1. About the NSTS Program

The goal of the Nida School of Translation Studies is to advance research and provide specialized training in translation studies through a transdisciplinary approach that draws on a wide range of perspectives and methodologies, challenges traditional disciplinary boundaries, and encourages original thinking about what translation is, where it takes place, and the role it has to play in the complexities of today’s globalized world. Particular attention is paid to the incorporation of sacred text translation into the work of contemporary translation studies.

1.1. Sessional Themes and Nida Professors

Each year, the Nida School selects a theme of current interest in the field to provide an overarching conceptual framework for the session, exploring translation in its relation to phemonema ranging from Semiotics, Cognition and Interpretation to Postcolonialism, World Literature and Performativity. Annually, two internationally recognized scholars are appointed as Nida Professors, who take the lead in presenting new research in the field according to diverse perspectives, methodologies and models. For a complete listing of past themes and Nida professors, visit the NSTS home page.

1.2. Visiting Faculty and Staff Lecturers

NSTS supports the work of the Nida Professors by recruiting additional faculty to give presentations in the core curricular subject fields (translation studies, interpreting studies, biblical studies, etc.), as well as within the special interest areas that govern a particular school session (e.g., cognitive studies, literary studies, performance, etc.). Each year, special Visiting Faculty are invited to deliver lectures on their particular areas of expertise. Staff lecturers, who are perennial at the Nida School, also provide presentations.

1.3. Reading and Preparation for the School

Prior to the school session, Associates are invited to join an online learning community hosted on the Nida School’s distance learning platform. On this site, Associates will find a range of information intended to help them prepare for the school, including a list of readings that corresponds to the theme of the session and the work of the Nida Professors and other faculty. The list will include both required and optional reading material, permitting the Associates to manage the amount of time invested in preparation before arriving at the school. As much of the reading material as possible will be made directly available on the site; Associates are responsible for obtaining the remainder of the recommended reading material themselves. This online community will also serve as a locus for preliminary interaction and discussion prior to arrival in Italy.

1.4. Associates’ Presentations

Case studies

During the opening days of the session, each Associate is invited to give a 5-minute presentation of their research plan, outlining the main questions being asked or the hypothesis being tested. Given the very short time allotted, these presentations must be carefully planned for maximum precision and conciseness.

Research presentation

Each Associate is expected to give a 30-minute formal presentation of their research at a designated moment during the two weeks of the school. An initial draft of the paper is to be submitted prior to arrival in Misano. Throughout the two weeks, time will be allotted for reading and research; Associates are encouraged to use this time to incorporate into their papers what they are learning from lectures, informal discussions, and ongoing research. Their revised paper will then be the focus of the presentation. Presentations may take various forms, including formal lectures, narrated power point presentations, etc. As time permits, 10-15 additional minutes may be used for questions, comments and discussion.

1.5. Tutorials

At the heart of the NSTS experience is the opportunity to meet personally with the various faculty members gathered for the school. Individual tutorials may be used to seek advice on your current research, to gain feedback on your Nida presentation, or to ask faculty members about their own special fields of inquiry and research projects. We would ask you to refrain from using these tutorial sessions for passing on your CV, seeking employment opportunities or carrying out formal interviews.

1.6. Roundtable Discussions

Several times during the course of the school, sessions will be set aside for facilitated roundtable discussions. These conversations are intended to provide space for Associates to discuss in a less formal setting the lectures that have been presented, the questions that have been raised, and the ways that these may relate to each other, as well as to the theme of the School.

1.7. Community Expectations and Personal Participation

Associates are expected to actively participate in all of the scheduled sessions through engaged listening, questions and discussion. However, the Nida School experience is not limited to the classroom and formal lectures. A diverse pedagogy employs individual research and writing time, scheduled tutorials, and facilitated roundtable discussions, as well as informal conversations. The community living experience provides a unique opportunity for interaction and exchange that all are invited to engage in while at the school. Associates should be prepared to participate fully in all the aspects of NSTS and limit their outside plans to those days and times set aside for personal activity or to their time in Italy before and/or after the school session.

