<p>I'm a HS senior. Today I met with an interpreter and a translator at the UN, so I could basically learn about their jobs. They're from Europe and don't know much about the college system here. They suggested, however, that I take a year-long postgraduate interpreting course after I get my Bachelor's degree. Is this typically the way American interpreters go?</p>
<p>Also, what should I major in if I want to pursue interpreting? I've read that language majors aren't extremely advantageous; is it better to double major in a language and int'l studies/economics etc?</p>
<p>I have the same question.
I think that its better thought to major in International Studies and in a language. That way you get lots of traning and informaionabout the language, the culture, history and you get to go abroad usually with a good International Studies program</p>
<p>Well, firstly, look to the current UN official languages.
If you have an I.B. program at your local HS , join it and endeavor to achieve an IB diploma.
Best foreign language schools I can think of -off the top of my head are Georgetown and Middlebury.
Secondly, look to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Farsi, Urdu-of course, French as a secondary .
As a former foreign language major at University, I tip my hat to you two.</p>
<p>But I differ in this- concentrate on your foreign language- poly sci, international studies, etc should be your minor.<br>
Remember, it is a mix of theory and practice-
Poly Sci, Intl Studies -that is the theory-
the language, the language is the practice.
The language is the skill that will set you apart from the others.
Best of luck to you both-</p>