Here you find some of the questions which are frequently asked by TSS participants - and our answers to them. If you do not find an answer to your question among them just write us an email to events@termnet.org. We will be in touch.
Which is the language of tuition in TSS?
TSS is an international event and participants come from all over the world. So do our trainers. Our lingua franca therefore is English. However, it is in the nature of the seminar that most are multilingual and during breaks and side events people are heard talking in all possible languages.
What about the quality of the training?
TSS is organized and lectured by some of the most renowned and respected trainers and experts in the field of terminology. All trainers and our network are actively involved in the most important professional bodies. The principles and methods we teach are all based on international standards and since our trainers are not only researchers and practitioners, but active in standardization work as well you can be sure that everything you learn is state-of-the-art.
We strife constantly to improve the quality of the course. We gather feedback from participants, evaluate carefully and try to implement improvements, too. For some years now TSS has been an official preparation course to obtain the ECQA job role certificate for terminology managers. So attending TSS is a nice experience on its own, but can also be used part of a larger qualification process.
They say that quality is when the customer comes back…well, if this is true then we don’t do too badly. It is not unusual for participants to attend again, for the fun of it.
Yes, you will receive the presentations and additional material in digital form for download.
Can I also talk about and ask questions concerning my particular problems with terminology management?
Yes, we have much opportunity for interactive sessions and much informal Q&A. We find this essential to ensure personal advancement, especially within larger or heterogeneous groups. We consciously opt for such groups because in our experience this enhances the learning experience more than anything! Every morning we will meet informally over tea, coffee and cookies to discuss in fixed and flexible groups various issues. Participants can even create their own groups. And after school we continue on a more relaxed and social level if you are still up to it.
We have not only classical lectures but many discussion and working groups as well as the participant-bring-your-own-project sessions. And we have flexible time to deepen issues that are found most useful for you.
Will there be any follow-up?
Yes! We keep in touch with many participants. Some meet again in other events, some come again, some keep in touch beyond the course. A new way to keep in touch is the terminology blog. And we sport a closed Facebook Group and a Twitter discussion, too.
What is the target group for TSS?
TSS is open to everyone who is interested in terminology management. It is especially suited for people who work as terminologist, translator, localization specialist, in technical documentation, etc. and want to know more about terminology. The course can be regarded as specialized professional qualification. Many participants work as one-person enterprises, as employees in translation companies, in other, related departments of commercial enterprises, governments, international organizations, at universities, NGOs or in the standardization framework. Some have training as translators or linguists, but most come from other backgrounds (engineers, ICT specialists, etc.) and started their career as terminology managers "accidentally".
While no particular professional background or level of knowledge or experience is required, you will undoubtedly benefit the most if you have worked with or on terminology before. This way you will come equipped with questions, challenges, and references and contribute meaningfully to the many discussions. Or you simply listen in while your peers solve some important terminological riddles and mysteries.
I have little practical experience, is it advisable for me to attend?
Participation is open to all who are interested in the topic and since it is an introductory course, you do not need to be an expert. However, since most participants are already working as terminologists or translators, they usually do have some practical experience and many practical questions (even if this can be quite different from person to person and group to group). If you are in doubt, contact us and we can help you to assess if TSS is the right course for you.
I am not a youngster anymore. Is there a maximum age for participation?
There is no age restriction in TSS. Our youngest participants are in their early twenties and the oldest was over sixty years. Most are somewhere in between.
How many other participants can I expect?
This is difficult to say and can differ from year to year and depending on the location of the course. We usually close at around 70 participants. This is quite a lot, true. But it is great for networking and learning from one another’s experiences. And do not worry; we have many opportunities for your individual questions!
I am a student, can I still attend?
Yes, you are welcome and even eligible for a discount.
I can not attend the whole week. Is it possible and advisable to attend for some days only?
TSS is a course in which the different parts are built upon another. So it is strongly advised to take part in the entire week. If you want to receive a certificate it is mandatory. If you can really only make it for a day or two, let us know and we can give individual advice.
How can I secure a seat?
The first step would be to fill in and send the registration on our website. You will then receive a personal confirmation from us within a few days (usually we are quite fast) in which we also tell you all you should know for the moment. With this step you have indicated your intention to participate and will be kept informed about all the news. However, the registration is only completed and the seat is secured when you have paid the registration fee. When the maximum participation number is reached we will close registration and you are in only if you have your seat booked.
What is included in the fee? Do I have to pay for accommodation and food lunch extra?
Participation fees include tuition, coffee breaks and a social get-together with some drinks and finger food. Accommodation and lunch is not included. We are often asked why this is not included.
TSS is a low-cost event and financed entirely through the participant fees. They are used to pay for everything from room costs, organization, coffee breaks, trainers, labs and material. We do not make any profit out of TSS and much of the organization is done for the love of it. If we include lunch and accommodation the costs for participants would increase and make it impossible for many to attend.
I find the fee quite high for me to participate. Is there a possibility for grants, scholarship or other funding?
We offer discounts for students and “non-profits”. Neither TermNet nor the hosting university can offer stipends or grants. But we are happy to advise you on institutions that do. We are also happy to assist you with the application for funding. Check our Website for information or contact us.
Which is the best way to pay for my participation?
When you register you are told the bank details. The easiest way for us is the ordinary bank transfer. On-the-spot payment in cash can only be accepted in exceptional cases.
We will send you an invoice along with a confirmation for your registration once we receive the registration. You will find all information you need in this invoice.
What if I have to cancel?
Do so as early as possible to avoid cancellation fees. Our terms of payment can be found here. You can transfer your seat to another person without any extra costs.
You will get a receipt of payment on the first day (and it is not possible to cancel after this day).
What do I need to bring?We want you to bring in yourself. Your experience, your questions, your enthusiasm, etc. We have one afternoon session reserved for participants to introduce the projects they are working on to the others, ask questions and advice, spread information or find new partners. For this session you would prepare a short presentation of ca. 15 minutes. You will learn more about it when you have registered.
What do I need to arrange for my travels?
We will send you an invitation letter upon request for your employer, for the embassy (in case you need to apply for visa), etc. You need to book your transportation and accommodation and make sure you have a valid passport and visa if needed. On our website we will give tips and addresses for hotels and budget accommodation in the vicinity of the venue. We also have a description of how to get there easily. All participant will receive this information plus a phone number - or emergencies and in case you got lost - via e-mail ca. a week before the course. And of course, you are always welcome to ask us.
Should I bring my laptop?
You are most welcome to bring your laptop and mobile diveices. Wifi is available in most venues. If in doubt, ask us!
TermNet
Sulzweg 9/3
1190 Vienna, Austria
Tel.: +43 664 344 6180
E-mail: termnet@termnet.org
