Angelica Giallombardo
Translator , ISTRAD
Angelica Giallombardo, an MA student in Audiovisual Translation, shares her experience of an internship at the Europeana Foundation - and the power of collaborative learning, practical application and cultural discovery.
My three-month internship at the Europeana Foundation, which I completed earlier this year, was a pivotal exercise in my academic and professional growth. I felt warmly welcomed by the Audience Engagement team, and by Adrian Murphy, my supervisor.
I am completing a Masters in Audiovisual Translation at ISTRAD, part of the University of Seville, and work at the intersection of linguistics and cultural appreciation. For my internship, I immersed myself in translation projects that not only challenged my skills but also broadened my perspectives.
While my MA focuses on Audiovisual Translation, my time at the Europeana Foundation exposed me to textual translation alongside my passion for subtitling. Trying out different modes of translation expanded my skills and led me to consider new aspects of translation and linguistic expression.
During my internship, I translated around 35 blogs and three exhibitions into Italian, including A Female Lens and Heroes of the Olympic Games (the third will be published soon). This increased the amount of stories in Italian on Europeana.eu by around 150%. Exploring Europeana's vast cultural repository was a revelation for me, and it was a joy to encounter this tapestry of artistic creations and historical narratives. I firmly believe that cultural content should be universally accessible. I was pleased to be able to contribute to Europeana by publishing multilingual content, bridging linguistic divides and championing the dissemination of cultural heritage across borders.
I also undertook a subtitling project which focused on three films created by the CRAFTED project. This endeavour marked a significant milestone in my professional journey. Drawing upon the groundwork laid during my academic studies, I had the chance to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. The project, executed in collaboration with colleagues at the Foundation, was an important step towards my growth as a skilled translator and a way to test my ability to navigate complex linguistic challenges with finesse.
Collaboration was a central aspect of my internship experience at the Europeana Foundation. I worked closely with colleagues in Audience Engagement, who helped me to really feel part of a team! The work that we did together taught me the importance of the role of collaboration in a supportive and growth-oriented professional environment.
In particular, Adrian's presence and unwavering support were fundamental to my whole experience. His guidance and mentorship created a nurturing environment that fostered learning and growth. I am also very grateful to Maggy Szynkielewska, whose assistance and guidance provided continuity and ensured that my tasks progressed smoothly. Jolan Wuyts taught me to navigate the technical aspects of my tasks, like the use of Contentful, for the internship, and Sabine Mordini-Pound’s encouragement was a constant source of motivation. Her proactive approach in addressing any queries or concerns created a sense of reassurance and belonging!
Following my internship, I am excited and ambitious for the future! I am set to undertake subtitling projects for prestigious film festivals at Ischia and Lago, and further immerse myself in the world of translation. I aspire to carve a path as a freelance translator, and embrace new challenges and opportunities with curiosity and dedication.
My internship at Europeana Foundation was a harmonious blend of curiosity, collaboration and cultural appreciation. The intricacies of translation and subtitling I experienced through my internship have increased my dedication to linguistic precision and cultural sensitivity. My internship not only enhanced my translation skills but also cultivated a profound passion for promoting cross-cultural understanding through the eloquence of language.
Please check the Europeana Foundation Careers page for information about future internship opportunities.
