作为全球三大顶级翻译学院之一的蒙特雷国际研究院（MIIS），被誉为"翻译界哈佛"，不久前宣布将于 2027年夏季正式关停线下研究生项目。和鲁沁一样，几乎全球语言界都被这则消息震动。尽管校方将其 归咎于财务与结构性问题，包括招生规模急剧下降、财务缺口扩大等，但在校生、毕业生乃至整个行业 都清楚，AI的浪潮，是那枚按下加速键的手指。 当"翻译界哈佛"都扛不住行业变革的冲击，翻译从业者早已站在了分叉路口。第一财经记者近期通过采 访多位翻译专业在校生、译员、企业、高校教授后发现，从学界到产业界，一场深刻的结构性变革已然 发生。在大浪淘沙的过程中，谁也不愿意做那个被"淘掉"的沙子，每一位翻译从业者都站在了转型的路 口，他们的现实处境，构成了这场技术洪流中最真实的注脚。 当"翻译界哈佛"都扛不住行业变革的冲击，翻译从业者早已站在了分岔路口。 "你知道吗？我们学校倒闭了。" 还处在新生欢迎周的学生鲁沁，是在逛超市时得知自己成了蒙特雷国际研究院的"末代"学生。 她马上掏出手机，看到了学校发给每位在读学生的邮件，默默念了一句，"啊，真的倒闭了。" "有学生哭了整整两个晚上" "有同学听说学校倒闭的消息后，哭了整整两个晚上，焦虑 ...

Core Viewpoint - The closure of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), a prestigious translation school, highlights the impact of AI on traditional education and the translation industry, raising questions about the future of language studies and the necessity of elite educational systems [4][31][51]. Group 1: Closure of MIIS - MIIS announced it would stop enrolling graduate students by June 2027 due to a significant decline in applications and severe financial losses [4][8]. - The total enrollment at MIIS was 503 students as of 2023, with only 391 full-time students, far below the target of 850 [18][19]. - The rigorous admission policies and high academic standards contributed to low enrollment numbers, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic [23][17]. Group 2: Impact of AI on Translation - AI has drastically improved translation efficiency, with reports indicating a nearly 9-fold increase in efficiency and a cost reduction of over 90% [31]. - The demand for human translators is declining, with many professionals forced to transition to other careers due to the rise of AI translation tools [35][36]. - The traditional role of translators is changing, with 86.67% of respondents believing that the future will favor a model of machine translation followed by human editing, reducing the need for pure human translation jobs [38]. Group 3: Broader Trends in Language Education - The closure of MIIS is part of a larger trend, with several universities in the U.S. and abroad reducing or eliminating language programs due to declining interest and funding [44]. - In 2023, West Virginia University announced the cancellation of all foreign language and creative writing courses, and Arizona State University saw a significant drop in English majors [44]. - The shift in educational focus reflects a changing job market where traditional language skills are less valued compared to interdisciplinary and AI-related competencies [49][61].

Core Viewpoint - The closure of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), known as the "Harvard of Translation," highlights the impact of AI on traditional education and the translation industry, signaling a shift in the educational landscape and the need for new skill sets in the workforce [4][5][15]. Group 1: Closure of MIIS - MIIS announced it would stop enrolling graduate students by June 2027 due to a significant decline in applications and severe financial losses, making closure the only viable financial option [5][6]. - As of 2023, MIIS had a total enrollment of 503 students, with only 391 full-time students, far below its target of 850 full-time students [7][11]. - The rigorous admission standards and the decline in applicants post-pandemic contributed to the institution's crisis [11][12]. Group 2: Impact of AI on the Translation Industry - AI has drastically improved translation efficiency, increasing it by nearly nine times and reducing costs by over 90%, leading to a significant decline in demand for human translators [15][18]. - The rise of AI translation has resulted in a dramatic decrease in job opportunities and income for translators, with many forced to transition to other careers [18][21]. - The traditional role of translators is evolving, with 86.67% of respondents indicating that the "AI initial translation + human editing" model will become mainstream, reducing translators to proofreaders [18][19]. Group 3: Broader Educational Trends - The closure of MIIS is part of a larger trend, with several language programs and departments across universities facing cuts or closures due to declining enrollment and funding [21][22]. - The educational landscape is shifting away from traditional elite models towards a more inclusive approach, as AI democratizes access to language resources [26][29]. - The evolution of job requirements in the wake of AI suggests a growing need for "composite AI + talent" roles, indicating a transformation in the skills required for future employment [24][26].

Core Viewpoint - The closure of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), a prestigious translation school, highlights the impact of AI on traditional education and the translation industry, signaling a shift in the educational landscape and job market for language professionals [5][22][34]. Summary by Sections Closure of MIIS - MIIS, known as the "Harvard of translation," announced it would stop enrolling graduate students by June 2027 due to a significant decline in applications and ongoing financial losses [5][6][8]. - The school had a total enrollment of 503 students in 2023, which was well below its target of 850 full-time students [12][16]. Impact of AI on Translation - AI has drastically improved translation efficiency, with reports indicating a nearly 9-fold increase in efficiency and a cost reduction of over 90% [22]. - The rise of AI translation has led to a significant decrease in demand for human translators, with many professionals being forced to transition to other careers [22][28]. Changes in Educational Demand - The decline in interest in language studies is evident, with institutions like West Virginia University and Arizona State University cutting language programs and staff [28][29]. - The traditional model of elite education for language professionals is being challenged as AI tools become more capable [34]. Future of the Industry - The closure of MIIS serves as a reflection of broader changes in the education system, where the need for highly specialized language training may diminish as AI tools become more prevalent [34][36]. - Despite the challenges, AI also creates new opportunities for hybrid roles that combine language skills with technology [34][41].