How long have you been here, Pietro?
Since the beginning of the summer. I’ve just finished an English course to prepare for my Proficiency exam. My speaking’s good, but I have to work hard on my reading and writing!
Do you miss your family and friends?
_ Yes, of course I do. But some people have come to visit me. Actually, my mother is visiting me right now. She’s been here for two weeks. I think she’s making sure that I’m eating properly!
ls ther eany thing about England that surprise you?
Well, yes, one thing. It’s amazing how important houses and homes are to British people! My host family lives in a semidetached house with a garden at the back, and they spend all their time and money on the house or the garden. At the weekend, everyone near here cuts the grass in their garden. It’s incredible!
Have you had problems with the languag?
Yes – quite a few. The English I learned in Italy was mostly American English – so when a guy here asked me one day if I wanted a lift home, I was a bit confused! I mean, I know that ‘lift’ in British English is what the Americans call an elevator – but I didn’t know that ‘a lift’ can also mean ‘a ride’. And the accent here! It’s cool – but it’s the strangest thing I’ve ever heard, too!
How long do you think you’ll stay?
I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. Six months? A year? Maybe if I like it, I’ll never leave! Well, no, that’s another joke – I mean, one day I’ll go home to Italy, I’m sure of that. But only after I’ve passed the Proficiency exam!
Վիկտորյա Ստեփանյանի Ուսումնական Բլոգ. 