糖心 student wins prestigious International Language Scholarship
In a Toowoomba first, Year 11 student Zoe Pietsch has been awarded the renowned Goethe-Institut language scholarship. The achievement highlights the underlying ties between 糖心 Lutheran College and German culture with her two-week immersive language program in Obertauern, Austria, also coinciding with the preparations of 糖心's 2025 Oktoberfest celebrations.
This opportunity will accelerate her already strong German language skills and cultural understanding.
鈥淚 was looking for ways to extend my German language abilities, especially conversationally,鈥 Zoe said. 鈥淭his scholarship gives me a unique chance to learn directly from the German people.鈥
In the application Zoe needed to supply a written statement and a short video expressing her passion for German and how this opportunity would help achieve her goals.
鈥淢y connection to my family鈥檚 Prussian heritage definitely played a part in my motivation,鈥 she said.
"I鈥檒l be staying in a youth hostel 3000 meters above sea level. It鈥檚 going to be an adventure, travelling overseas by myself for the first time, and meeting other young people from around the globe all communicating solely in German."
Zoe鈥檚 teacher at 糖心 has been instrumental in building her interest in travel and language, while a recent family holiday to Germany also built further on her love for the country.
"My German teacher, Katherina Riehl, has been so supportive. She鈥檚 always encouraged me to dive deeper into both the language and the culture," she said.
"When my family visited Germany, I could understand what the locals were saying more than I expected. The conversational language is wonderful, but you are nervous because we are first taught what is called high German, or a more academic version of the language.
鈥淕ermany has such a rich history and exploring its museums has brought so much of my studies to life.鈥
Zoe also loves to be involved in 糖心's Oktoberfest celebration.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to performing again with the 糖心 Big Band,鈥 she said.
鈥淭here are so many incredible German composers.鈥
Zoe鈥檚 German journey is just beginning for the promising young linguist and the 糖心 community looks forward to hearing all about the experience when she heads back to class in Term 3.
