receive a refund of the fee (excluding accommodation) within 14 days without giving any reason. We will consider refunds after the 14 days on a case by case basis and only in exceptional circumstances; we will not issue any refunds after the 17 April 2020. We encourage attendees to notify us as soon as possible of any changes to their plans.
Q. Can I cancel the accommodation element of the residential fee?
A. As outlined in our terms and conditions, you have no right to cancel the accommodation element of the residential fee. We will consider refunds on a case by case basis and only in exceptional circumstances; we will not issue any refunds after the 17 April 2020. We encourage attendees to notify us as soon as possible of any changes to their plans.
Eligibility
Q. May I attend Warwick Translates if English is not my language of habitual use?
A. Only if you have excellent command of English. You may be asked to take a short test, and acceptance is at the discretion of the tutor in that language.
Q. I am bilingual in English and another language. Am I eligible?
A. Yes.
Q. I am already studying/practising translation. Are these courses for me?
A. Yes: the courses are designed to be of interest to those with some translation experience, or a lot, or none. They offer an opportunity to work in a group situation under the supervision of leading professional translators who will share their knowledge and expertise with you.
Q. Does Warwick Translates provide a translation qualification?
A. No. There are many excellent translation courses in the UK and elsewhere which offer a full programme of study. The summer school is intended to give a taste of good translation practise, and we hope that those whose appetite is whetted may think about pursuing their interest further elsewhere. All students successfully completing the summer school will, however, be awarded a certificate signed by the co-directors.
Q. Is it better or worse for this programme if I have more than one foreign language?
A. Neither. You can attend sessions in either one or two languages.
Q. What does the course fee cover?
A. The residential fee covers the workshops, breakfasts, morning and afternoon refreshments, lunches, dinners, and campus accommodation, and free lunchtime and evening events. It does not cover travel or additional evening events.
The non-residential fee covers the workshops, morning and afternoon refreshments, lunches, and free lunchtime and evening events. It does not cover travel, accommodation, or any additional evening events.
Q. Can I attend just part of the summer school?
A. We would strongly discourage this, as the class-based courses will only be of real use if you attend the whole event. If you were to attend only part, you would still have to pay the fee in full. However the evening talks are free and open to non-participants.
Q. How is the teaching distributed if I have more than one foreign language?
A. You can choose whether to attend morning or afternoon classes in your ‘first’ or ‘second’ foreign language. Normally we expect people to attend the morning classes in their first and afternoon classes in their second. The only difference is that the morning classes will tackle one long text while the afternoon classes will focus on several shorter texts, so you should stick to your choice (mornings or afternoons) throughout the week. In theory, you could study more than two languages, but it is most beneficial to keep to two. If you would like to attend workshops in more than two languages, please email course co-ordinator Dr Holly Langstaff at smlc.summer.school@warwick.ac.uk.
Q. I am not from the European Economic Area. What should I do about visas and immigration controls?
A.The University has to ensure that any non-EEA students coming to study at Warwick have Right to Study in the UK. We can issue supporting letters for students who require them once registration payment has been received.
Non-Visa nationals, such as students from the USA, can enter the UK on an Entry Clearance Stamp as a Student Visitor, which is obtained on the border. The entry clearance is valid for 6 months and students can study any short course within that period. However they would need a supporting Letter from the University confirming the details of the course to show to the UK Border Force.
Visa nationals, such as Chinese students, have to apply for a Short Term Study Visa back home. They would also need a supporting letter.
All students must go through the registration and have their passports/visas checked and verified when they arrive at Warwick. Visa and passports are usually checked by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures office or the International Office at the University of Warwick.
Please consult our terms and conditions for information about your right to a refund if your visa application is rejected. Note that you must apply for your visa at least six weeks in advance of the beginning of the summer school to be eligible for any such refund and you should apply a second time after the initial rejection.
Please email any queries or requests for supporting letters to smlc.summer.school@warwick.ac.uk.