A discussion about translation services, translators, and translation software

This post is meant to begin conversation on schools, institutes, programs, academies, textbooks, and other items designed to prepare translators.  It will be very basic.

Obviously, the first thing you need in order to become a translator is a thorough knowledge of at least two languages.  You don't need to be able to speak them both.  In fact, you can be mute.  Translation is all about written language.  And it is wrong to assume that you need only learn a second language without learning English better.

Armed with your language skills, it pays to learn about the art, science, and business of translating.  This can be done in school or from books.  The best books for this purpose will be the textbooks used in the schools.  Many universities and a few institutes offer courses in translation.  Some offer degrees or certificates.  In the United States, one of the most famous is the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California.  They offer post-graduate degrees in translation.  (I'm deliberately offering few details nor telling about other schools, as I expect you, the reader, to do that.)

I invite former MIIS students to talk about their experience there.  I spent 2 academic quarters at MIIS in the early 1980s, pursuing a translation degree.  The early birth of my first son knocked me out of school.  I had a great experience there.  It was exciting to sit with experienced professionals and study translation techniques.  So much has been changed by technology since then.  I have read the course descriptions online and see many things that weren't included "in my day".  I also invite comments on degree-offering programs at other schools.