Whats a practicum?
A practicum involves placement in a school or community agency with an opportunity to practice skills learned in the program. The Certificate Program has two practicums, in the second and third semesters, and the Diploma Program has one additional applied learning course. The practicum is typically 25 working days over a five week period. The practicum may involve some travel in the Lower Mainland and a car is a definite asset. For a sample of the range of practicum opportunities available see Volunteer/Paid Work Experience .
Over the course of your two years in the program, students will take three practicum courses, one in the first year and two in the final semester. Practicums offer an opportunity to practice the skills and apply the theory learned in the classroom. The first practicum course is held at a retreat setting in the Lower Mainland that students attend, along with faculty and staff. Members of the Deaf community and people who are unfamiliar with sign language are invited to attend, affording students their first opportunity to put theory into practice interpreting for real people. The second and third practicums take place in the final semester. You will be teamed with professional interpreters in their work setting. Practicum placements include sites across Canada and in the US. You will experience three different practicum sites to complete these two practicums. Faculty are available to provide guidance and support while students are in the field. Students return to the college for classes
