My English Sister – Gina’s Story

Gina reflects on the time she spent living with a family in the UK and the enduring friendship she has created with Florence. This bond was strengthened by the recent visit Florence and her friends enjoyed in Gina’s hometown of Avellino.

“My name is Alessia, but my family and friends call me Gina. I am 17 years old, and I had the incredible opportunity to live one of the most beautiful experiences of my life: six months in England, in the city of Worcester. There I was welcomed by my host family, made up of Tracy and Mark, my host parents, and my host siblings Fin, Florence, and Lils, along with their sweet little dog Luna, who everyone affectionately called Beans. From the very first day, I felt part of the family, surrounded by love, respect, and lots of laughter.

If someone had asked me before leaving to imagine the perfect host family, I would have described them exactly. With each of them, I created a special bond: Florence and Finn immediately made me feel part of their group of friends, with whom I spent unforgettable evenings and shared experiences that I will always carry in my heart. Thanks to them, I also met wonderful people who became very special to me.

I also built a precious bond with Lils: I loved our evenings in my room, when we stayed up late talking about everything and nothing, sharing secrets and laughing together. Those moments became some of the most intimate and meaningful memories of my entire experience—simple but truly priceless.

Leaving England was not easy, because that house and that family had truly become a part of me. But this summer I had the joy of welcoming Florence back into my life when she came to visit me in Avellino, together with some of our mutual friends. We spent a week full of laughter, emotions, and new adventures, creating even more memories that I’ll treasure forever.

The bond we share will last forever

I can say with certainty that Florence has now become like a sister to me, and that the family will always hold a special place in my heart. I keep in touch with all of them—we update each other on our lives, which makes me feel as if I had never really left.

I am endlessly grateful for this experience: it helped me grow, allowed me to meet wonderful people, and above all, it gave me a second family. I can’t wait to see them all again, and I know the bond we share will last forever.”

To see Flo’s story click the button below: