Southern Institute of Technology students could soon be packing their bags for Europe, as exchange discussions between SIT and its partner university in Germany continue today.

Nurtingen-Geislingen University study abroad adviser Gisela Zimmermann and co-ordinator of international affairs Dr Guna Neubauer were touring SIT campus yesterday, after arriving in Invercargill on Wednesday night for a whirlwind two-day visit.

"[We are here] just to get to know the place, the accommodation facilities, then we can explain these to our students," Dr Neubauer said.

Nine students from Nurtingen-Geislingen University had studied at SIT in the past year, including two this semester, and she hoped to encourage more to travel south.

She also wanted to attract Southland students to the German university.

While the university mostly taught in German, enough courses were taught in English so international students could easily study there, she said.

Ms Zimmermann said some courses, including environmental management, were very similar at both institutions and this had helped form the partnership two years ago.

Part of the visit would be spent discussing the possibility of joint degrees and staff exchanges, she said.

It was the pair's first visit to Invercargill, and both had been impressed by the city.

"The most amazing thing for us is the broad streets. To have a city with space is really good," Dr Neubauer said.

SIT international manager Sam Mackay said the exchange would be a fantastic opportunity and Dr Neubauer and Ms Zimmermann would hold a presentation for students about exchanges today.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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