OI Winter School – 19-23 January 2026 – Valencia, Spain
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Join us in Valencia for the 1st Edition of the OI Winter School, a week of advanced training for professional sign language interpreters working across languages and cultures. Through a mix of practical sessions, workshops, and mentoring, participants will strengthen their International Sign and English interpreting skills, explore AI-supported interpreting, and engage in critical discussions on power, representation, and global practice. The programme blends hands-on skill building with reflection on the ethics and realities of international work.
Participants should have at least three years of professional interpreting experience and a national qualification, where available. This Winter School is designed for interpreters eager to expand their global perspective and collaborate within Deaf-hearing mixed teams.
Draft Programme
RID CEUs are available: TOTAL 4.7 CEUs including 0.3 PPO CEUs
To receive CEUs for an activity, attendance is required. This includes coffee breaks, lunch, tapas and paella.
Language(s)
The Winter School will be a fully signing environment, providing an immersive experience in International Sign throughout the week. For information sessions, English voice-over and captions will also be provided to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Minimum Requirements for Applicants
- National sign language interpreter qualification (if available in country in question)
- Minimum 3 years working experience as sign language interpreter
- Interpreting experience in diverse settings (e.g. conference-level, work with non-native signers, work abroad)
Applicants are expected to demonstrate ethical awareness and a strong commitment to professional interpreting standards, including confidentiality and impartiality. They should have experience working in, or be open and willing to work collaboratively within, mixed Deaf and hearing teams.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Knowledge of additional written/spoken and/or signed language(s)
- Experience working in multicultural and multilingual environments
- Basic understanding of International Sign
- Experience of traveling/living/working/volunteering abroad
Cost
| Registration Fee Structure | Classification | Price in EUR |
| Tier 1 | High-Income Countries | 1,750 |
| Tier 2 | Upper-Middle-Income Countries | 1,250 |
| Tier 3 | Lower-Middle and Low-Income Countries | 950 |
Fees are based on the World Bank Country and Lending Groups classifications: https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
Note: If you believe that interpreter earnings in your country are significantly lower than the level reflected in the World Bank classification, you may request to be placed in a lower fee tier during the application/registration process. You may be asked to provide supporting documentation, such as a recent invoice, pay slip, or confirmation from a local interpreting or deaf association.
Upon acceptance to the Winter School, participants will receive an invoice with payment instructions (payment plans available). The preferred method of payment is bank transfer. All fees are quoted without VAT.
What’s Included
Participants of the Winter School will enjoy a fully immersive and thoughtfully curated experience, including:
- Welcome reception with drinks and traditional Spanish tapas
- Access to all workshops, info sessions, and practical training, including tailored mentoring
- Networking and mentoring opportunities with international interpreters and experts
- Materials to support your learning journey
- Guided sign language tour of Valencia to explore the city’s culture and history
- All coffee breaks with snacks
- All lunches (Monday – Friday) featuring local and international options
- Paella dinner – a signature Valencian culinary experience
Optional:
- Accommodation package (with breakfast included) is available for an additional fee 500 EUR
- Others are welcome to arrange their own lodging
Venue
Fesord (Valencian Deaf Federation)
C/ de Jeroni Munyós, 30, 32, Jesús, 46007 Valencia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ucvf2U6qtLYaiG1KA
Hotel accommodation (optional)
Application link
https://forms.gle/WDozxhENmJFp3SSS9
Deadline: 12 December 2025 – 12pm CET
For more information email: jobs[at]overseasinterpreting.com