Category: 2014/15 Alessandra P. (Italy)

Here I am, guys! My English experiences has started for 3 weeks. Now I live in Canterbury, Kent.

I left Italy on 1st September. The flight that brought me to England, has changed my life. When I saw London’s Airport for the first time, I felt like I was surrounded by something great which was going to happen to ME! Yes, me! I felt as the main character of an exciting but moving movie.

I arrived at home and I saw my host mum who was waiting for me, watching television. I cannot describe how much I am grateful. She is giving me the opportunity to live another life.. to build a new life in 10 months.

The first night was peaceful. The day after I came to know all the host family: Nicola, my host mum, her daughter Antonia, Johanna, my host sister from Germany and Yumika, host sister from Japan. I can really say that we are a BIG FAMILY!

When I first saw Canterbury I was delighted. I had never been in England before, so I did not know the famous English-style: the buildings with the pitched roof, the gardens outside the houses. Everything, here in Canterbury, is particularly English. And I definitely like it. I am not yet used to the shops that close at 6.00 pm, dinner at 6.30 pm, substantial breakfasts, but I feel part of this great plan. I feel like I am living, right now, the moment I was dreaming about 1 year ago. This moment is now! I can feel it! And it’s mine.

So when I wake up, in the morning, and I see (sometimes… oh, the English weather!) the shining sun I can only smile and think that it’s another day spending learning something new.

The school, that is a very big and modern building, surrounded by nature like a little lake, seagull and trees has welcomed me warmly.

In England, like in Italy, the teachers and the people in there are always kind with me: they explain me all the words I do not understand, if I need some help they offer me to see each other for studying. Talking to the people is simple and they make me feel at home and I appreciate this a lot, because I know I can actually feel at home. Maybe not now, not at the moment, but give me the time to fit in the English system a little bit and then, I swear, I can do it. I have known some others Exchange students, like me (from Germany, Norway, Italy, France) and some English people. I get along with everyone and I have made met my host sisters with my school friends: they like each other! I cannot ask better.

One of my plan for the immediate future? I am looking forward to go to visit London.. for the first time in my whole life!

See you soon! Ale.