Instructors & Courses
Expert-Led. Academically Grounded. Professionally Applied.
Spain Retreat 2027 is an innovative interpreter training program designed for professional Spanish interpreters seeking advanced legal, linguistic, and professional development. This academically recognized program is approved for continuing education credit through U.S. state court systems and features direct professional observation at Madrid’s Audiencia Provincial (Criminal Court).
Through a combination of academic instruction, real-world application, and expert mentorship, participants gain a deep, practical understanding of legal interpreting within both Civil Law and Common Law systems.
meet your instructors
Prof. Karen Borgenheimer, MFA
Certified Interpreter | Professor | Lead Instructor
Prof. Borgenheimer is a classically trained, certified interpreter and translator recognized for her versatility, academic depth, and engaging instructional style. With more than three decades of university teaching experience, she brings a rare combination of scholarly excellence and real-world professional insight into every course.
Academic Background & Credentials:
• Master of Fine Arts in Translation Studies — University of Arkansas–Fayetteville
• Advanced training — Sampere Escuela de Traductores e Intérpretes, Madrid
• Doctoral studies — Spanish Language & Linguistics, University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Court & Conference Interpreting — Florida International University (FIU), Miami
Professional Leadership:
• University professor for over 30 years
• Faculty member, Translation & Interpretation Program — FIU since 2002
• Continuing Education Provider in multiple U.S. states
• Presenter and keynote speaker at national interpreter conferences, including ATA-SPD, NAJIT, ATI, and State Interpreter Conferences
Prof. Borgenheimer lived and taught for nearly a decade in San Lorenzo de El Escorial at the Real Centro Universitario “María Cristina,” bringing a deep cultural, historical, and professional connection to the program’s academic setting.
Dr. Susana San Cristóbal Reales
Dean & Professor of Law | Co-Instructor
Dr. San Cristóbal holds both a Law Degree and a Doctorate in Procedural Law (Cum Laude) from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. With more than three decades of legal education and professional practice, she is recognized as a leading authority on Spanish Civil and Criminal Procedural Law.
Academic & Professional Profile:
• Law Professor (over 30 years)
• Faculty at Real Centro Universitario “María Cristina”
• Former faculty at Universidad Europea de Madrid, Universidad Nebrija, and UNED
• Instructor — Alternative Dispute Resolution (Master of Law, Centro Garrigues)
• Contributor to Master’s programs in Construction Law and Procedural Law
Dr. San Cristóbal is an accomplished legal scholar, having authored monographs, book chapters, and law review articles, and participated in national legal research initiatives. She joined the Spain Retreat program in 2016 and now serves as a core academic partner, offering participants direct access to expert insight into Spain’s legal system.
Course Overview
20 Hours of Advanced Legal Interpreter Training
An intensive program designed to strengthen legal interpreting skills through comparative law analysis, advanced consecutive practice, voice training, investigative terminology, expert guest lectures, and live courtroom observation.
Course Descriptions
Spanish Civil Law vs. U.S. Common Law
Comparative analysis of civil and common law systems, legalization protocols (Hague Convention & Apostille), and the role of the notary. Includes sight translation practice using authentic Spanish court documents. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Spanish Civil Law vs. U.S. Common Law are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
La Organización Judicial Española
Comprehensive overview of the Spanish court system in preparation for the Madrid courthouse visit, including structured comparisons with the U.S. judicial system. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for La Organización Judicial Española are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Interpretación Consecutiva: Práctica Avanzada
Advanced consecutive interpreting techniques with intensive guided practice in memory, visualization, note-taking, register control, and courtroom discourse. Includes voice training for articulation, projection, and professional presence. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Interpretación Consecutiva: Práctica Avanzada are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Sentencias Penales + Traducción a la Vista
In-depth study of criminal court language, trial arguments, and judicial rulings. Includes sight translation and reverse consecutive practice using authentic materials. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Sentencias Penales + Traducción a la Vista are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Fase de Investigación de los Casos Penales
Analysis of the investigative phase of criminal cases, including police procedures, expert testimony terminology, and crime scene protocol. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Fase de Investigación de los Casos Penales are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Guest Lectures – Palabras Mayores
Special sessions on legal language precision, clarity in legal discourse, and the impact of technology and AI in legal translation.
Guest Speaker – National Police Detective
Crime scene investigation techniques and terminology through real-life case studies, with focus on serial crime investigations. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Guest Speaker – National Police Detective are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Trial Observation – Madrid Audiencia Provincial
Exclusive opportunity to observe a live criminal trial at Madrid’s Audiencia Provincial Criminal Court. This session is part of our interpreter training programme for professionals working in, or preparing to work in, the Spanish legal system. It combines the terminology and procedure of the Spanish courts with the practical language skills the work actually demands. Dates, places and enrolment for Trial Observation – Madrid Audiencia Provincial are published on this page. If the dates are still to be announced, you can join the priority list and we will let you know as soon as the next edition opens.
Advance Your Legal Interpreting Expertise in Spain
Train with leading academic and legal professionals in an internationally recognized program.