Introduction

Translation and interpretation, the cornerstone of cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication in a globalizing world, is a dynamic profession whose strategic importance is increasing day by day as borders disappear. Located at the intersection of international trade and logistics routes, and home to a Free Zone and an advanced financial infrastructure, Mersin offers a unique environment for the practice of this profession. The Toros University Department of Translation and Interpretation is designed to train experts who have the highest level of mastery over the structure of languages and cultures by combining these regional advantages with a global vision.

As a result of their versatile education, our graduates become part of a broad employment network in both national and international arenas. In the public sector, they can work as experts, translators, interpreters, or expert witnesses in government institutions such as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Trade, and the Directorate for EU Affairs, as well as at TRT and official news agencies. In the private sector, they have the opportunity to build careers in logistics and foreign trade firms, import-export departments of multinational companies, international media organizations, and publishing houses. In addition, by completing the necessary legal procedures, they can open their own sworn translation offices or work independently as freelance translators in today's rising fields such as software, game, and web localization.

While preparing our students for this rich and competitive business world, we apply an innovative educational model that blends the theoretical foundations of translation studies with intensive field practice. Our curriculum focuses not only on imparting language proficiency but also on developing high-level professional skills in specific areas such as written translation, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, localization, and translation technologies. Throughout this process, our students are equipped with the competencies of critical thinking, cultural mediation, and terminology management that form the background of the translation process.

Holding the title of being the "first" among the university programs in our region and starting its educational activities in the 2019-2020 academic year, our department has quickly become a highly qualified academic center.

As the Toros University Department of Translation and Interpretation, our ultimate goal is to bring competent translators and interpreters into the business world who strictly adhere to translation ethics, analytically comprehend the social structures of world cultures, quickly adapt to developing technologies, and create value at every level of international communication.