FAQ
- What is the difference between interpreting and knowing ASL?
- What level of ASL skill is required to enter the program?
- Is there a wait-list?
- Is the program available on a part-time basis?
- What is the average age of students in the program?
- Can I work during the program?
- How involved is the Deaf community in the program?
- Does the program have any connection to the provincial interpreting association, the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI)?
- What's a practicum?
- Are College credits earned in the program transferable to university?
- What are the job prospects?
- What are the salaries of Sign Language Interpreters?
- More information? Attend an information session.
What is the difference between interpreting and knowing ASL?
When interpreting, you work with two languages, whereas knowing ASL means you can communicate with other users of ASL directly.
What level of ASL skill is required to enter the program?
The program requires applicants to take an American Sign Language Proficiency Interview which will be arranged through the program. Most graduates of the 10-month, full-time ASL and Deaf Studies program at Vancouver Community College successfully attain the ASL competency required to enter the program.
Is there a wait-list?
Each year the program offers seats to 16 full-time applicants. Since 2002, there have been more applicants than seats available. We encourage applicants to apply early.
Is the program available on a part-time basis?
Yes, some students prefer to complete the program on a part-time basis. It is important to meet with the Program Coordinator to ensure you are taking the courses in the appropriate order to best support your learning. Taking the program part-time means taking less than a full course load in the first two years. However, full-time attendance is required in the final semester to complete the final practicum courses.
What is the average age of students in the program?
The age of students in the program usually ranges between 19 and 40 with the average age being 26.
Can I work during the program?
We recognize that students sometimes need to continue to work part-time while attending the program. However, we highly recommend that you work as little as possible so you can focus on your coursework. There is a direct correlation between the time a student spends working and their language and interpreting development: the less your time is taken up with working at a job, the more time you have to devote to skill development.
How involved is the Deaf community in the program?
One of the many unique aspects of the program is the involvement of the local Deaf community. This involvement ranges from Deaf individuals serving on the Program Advisory Committee, to acting as language models for students in class, to doing live presentations which students interpret.
A service the program offers in return to the Deaf community is to have students offer volunteer interpreting services. The settings in which this service is offered are always settings in which no paid interpreter would be provided (ie, family gatherings, swimming lessons, etc). The Deaf people who utilize students' services provide us and the student with comments on how well they thought the student did which assists the student's skill development.
Does the program have any connection to the provincial interpreting association, the Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI)?
The association and its members are a large component of the program. The WAVLI Executive Board has a student liaison position giving students access to the executive and the current events of the association. Many WAVLI members offer to act as "twins" to first year student, acting as a resource for student questions. This relationship allows the student to gleam information from the professional about the field of interpreting, develop relationships with future colleagues, and gain insight into the standards of practice. Professionals also come to class to team interpret with students fostering that sense of professionalism. The professional interpreters also often visit classes as guest speakers, panelists and models for the students. At the end of the first year of the program, students become Supporting Members of the association and as such can attend workshops, association meetings and fundraising events for the organization.
What's a practicum?
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 between practicum experiences.
Are College credits earned in the program transferable to university?
For graduates wishing to pursue a degree, block transfer of credits is currently possible to various institutions in BC and to Athabasca University in Alberta.
What are the job prospects?
Graduates of the Program of Sign Language Interpretation work in various settings including education (K-12 and post-secondary), medical, religious, legal and community. A survey of graduates over the past five years shows that all graduates were working more than 21 hours/week in the field within four months following graduation. Thirty-six percent of these positions were permanent positions and the remaining positions were made up of interpreters working on contract in post-secondary settings or as freelance interpreters in the community.
What are the salaries of Sign Language Interpreters?
Salaries for Sign Language Interpreters range from approximately $26 per hour (for recent graduates working 25-30 hours per week in schools) to $35-55 per hour (freelance rates for experienced graduates with additional certification).