Hello & welcome to Terp Retreats

The idea behind Terp Retreats is not only to provide interpreters with the opportunity to continue honing and improving their skills in fabulous locations, but also to make training more accessible to colleagues by managing costs and bringing training closer to their home base.

We believe that everyone should have access to the best training possible and our aim is to provide training and networking opportunities in a friendly, relaxed and encouraging environment. Retreat locations are also chosen to ensure that rest, relaxation and rejuvenation are part of the package.

Enquire today

info@terpretreats.com

Who we are

Terp Retreats was created to offer interpreters a unique way to grow - by combining high-quality training with the opportunity to explore new and inspiring destinations.

We believe that professional development doesn’t have to happen in traditional settings. Instead, we bring together expert-led interpretation courses and carefully selected retreat locations, creating an experience that is both enriching and memorable.

Our aim is to make training more accessible while also giving interpreters the chance to step outside their everyday environment, gain fresh perspective, and connect with peers from different places and backgrounds.

Each retreat is designed to balance focused learning with time to relax, recharge, and fully experience the surroundings. We foster a friendly, supportive atmosphere where collaboration comes naturally and growth feels enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

Terp Retreats training session

Meet the team

An Escape for Thrill-Seekers and Relaxation Enthusiasts.

Tom Afton

Interpreter | Trainer

Tom Afton

Interpreter | Trainer

Amanda Forsythe

Interpreter | Trainer

Amanda Forsythe

Interpreter | Trainer

Mirna Soares

Interpreter | Trainer

Mirna Soares

Interpreter | Trainer

Gillian Misener

Interpreter | Trainer

Gillian Misener

Interpreter | Trainer

Hilda Tejada

Interpreter | Trainer

Hilda Tejada

Interpreter | Trainer

What people say

Discover exceptional experiences through testimonials from our satisfied customers.
"Terp Retreat was a complete game-changer for me. As a young interpreter, I was privileged to attend Terp Retreat in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I had the opportunity to hone my English skills under the careful, cheerful and delightful mentoring of top-notch trainers. I came out of this knowledge-filled week more equipped become a competitive interpreter. The networking and fun-filled activities we carried out during the training made it outstanding. It was a great training. My biggest gratitude goes to Amanda, the General Overseer of Terp Retreats, for such an amazing opportunity. I can't wait to attend the next editions. Long Live Terp Retreats!"
"Terp Retreats 2023 was a great opportunity, combining both learning and leisure, with top-notch trainers and experienced interpreters, from the Americas, Europe and host land Africa, in a language practice for improving on English B. Plus ocean, beach, waves and outings... a real re-treat in Umzumbe, KwaZulu Natal!"
"TerpRetreats 2023 in Umzumbe was an enriching, unique experience worth all the travel from Brazil to South Africa. Classes were built in a manner to fulfil expectations that are common among such different cultures - and we had terps from five continents there - and those that are very particular to each one of us. I'm looking forward to a second retreat!"
"Imagine a week full of intense simultaneous interpreting practice, English enhancement exercises both in a large group and in smaller groups, and continuously receiving detailed feedback from experienced trainers. Add to that having the ocean right there in front of you to take a quick dip, doing yoga in the morning to clear your mind, enjoying delicious meals to fuel up for practice and getting to know your colleagues in a warm, welcoming environment - that was the Terp Retreat in Umzumbe for me, an experience I'll never forget, and practice that will surely help me to boost my career as a conference interpreter."
"TerpRetreats offers a smorgasbord of learning opportunities for all interpreters at all stages in their career. Whether the goal is to boost one's confidence in the booth, to consolidate language proficiency or to go back to the roots of interpreting strategies - anything is possible and everybody will profit. Combined with a lot of sunshine, good food and good group vibes (and therefore networking!), this retreat is an absolute must!!"
"The SA retreat in Umzumbe was extremely enriching. We worked hard and had fun in a beautiful environment. Friendships for life! Unforgettable experience! Benefited immensely. Big thanks to Amanda, the world's best organiser, and the amazing team of trainers who led us to the next level. Hope to return!"
"Terp Retreats 2025 (my 2nd TERP Retreat!) was an enriching and unforgettable experience. The course was expertly organized by Amanda Forsythe, whose vision and dedication continue to elevate the field. The retreat featured an outstanding team of distinguished trainers, who provided expert feedback on techniques, retour and professional refinement to interpreters from Africa, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and the USA. Reconnecting with colleagues and trainers from the first retreat in South Africa (2023) was a major highlight. With an inspiring setting, top-tier instruction, and invaluable professional growth, I eagerly anticipate the next TERP RETREAT adventure!"

Yolanda Wheaton Texas U.S.A.

"Terp Retreats 2025 was a real eye-opener for me and I can honestly say that my career has taken a path I would never have imagined before this retreat, thanks to the new perspectives it gave me, the network I built and the constructive feedback and mentorship I received from the trainers. What made the retreat so special was the quality of people I met there. Both the participants and the trainers were fantastic. I would sign up again in a heartbeat and would warmly recommend it to any interpreter serious about growing professionally. It is a valuable experience for anyone who genuinely wants to grow and push their limits."
"Terp Retreats 2025 was a very inspiring and motivating experience that helped boost my confidence and broaden my skills. It allowed me to experience and learn different interpreting styles, language enhancement techniques and strategies to use in complex interpreting scenarios with fantastic trainers and colleagues from all over the world. It was also an opportunity for networking and forming new friendships in a fun-filled environment. Looking forward to meeting up with "old" friends and making new ones at the next retreat!"
"During the Terp Retreat in Lima in January 2025, we didn't just train all the skills an interpreter needs, but also prepared and made speeches, spent time together outside of the course, and I had the pleasure, alongside another Peruvian host, to show Lima to our new friends. We finished the course being better interpreters, with more friends and contacts from the whole world. Looking forward to meet them again."
"Terp Retreat Lima 2025 was a great opportunity and a gift at a professional and personal level! More than a "boothcamp," it's a headsets-on experience with time for booth practice, challenging speeches, and one-on-one feedback from amazing trainers. Bring all your fears, doubts, skills, recommendations and questions since, with the help and support from both trainers and colleagues, you will definitely come out a better interpreter, with new tools under your belt and new friendships that will last for life!"

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