“Additionally, there will be the opportunity to visit the German Bundestag, meet with US and German government officials, participate in cross-cultural seminars, and explore the country through excursions to nearby towns and historic sites,” according to officials from CIEE, the Council on International Educational Exchange.

Freidline said her decision to apply, which included writing numerous essays, was an impulsive, last-minute decision that she is now thrilled to win.

“It was really a spontaneous decision and I only started looking for the scholarship about three weeks before the application deadline,” said Freidline, who just turned 17.

“It’s person-to-person and connecting with German citizens and that’s really exciting for me,” who will soon travel to Washington, DC for orientation and then fly to Germany.

She will live and attend school in this country until the end of June 2023.

Talawanda Secondary School Principal Scott Davie described Freidline as “a talented student and an even better person”.

“She is thoughtful and conscientious both inside and outside the school. We are delighted that Nina has earned this accolade and are confident that she will thrive in Germany as her intelligence, diligence and maturity are unmatched. She is truly a great ambassador for the Talawanda family,” Davie said.

Freidline said she looks forward to traveling and living abroad.

“It’s such an incredible opportunity that I didn’t even think I could have it as a high school girl.”