1.8. Evaluation of the School

At the end of the school session, all NSTS participants have an opportunity to review their expectations and evaluate their experience by filling out an evaluation form. These evaluations are part of regular internal assessment of the Nida School. The information provided is confidential and is used to improve the experience for future participants.

2. Applying to NSTS

2.1. Promotion of the School

NSTS announces its Nida Professors, theme, dates, and the call for participants at least six months in advance of the opening of the School each year. Candidates are encouraged to visit the Nida School website or contact the Nida Institute for information about upcoming sessions.

2.2. Recruitment of Associates

It is the policy of NSTS to recruit Associates from around the world and from all academic fields and professions related to the tasks of translating and interpreting. Candidates are sought who hold an earned doctoral degree and have a résumé that includes research, teaching, publication, and a record of practical experience in translation or interpreting. A limited number of highly qualified doctoral students may also be admitted each year.

2.3. Application Procedure

Those interested in applying to NSTS should fill out the application form accessed via the Nida School website. Applicants should attach to this application a current curriculum vitae and an abstract of their proposed presentation. Letters of recommendation are not required, but applicants, especially those who are PhD candidates, may find it helpful to their application to have such a letter forwarded or to include the names of two to three references. Applications are submitted to the Nida School Admissions Committee for evaluation. In general, applicants are informed of the Committee’s decision soon after the deadline for application submission. Exceptional early acceptance letters may be sent for special circumstances.

2.4. Communication with Associates

After acceptance, Associates will be invited to join an online learning community, where they will find a range of information intended to help them prepare for the school. In addition, they will receive regular communiqués from the Dean of Associates, providing information about travel, presentations, accommodations, and other pertinent up-to-date information about the approaching Nida School session.

2.5. Costs for Associates

In addition to the school’s registration fee, Associates are responsible for travel expenses to and from Misano, Italy, including a visa if needed. The Nida School will cover other costs related to the session, including single-occupancy hotel accommodation, three meals a day at the hotel, and all coffee breaks.

Bursaries

Each year, a limited number of bursaries are made available to partially cover the cost of the school, ranging in value from €500 to €1500. If an applicant wishes to apply for a bursary, a written request outlining both merit and need must accompany their school application when submitted. Priority is given to those not residing in Europe or North America. Decisions about bursaries will be communicated to applicants at the same time as decisions regarding admission.

2.6. Costs for Auditors

A limited number of auditors are admitted to NSTS each year. Requests to audit must be submitted in advance to the Dean of Admissions. If accepted, payment for auditing must be made prior to the beginning of NSTS. Auditor fees are 50% of associate fees. Additional travel, lodging, and meal costs are paid by the auditor directly.

2.7. Alumni Policy

Recognition of NSTS’s contributions to translation research is increasing each year. Currently the event is held annually and is limited to twenty-five associates. Whereas the positive experience of past associates and the attractive themes and faculty of future schools result in numerous alumni applications, in order for others to benefit from NSTS, it is necessary to restrict alumni participation. Assessment of alumni applications will include a review of the previous attendance and contributions of the applicant. Only those who have demonstrated extraordinary participation will be considered for a second NSTS. Alumni participation is limited to two, non-consecutive schools. No more than three alumni will be admitted each year. No bursaries will be provided for alumni.

2.8. Spouse and Family Policy

The Nida School of Translation Studies recruits a diverse group of Associates whose intensive daily interactions enhance the learning experience and build community both inside and outside the classroom. Associates’ friends and family members are asked to respect this aspect of the School and to travel with Associates only before or after the school session dates, thus allowing Associates to focus both on academic pursuits and engagement in the community of Associates during the course of the session itself.

In the rare cases where a participant is accompanied by his or her spouse or other family member, the participant is responsible to cover all costs, including travel and hospitality. NSTS is not licensed to provide any childcare facilities on site.