EMILY RICE is preparing for an Eastern adventure after securing a place on a popular exchange programme.
The Coleg Cambria learner has been selected as one of just four students to attend the Japanese Flintshire Youth Exchange this summer.
Emily, from Rhyl, is currently taking A levels in Business, Psychology and English Language at Deeside Sixth Form Centre and looks forward to spending two weeks living with a student and their family in Miyagi Prefecture.
That comes after they have stayed in Denbighshire with her and mum Gail, dad Mark and brother Owen.
“I am thrilled to have been chosen to represent Cambria, it’s a huge honour,” said Emily, a former pupil at Ysgol Bryn Hedydd and Rhyl High School.
“We were given a presentation on the exchange by students who had done it the year previously, and it sounded fantastic. I had an interview and an initial meeting and was so happy to be selected.
“It’s a great opportunity and will give me a real flavour of Japan, the culture and education during my time there. I can’t wait.”
Emily is no stranger to overseas travel having visited Malaysia with her school two years ago as part of a humanitarian project.
Then aged just 14, she and fellow classmates helped transform a dilapidated building into a school for children of the indigenous Batek people, who now predominately inhabit the protected Taman Negara area.
“I would love to travel and do something in business, that’s where I see my future,” she added.
“Everyone at Deeside Sixth has been supportive and encouraged me to go for it. I look forward to experiencing what Japan has to offer, and to showing their students the landmarks and activities we have here in the UK.”
Miriam Riddell, co-head at the £15m Cambria facility, added: “Congratulations to Emily on gaining a place, we are sure she will have an amazing time and take a lot from the experience.”
The Japanese Flintshire Youth Exchange is administered by a charitable trust and supported by Flintshire County Council. It has been an initiative for more than 30 years, and to be eligible for a place, students need to be aged 16-18.
Co-ordinator Karen Jones said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for Emily and the students, as they will experience all aspects of Japanese life with the family.
“And the Japanese cohort will get to see North Wales, as well as visiting places like Liverpool and London. It’s a great programme and going from strength to strength, so thanks as always to Coleg Cambria for their support.”
Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A level studies at Coleg Cambria.