Frequently Asked Questions About Culturesmart Licensing and Train-the-Trainer Program

When is Culturesmart Licensing the right choice for my organization?
If you have qualified trainers or trainer-candidates on staff and interpreting staff that require consistent training across all locations, it can work for you. If you have internal trainers but don't have the resources to research and develop content from scratch, we have what you need.

What makes Culturesmart different from other training organizations?
Culturesmart’s bilingual Essential Piece curriculum prepares interpreters in English and another language, using materials that we constantly revise to reflect changes in medicine and interpreting. We work closely with our clients to ensure thatwe provide the training topics and modules that best fit their individual needs.

Why does Culturesmart offer bilingual programs?
Our language coaching sessions give interpreters an opportunity to practice skills and vocabulary in a more culturally realistic setting than English-only programs. We’ve worked with nearly 30 languages: Spanish is most commonly requested, but we have experience with languages including Chinese, Russian, and Hindi.

Why should I choose Culturesmart’s train-the-trainer program?
Culturesmart has been training medical interpreters using bilingual programs since 1997. Healthcare organizations appreciate the convenience of our train-the-trainer program because it enables them to prepare in-house trainers to deliver our The Essential Piece bilingual medical interpreter training curriculum. Please click here to learn more about our program’s benefits.

How does Culturesmart’s train-the-trainer licensing program work?
The short answer is that Culturesmart trains trainers through a five-day program, awarding licenses that allow new trainers to teach our Essential Piece course at their home institutions.

Is Culturesmart’s train-the-trainer course difficult?
Our course is rigorous but Culturesmart carefully screens all trainer applicants to ensure they possess the skills they need to succeed. We recommend that trainers complete a basic course on facilitating training prior to our program. Most new trainers have attended our Essential Piece training, too, so are familiar with the curriculum.

What happens after someone finishes Culturesmart’s train-the-trainer course?
Finishing Culturesmart’s train-the-trainer course is the first step in offering Essential Piece courses at your organization. New trainers should review all course materials, working to enhance their knowledge in weak areas. Culturesmart offers opportunities for new trainers to co-deliver training with one of our experienced trainers.

May I use Culturesmart’s licensing program to train interpreters at my for-profit interpreting agency?

Yes, some for-profit interpreting agencies use our curriculum for their internal training needs. We are happy to discuss our special licensing program with you. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Can I qualify to become a trainer if I am not affiliated with any organization?

The short answer is no. But Culturesmart does contract with a select group of highly qualified trainers who deliver our Essential Piece training at our client organizations. Depending on your geographic location, you may qualify.

Does Culturesmart offer scholarships?

Yes, we offer reduced rates and some scholarships to qualified organizations. Please contact us for further details.

Interested in Licensing? Click here to start the process.