Eight students from Southern Polytechnic State University have won Board of Regents scholarships for study abroad this summer. The students have been awarded $500 each, and will study German at Fachhochschulen Magdeburg in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, according to Charlotte Janis, director of international programs at SPSU.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for these students. For many of them, it's their first time leaving the country, and gives them the chance to supplement their education," said Janis.

The students are: Andrew Jones, a sophomore in construction; Jesse Gunnin, a sophomore in math; Yilan Xiang, a grad student in computer science; Joie Schimek, a junior in management; Patrick Moore, a sophomore in mechanical engineering technology; Corey Stonica, a junior in mechanical engineering technology; Mark Austin, a junior in civil engineering technology, and Arthur Evans III, a freshman in electrical engineering technology.

Also attending Fachhochschulen, a university of Applied Sciences, will be Joel Aviles, a senior in architecture; Brandy Herlinger, a senior in architecture; Judge Collier, a junior in electrical engineering; and Sara Luis-Ruiz, a senior in math. The students will study German language and culture for five weeks beginning June 3.

SPSU has an ongoing exchange program with the Fachhochschulen, and last year initiated an exchange program with Universidad Iberoamericna Laguna in Torreon, Mexico.