Over half-term, a group of Ely College students joined an exchange trip to a German-speaking area of Italy.

Ely Standard: An Ely College student trekking with a llamaAn Ely College student trekking with a llama (Image: Archant)

With something different planned for each day, teacher Jen O’Reilly-Turner described the trip as “fascinating for all of us”.

As well as joining a carnival parade in the village and taking a tour, the group met Özti the iceman and went trekking with llamas.

Ely Standard: An Ely College student trekking with a llamaAn Ely College student trekking with a llama (Image: Archant)

Ms O’Reilly-Turner said: “The students were able to immerse themselves into a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment which they found to be a positive eye-opening experience.

“They have all returned enthused and motivated in their language learning.”

Ely Standard: Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy.Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy. (Image: Archant)

Ely College plans to welcome their new German and Italian friends to the city in June, providing an action-packed cultural programme for them.

“We hope to continue our links with our partner school and continue to offer the opportunities of a school exchange in coming years,” she added.

Ely Standard: Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy.Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy. (Image: Archant)

“For our students, taking part in an exchange like this really strengthens their international outlook.

“It enhances their language skills which are essential in a competitive global jobs market.”

Ely Standard: Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy.Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy.Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Trekking with llamasTrekking with llamas (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Özti the icemanÖzti the iceman (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy.Ely College students enjoy exchange trip to German-speaking part of Italy. (Image: Archant)