Tullamore student represents Ireland at the International German Olympiad

A fifth year student from Tullamore College, Linda Chen, will be representing Ireland in Germany at an international German-language competition this month.

The International German Olympiad, formally called Internationale Deutscholympiade (IDO), is taking place in Mannheim from July 13 to 22.

Linda and her teacher Sarah McEvoy are among the 115 school children and 63 accompanying teachers, respectively, from over 60 countries, who will be participating in the finale of the world’s biggest contest for German language learners.

The theme for this year's Olympiad is 'Zusammen Wachsen' or Growing Together.

The IDO is a festival of sorts for German language learners between the ages of 14 and 17 from around the world.

Congregating in the host German city every alternate year, the participants are evaluated not only on their language proficiency but also cultural competencies, creativity and team spirit.

Contestants also take part in workshops and tours of the host city, meet young people, businesses and individuals active in the local art and culture scene, and also attend an attractive line-up of cultural, educational and leisure activities.

Linda stood first at the national finals after proving her listening, reading and speaking skills, to achieve the highest score among all Ireland participants.

Only one student from Ireland is selected for the IDO, which is held every two years. The Tullamore College representative has been awarded the IDO scholarship, which covers travel, accommodation, meals, workshops and a cultural programme in Mannheim.

During her stay there, Linda will participate in workshops related to this year's theme, also also ones on writing, presenting and rhetoric.

She is also looking forward to visit the Mannheim University and enterprises based in the city, and is keen to meet participants from countries around the world including France, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Argentina, Australia, Kenya, Japan, and more.