We had the privilege at E-ACT Montpelier High School this week, to host the Director General for Interpretation at the European Commission, Genoveva Ruiz Calavera and the European Commissions’ Head of Unit for English and Irish, Morag Neath. Their insights into the pivotal role of interpreting in the EU's multilingual communication were truly inspiring. The conference was in partnership with Clifton College and we thank CEO Melvyn Roffe for providing us with the opportunity to be involved.

During the session, students from E-Act Montpelier High School, Clifton College, Cotham School, QEH Bristol and Chew Valley School Bristol had the opportunity to learn firsthand about interpreting at the European Commission, from working with World Leaders to aiding farmers in Fance and contributing to conflict resolution in the Middle East.

Morag Neath, who speaks 5 languages, highlighted the collaborative nature of the work, where interpreters always function in teams of three, ensuring accurate communication in complex discussions. Her passion for the job, spanning over 30 years, emphasises the dynamic and rewarding nature of this profession.

"The need for more English speakers to embrace multilingualism and engage in these diverse roles was evident. Learning from such experienced professionals like Morag and Genoveva provides valuable insights into the world of interpreting and the importance of linguistic diversity. I certainly wished I had carried on from GCSE French and Spanish!"