LAST July, Rebecca Smith, Martletwy YFC member, was fortunate enough to travel to Finland as an ambassador for Wales YFC.

Rebecca, 24, was able to spend a fortnight there and experience their culture and way of life.

Rebecca reports: “I thoroughly enjoyed my exchange, and was made to feel very welcome by my host family. I tried many new things such as fishing, swimming in the lake, ate some traditional Finnish food such as the Karelian pasty, a helicopter ride and experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna was the main highlight - nearly every house in Finland has their own sauna!”

Rebecca travelled with Elin Havard from Brecon YFC and says that she has made a lifelong friend who she is still in touch with after their trip.

Rebecca also met other exchangees on arrival from Taiwan and Korea.

Rebecca would like to thank friends, members and leaders of her YFC as well local businesses for donations she was able to present her host family with, such as chocolate from Wickedly Welsh, wine from Cwm Deri vineyard and a customised t-shirt from PBE fuels.

During December last year, Rebecca had a Skype interview and was thrilled to gain a place on another exchange, but this time to Austria through NFYFC.

Rebecca will be required to act as an ambassador for National Young Farmers and is looking forward to the two-week trip in July with a member of Warwickshire YFC.

Rebecca has done a few presentations, but hopes to do more - if any club or organisation wants Rebecca to do a presentation, she is more than happy to do so and would like to highly recommend this invaluable experience of travelling through YFC!