Off to Deutschland: Amy Pearson and Kate McIlroy are off on a scholarship trip to Germany. Photo supplied.Ashburton College students Amy Pearson and Kate McIlroy will be saying “Auf Wiedersehen” to the district in January when they head off on a three week scholarship visit to Germany.

The Year 12 students are this year’s PASCH Scholarship winners and will enjoy an all-expenses trip to Frankfurt am Main for an intensive language course with others from around the world.

While Amy enjoyed a taste of German life and culture last year on a student exchange trip, it will be the first visit to the country for Kate, who will return again next September on a school trip.

Both girls said they were excited and looking forward to the overseas experience and challenges ahead.

They would meet others from around the world and also enjoy some down time and sightseeing, said Kate.

The pair will sit a B1 German competency examination at the end of their stay in Germany.

Amy and Kate were selected after an interview with the National German Adviser, who then consulted with the Goethe-Institut in Wellington.

Ashburton College signed a partnership agreement with the Goethe Institut in 2013 to encourage international cultural exchange and extended relations with the European power house.

Part of the agreement was the provision of two fully funded study scholarships each year for Year 12 students.

© The Ashburton Courier - 11 October 2018