Emily has been a guest of the Rotary Club of Inverell East as part of a short-term rotary student exchange.

Her host family was Rotarian Harry Fay (Jnr) and his wife Kim and their children.

In December, Maddy Fay will enjoy a mutual visit when she travels to Emily’s hometown for the adventure of a lifetime.

Emily is 16-years-old and attended Holy Trinity School during her stay.

She was in year 10 and said she made lots of new friends.

“It was a great experience and I appreciate everyone who has made my stay so great, including the Rotary Club of Inverell, my host family and the school for having me,” Emily said.

“I have really enjoyed my time in Inverell and can’t wait to come back again.

“I love it here.

“It is very similar to my hometown but there are a lot of different aspects as well.”

This was also Emily’s first trip to Australia and the Fay family took her to different places across NSW so she could see what it has to offer.

“We went to Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Dubbo, Orange and Lightning Ridge,” Emily said.

“Then me and Kim went back to Sydney and I was able to do the Harbour Bridge Climb.

“It was fantastic.”

And of course Emily also saw the sights in Inverell including Copeton Dam and Green Valley Farm.

Emily and Maddy are looking forward to seeing each other again when she makes the trip over there.

“I am so excited,” Maddy said.

“I am really hoping to have a white Christmas and it will be great to meet Emily’s family now.”

The girls had already shared stories and photos of each other through Facebook, a social networking website.

“It made it so much easier for us because we were able to talk before Emily came over here and now we will be able to keep in touch until I go over there and after that,” Maddy said.

Short-term rotary exchange mentor Rotarian Paul Alliston said the program was open to young people in Inverell who are interested in international friendship and goodwill.

“Everyone is impressed by the exchange and we have had a lot of good reports,” Mr Alliston said.