Language Interpreters
What is Language Interpreters?
Help Spanish-speaking residents assimilate into the community by providing interpretation in a variety of settings. As a program, we are committed to helping our volunteers find opportunities that provide genuine connections to the Latino community in and around Provo. You must be able to speak English and Spanish confidently.
Our program primarily volunteers with nearby elementary schools, clinics, and the food bank. We also help United Way to teach computer training courses. Below is a short description of each of the opportunities.
Schools
For many of the students and parents in the Provo School District, English isn’t their first language. Schools request interpretation for events such as Parent Teacher Conferences and Back to School Nights. If you’re interested in volunteering at school events, contact languageinterpreters@byu.edu and ask to be added to the email list. You will receive updates about upcoming events, and you can sign up for whichever ones you are able to attend.
Clinics
The Maliheh Clinic located in SLC is a great place to gain exposure to the medical field while also providing interpretation services. The clinic offers specialized training on medical terminology and protocols. Interpreters here provide a great service by allowing individuals to communicate with healthcare professionals so they can receive the care they need. Volunteers are asked to sign up for at least two shifts a month after completing the volunteer application. BYU students can travel for free to the clinic using the Frontrunner and UTA systems.
Computer Classes
BYU Language Interpreters has partnered with United Way to teach basic computer skills to Hispanic adults in the Provo area. No special computer knowledge is required to volunteer. This weekly class lasts one hour and is a great way to utilize your Spanish and help the local community. The content of this course is very basic. It includes items such as creating an email and uploading documents, pictures, etc. If you have the technology skills of an average college student, you are qualified to instruct this class. Courses begin near the start of each semester.
Food Bank
The Community Action Food Bank, located in Provo, is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and accepts volunteers wanting to sign up for single or recurring shifts. Interpretation at this organization is limited, and most work done there involves simple communication to help people select food items.
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How do I get involved?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Volunteer Description: Volunteers will be translating in various locations depending on the service opportunity chosen.
Volunteer Commitment: Commitment may vary. You may contact the Lead Program Director for more information about the commitment that will be expected for each location. Contacts can be found in the Contact Us Tab.
Step 1:
Please fill out our Volunteer Form, and you will receive our email updates!
Step 2:
After filling out the form, contact the director of the program you wish to serve with to find out more details. Contacts can be found in the "CONTACT US" Tab.
Step 3:
Complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
Contact Info
I really enjoy being able to work one-on-one with Provo locals. When I get to interpret for people in Provo, I feel like I’m helping my own community .
I had a great experience the other day as I was interpreting for Parent Teacher Conferences! As I came into a classroom, a parent was getting frustrated because they were trying to ask a question to the teacher who was not understanding because of the simplicity of the English skills of the parent. As I began to translate the mood changed in the room. After about 20 minutes, both the parent and the teacher were smiling and happy to both celebrate the success of their child/student! It was amazing to see how much translating a few words to diminish a language barrier can help a community!