Weber State University is set to host Translation Week 2026 to showcase new academic programs in translation and localization. The series of events, sponsored by the Department of World Languages & Cultures, aims to address how language professionals can navigate a global market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital technology.
Translation Week Programming
The Translation Week schedule features a variety of programming throughout September 2026, culminating on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with bilingual readings and a faculty panel in the Stewart Library Hetzel-Hoellein Room. The week's events are designed to highlight the evolving nature of the $50 billion language services industry, which relies on experts in translation, interpretation, and localization. Localization is defined as the art of adapting products or services to meet the specific needs of a particular language or culture.
One of the cornerstone events for the week is the Utah Language Access Conference, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 at the WSU Ogden Campus. Hosted by the Utah Translators and Interpreters Association, the annual conference brings together students, educators, and professionals for workshops, panels, and student poster presentations. The conference offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) applicable to several organizations, including the Utah Courts, ATA, RID, UIP, CCHI, and NBCMI, though specific hours and eligibility vary by session.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
A significant portion of the 2026 schedule focuses on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the profession. On Monday, Sept. 21, Christina Green, CCI, CT, will lead a virtual presentation titled "Will AI take your job? The Future of Legal Translation and Interpreting." The session will examine how human linguists provide essential accuracy, ethics, and cultural awareness in high-stakes legal settings—qualities the presentation suggests AI cannot reliably replicate. The session also aims to show how AI can function as a tool for terminology research and preparation.
Continuing the discussion on technology, a panel titled "ALC Bridge: A Language Services Industry Panel" is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29. The panel, titled "Making the 'human' relevant in today's T&I and L10N fields," will address how artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies are transforming the translation, interpreting, and localization (T&I and L10N) industries. Industry experts will discuss the skills and uniquely human qualities that remain essential as clients and employers change their expectations in a technology-driven market.
Academic and Professional Development
The Department of World Languages & Cultures is encouraging students to pursue associate's degrees or minors in localization to complement bachelor's degrees in fields such as computer science, business, and communication. The department notes that these skills help students remain competitive in a global market. Other scheduled activities for the week include a multilingual Scrabble tournament and pizza on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and a session on note-taking for consecutive interpreting led by Gabriela Siebach, CMI, CCI, on Monday, Sept. 28.
In addition to the academic programming, the department continues to promote various internship opportunities for students looking to apply their skills outside the classroom. These opportunities allow students to connect classroom learning with real-world needs for local, national, and international organizations.
Student Internship Opportunities
The Department of World Languages & Cultures lists several specific internship pathways for students. In the Utah Healthcare Corps, full-time positions involve translation, health education, enrollment assistance for insurance, care coordination, and other indirect medical services. These roles require English/Spanish bilingual ability and provide a $18,000 annual living stipend, health insurance, student loan deferment and interest coverage, and an Eli Segal Education Award of $5,775. Qualified participants may also have access to childcare and ongoing training.
Global and Government Internships
Other specialized internship opportunities include roles with the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in departments such as market research, events, membership, and office administration. Students may also find international opportunities through organizations like AIESEC, the German Academic Exchange, Fulbright Austria Teaching Assistantships, or the German Parliament Internship.
For students interested in government service, the Defense Intelligence Agency offers summer internships in Washington, D.C. These positions cover a wide range of fields including information technology, intelligence, science and technology, finance and acquisition, legal, security, and human services and office management and infrastructure.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Translation Week 2026 events or the various internship programs offered by the department, students are encouraged to contact the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Youn Soo Kim Goldstein, or visit the respective organization websites.
