ASTI University of Buea Division I, II ASTI de Buea

Presentation

The Advanced School of Translators and Interpreters (ASTI University of Buea Division I & II) went into operation in 1985. ASTI Buea remained the sole establishment of the University Centre until 1993 when by decree N° 92/074 of 13 April 1992 it was transformed into a full fledged University.

From its inception, the school has remained the lone government Institution in Cameroon of national and international standards that trains professional translators and interpreters for the public and private sectors. Since its inception ASTI University of Buea has admitted and trained professional translators and interpreters at the levels of Masters and Postgraduate diploma respectively.

ASTI University of Buea Programmes

Over the years, ASTI University of Buea’s training programmes in translation and interpretation mainly centred around three basic language combinations: English-French, French-English, and French-English-Spanish. With the help of newly-recruited experts, the School has now embarked on a further diversification of the language combination, including the introduction, of Arabic, German and African languages from 2007/2008, and of Chinese from 2009/2010. Other very important languages like Portuguese, Swahili, Japanese are also being considered for introduction as soon as requisite human resources and infrastructure become available.

Training is strictly professional. Focus is on actual translation and interpretation practice throughout the learning process. Trainees are given the opportunity, through industrial placement or internship, to experience real-life activity in well-established professional in-house (in both public and private sectors) or freelance translation and interpretation services in Cameroon or abroad, under the supervision of recognised professional translators and interpreters. In this regard, ASTI University of Buea has established partnership with most government ministries and institutions in Cameroon, including the Presidency of the Republic, the National Assembly and the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as with some international organisations and private translation firms within the country and abroad.

Training programmes include degree courses and short courses, namely:

• PhD in Translation and Intercultural Studies
• Master of Arts in Translation
• Master of Arts in Interpretation
• Professional Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Intercultural Studies
• Short Courses & Certificate Programmes
  • Intensive Arabic
  • Certificate in conference interpretation
  • Certificate in translation
• Distance Learning

Arrangements are under way for the imminent start of a Bachelor of Arts and a PhD in Translation and Intercultural Studies in the near future.