TWO talented linguists have secured coveted places to head abroad this summer.

AS level German students Shreya Bondili and Katie Turnbull have secured places on a prestigious German scholarship programme this summer, with only eight places available for UK students.

The girls, who are students at York College are looking forward to their adventure.

The German Scholarships Programme, run by Pädagogischer Austauschdienst, offers a limited amount of places to students across the world and provides a unique opportunity for students to get first-hand experience of German life and culture, and for students to improve their language skills.

Shreya and Katie studied GSCE German together at Millthorpe School and have continued their A-level studies at York College.

When applying for the programme they used their German writing skills to complete an application form and submit an essay on ‘What motivates you to learn German’.

Katie said: “In my essay I stressed the importance of being able to speak to native speakers, especially with Brexit on the horizon.”,

Meanwhile Shreya’s essay made the point that it is better for English people to speak German when holidaying in Germany, rather than expecting German people to speak English.

With so few places available on the German scholarship programme, the modern languages division at York College is proud to have had A-Level German students selected for the last three consecutive years.

This year, Katie will spend four weeks in Germany, staying with a host family and visiting Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, and Shreya will stay with a German host family for two weeks.

Shreya said: “German A-level is more interactive than at GCSE and with the tutors at college being so helpful and supportive, I am really enjoying the course.

"I am excited to experience going to Germany in the summer, I’m a little nervous, but it’s a good kind of nervous.”

Alison Armstrong an A-level German tutor at York College in Simbalk Lane said: “The scholarship programme is such a great opportunity for students to absorb the language and culture and Shreya and Katie will benefit enormously from the experience.”