A University of Aberdeen student has been selected from hundreds of applicants for a prestigious foreign study programme.
Wesley Valyo, from Brechin, has just completed the third year of an International Relations and Politics degree.
As part of the course he looked at Chinese politics and will now have the chance to see the system at first hand when he heads for the Far East on Friday (August 14).
The 25-year-old has been selected for Study China 2009 – a sponsored three week residential programme to introduce students to Chinese language and culture.
He is one of around just 30 Scottish students to be selected for the scheme, funded by the UK and Scottish governments and managed by the University of Manchester's Centre for Chinese Studies.
Wesley will study at Shandong University, in Jinan, and will participate in a host of trips, ranging from visits to temples to state-owned factories.
He said he was delighted to have been accepted onto the scheme.
"I was told competition was tough and there were a lot of applicants so I feel very privileged to have been chosen," he said.
"It will be a very cultural visit and I will get the chance to experience China in a way that would be difficult I had just gone across as a tourist.
"I think the visit will greatly benefit my studies. My degree is based around international relations and China is one of the key players in international politics so to see the country first hand will really enhance my understanding."
ENDS