Computer-Assisted Translation

Master translation technologies in a professional setting.

Dates: August 6-9, 2013

Tuition: $1,250

 Registration Deadline: June 7, 2013

$200.00 non-refundable tuition deposit

 Final Tuition Due: July 5, 2013


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About this Course

Designed to introduce language professionals to the critical importance of computer-assisted translation (CAT), this four-day intensive course will mainly focus on the use of translation memory (TM) and terminology management tools throughout all phases of a project.

    • Covers the overlying concepts and lingo required to master any translation technology as well as the how, why and when of using such tools
    •  Emphasizes a hands-on approach
    • Devotes class time to utilizing industry leading CAT software products SDL Trados (TM) 2009 and Memo QTM in the translation of simple documentation
    • Discusses the tremendous value of translation memory applications and how they not only save the user time and money, but also reduce the tedious and repetitive tasks associated with translation 
    • Touches upon powerful, low-cost alternatives to mainstream tools to see if they might better suit your professional needs as well as financial means 
    • Is taught without any bias towards a particular language

Meet the Instructor

Jon Ritzdorf 

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Monterey Institute of International Studies alumnus Jon Ritzdorf has been a translation technologist for over seven years and has held technical positions at three of the ten largest translation service providers in the world.

With a decade of combined experience in translation, localization and internationalization, hundreds of students have benefited from Jon's expert instruction as an adjunct professor of localization topics at New York University, Rutgers University, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Jon is currently employed by Acclaro Inc. as "Globalization Architect,” a unique position melding both technical knowledge of the translation process and sales acumen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What computer skills do I need?

You must be a strong user of Microsoft Windows. At the minimum you need to already know:

  • How to create, rename and move files and folders
  • How to save a file to a particular location or folder and remember where you saved it
  • How to navigate your hard (C:\) drive
  • How to navigate folders in a directory/folder tre
  • How to download files off the internet 

You don't have to be a master of computing, but if you are not comfortable with basic computing skills, you will struggle. Basic computer skills for Windows are outlined at http://www.jegsworks.com/Lessons/win/index.html 


Do I need to buy additional software or materials for the class?

All the tools and applications we are going to be using in the course are either a.) preinstalled, b.) on a standard Windows operating system, or c.) can be downloaded for free off the web (some as time- limited trials). 

How many students are allowed in the class?

The maximum number allowed for this course is 24. Note that classes can fill up quickly and you should register as soon as possible because space is limited. 

If in the unfortunate event that a class does not run due to low attendance, you will be granted a full refund of any deposit or registration fees. 


What kind of student is most appropriate for this course?
  • Working translators that may feel intimidated by technology, and who have not yet made the switch to using a CAT tool as their primary translation platform
  • Translators who have tried (unsuccessfully) to self-teach using software manuals

Note: This course will not teach translation skills. Students just starting out in the profession should seek translation training. That said, we have had non-trans- lators, IT professionals, take the course so they could teach the software skills to their pool of translators. 

How is the course conducted?

On-site: Course will be in a computer lab on the campus of the Monterey Institute. The full-service computer lab with an instructor terminal, LCD over- head projector and all required software preloaded onto the machines will be provided, so students do not need to bring their laptops. Course work will be done on campus computers, so all students are using the same system. Students should bring a flash drive to back up their work. All work will be done in class for this course. 

Why don't you offer everything online?

Certain concepts are simply not able to be grasped in-depth via an online format. The mantra of Professor Ritzdorf is to "make the complex simple and fun"...for some skills (particularly those requiring technical acumen) this goal can only be realized in a traditional classroom environment.