In this article, the author describes the role of the TÖI, the Interpreter and translator institute at th University of Stockholm. Only recently, students of Latvian and Estonian have been given the possibility to gain a formal translation in practical translation of factual texts and community interpretation in these languages. Beginning in 1995, initial courses of translating and interpreting were held with the focus on Swedish as the source language and Latvian or Estonian as the target language. The TÖI is financially and formally responsible for these courses. It is an independent academic nstitution, not connected to other universities or organisations.