FLR(S) and studying in Europe

Weird one this!

GF is currently here on Student Visa, expires Jan 2006. She's studying a recognised degree course in Language and Translation, which requires her to work and study for a year abroad, in her case in Germany. She is a Russian National, the Uni says they can arrange the required visas for Germany, so thats not the issue here but we are wondering how it would effect the application on form FLR(S) or does it not really matter to IND?

The year abroad would start in September 2006 or maybe June 2006. Then she will continue here studies here until June 2007 or Sept 2007, not sure when exams are!

Further to this, we are hoping all this time together will count toward and unmarried partner visa, obviously with me going to Germany with her. I am interested to know if I didn't go to Germany could this period count toward unmarried partner visa, or is it stretching it a bit? After all, we do have a realtionship akin to marriage, and people have to work or study away sometimes. I reckon it's not possible, but u never know!

Thanks

Steve