About Us

The Wesleyan Language Bank, run by the OCS, provides translation/interpreting services for larger Middletown area. The goals of the language bank are to remove language barriers to effective communication, increase cross cultural understanding, and build mutually inspiring relationships between communities.

Volunteer FAQs- sign up here
    How does the Language Bank work?
    I'm not fluent in a certain language, but have some experience. Are my skills needed?
    What would I translate?
    What is the time commitment I have to make?
    How do I sign up?

Community Organization FAQs- submit a request here
    How does the language bank work?
    How much does the Language Bank cost to use?
    What languages does the Bank contain?
    What's the process to get a translator?

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Volunteer FAQs

How does the Language Bank work?
The OCS (Office of Community Service and Volunteerism) works with many organizations that need interpreters because they serve diverse populations. Each time an organization needs translation services, they contact the Language Bank Coordinator, who searches the Bank for a volunteer that can work with the specific language and is available at the time the translation is needed. The Language Bank works as a bridge between organizations and volunteers.

I'm not fluent in a certain language, but do have some experience. Are my skills still needed?
YES! When you sign up, we will ask you to specify your fluency (or lack thereof) in each skill: speaking, reading, and writing. Regardless of your level, your skills are still valuable!

What would I translate?
As an interpreter, the services you provide will benefit a wide range of local community organizations, from elementary schools to social service agencies. Depending on the occasion, you may be asked to translate for a parent-teacher conference, documentation like diplomas and transcripts, or meetings at social service agencies, etc... We hope that your experiences working in the community will help you form long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships!

What is the time commitment I have to make?
Once you sign up to be a volunteer, we will store your information and contact you whenever your skills are needed. If you are available at that specific time and are interested, then we'll coordinate the meeting!  The length of each meeting depends on the request. Volunteering with the language bank gives you a lot of flexibility and freedom because volunteers are never "required" to do any translating. And if you want to be taken off the list, just send an email to the coordinator.

How do I sign up?!?
It's quick and easy: click here! If you have any more questions, feel free to contact the coordinator, Nadeem, at nmodan@wesleyan.edu!

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Community Organization FAQs

How does the language bank work?
The OCS (Office of Community Service and Volunteerism) works with many organizations that need interpreters because they serve diverse populations. Each time an organization needs translation services, they contact the Language Bank Coordinator, who searches the Bank for a volunteer that can work with the specific language and is available at the time the translation is needed. The Language Bank works as a bridge between organizations and volunteers.

How much does the Language Bank cost to use?
Nothing!

What languages does the Bank contain?
The volunteers in the language bank are a fluid group. New individuals sign up, and students ask to be taken off the list after graduating. Depending on the time, different languages are available. If you have question about a specific language, just contact us!

What's the process to get a translator?
Just submit a request here whenever you need a translator, preferably at least a week in advance. We'll search our bank for an interpreter and then get back to you soon! And if this is your organization's first request for a translator, we ask that you just fill out a form and sign a waiver, which we will provide.

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