April 27, 2013, Doha - Hamad bin Khalifa University's Translation and Interpreting Institute proudly signed an agreement to validate its Master's in Translation Studies Program (MATS) with the University of Geneva on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at TII's quarters. The validation signing ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Mr. Martin Aeschbacher, the Ambassador of Switzerland, and Mr. Enrico Pianta, Switzerland's Consul.   

The agreement includes the certification of the MATS Program and confirms that the caliber of TII's program is to the highest standard as set by the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting (FTI) of the University of Geneva.

 "Getting validated by one of the most prestigious universities in the world will help us achieve our vision of building top class translation and interpreting programs and will grant us the international credibility that we are aiming for. We are thrilled by this agreement, which will ensure that we follow the best practices in teaching and research. It will also open up opportunities for student exchange programs and internships between TII and University of Geneva, and for those who aspire to continue their PhD to apply to Geneva," said Dr. Amal Al-Malki, Executive Director of TII.

HBKU's TII is committed to offering world-class translation and interpreting postgraduate education. The MA in Translation Studies is a two year program that trains highly skilled translators in the areas of business and commerce, science and technology, literary, and media texts, as well as institutional communication. In order to achieve this esteemed validation, the program's components will be assessed according to the FTI Quality Label's specifications.

"The beginning of the evaluation process is an important moment, when the various stages of the process are explained and advice is given to help make the procedure as smooth as possible. We are optimistic that the whole process will have a beneficial effect on HBKU," said Professor Lance Hewson, Dean of Faculty of Translation and Interpreting, University of Geneva.

Founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin, the University of Geneva is dedicated to thinking, teaching, dialogue and research. With 16,000 students representing more than 140 different nationalities, it is Switzerland's second largest university. 

About the Translation and Interpreting Institute
Hamad bin Khalifa University's Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) was established with a mission to build translation capacity in Qatar and the region. It is a physical and virtual space that delivers sophisticated translator and interpreter education, high-level training in a range of languages, and quality translation and interpreting services of the highest international standards. TII also provides a platform for conducting cutting-edge research in the field, and is committed to fostering an environment that is supportive of cultural exchange and scholarly excellence.

About Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
HBKU, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is an emerging research university building upon unique collaborations with local and international partners. Located in Education City, HBKU seeks to provide unparalleled opportunities for scholarship, teaching, discovery, and learning for all of its students through an array of interdisciplinary programs.

HBKU's partners are Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and University College London Qatar.

© Press Release 2013