JAPANESE students have experienced a slice of what Pembrokeshire has to offer by trading places with students from a Haverfordwest school.

Eight students from Tasker Milward took part in an annual exchange programme, welcoming pupils from Yuki Minami School, Hiroshima, into their homes.

As well as enjoying a tour of the county, the Japanese students also spent the morning with Mayor of Haverfordwest Cllr Jackie Westrup, learning about the town’s history.

The Japanese students were accompanied by English teacher Mr Yanagida, who said there were many similarities between the two cultures, but also several big differences.

“Everyone is very friendly to us, and there is the same feeling of hospitality and welcome,” he said.

“We really appreciate the kindness that all the host families and teachers have shown us.”

However, wearing shoes indoors, going horseriding, and visiting historic sites such as St Fagans Museum and St Davids Cathedral were novel experiences for the students, he added.

“The landscape here is very different here,” he said, joking that the mountains in Pembrokeshire are “just hills” compared to those in Japan.

He said his students really benefit from the programme, which has been running since 1998.

“Even though their English is limited, after they come here they become more interested in learning the language.”

As well as sharing experiences in Pembrokeshire, students from Tasker Milward also travelled to Hiroshima in October.

“It was amazing, I feel like I’ve got a family on the other side of the world,” said 15-year-old Luzelle Davies.