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Thanks have been given to a local woman who has marked 40 years as a host for international students studying English in the island.
Flo Allaire began welcoming foreign students into her home in 1984 with her late husband Maurice.
She has been described as a "much-loved" host by Jersey-based English language school St Brelade's College.
Pictured: Flo (front right) has been welcoming international students into her home since 1984.
Students of all ages come to Jersey to study English at the college, and Flo's home has been a popular choice for home stays.
Through the years, she has hosted students from as far as Japan and Saudi Arabia.
A St Brelade's College spokesperson said: "It doesn’t always end when the students leave, Flo still receives Christmas cards from students who stayed years ago and she enjoys hearing stories about them having babies and going through other big life events.
"Flo loves to host and the students love to stay with her."
In 2016, Flo and Maurice were chosen as the college's 'Hosts of the Year' in appreciation of their hard work and warm welcome.
With 40 years hosting experience now under her belt, Flo shared many amusing moments with her students including the difficulty of pronouncing "crisps" and being repeatedly beaten at Scrabble in English by a foreign student.
Flo also shared a few tips for any new host families.
"Cook a big pasta dish on the first night, then go with the 'Flo'!" she said.
"Take students to the shop sometimes or ask what food they like.
"Choice is important – you don’t want to give them something they don’t want or waste food."
St Brelade's College has faced challenges in recent years as a result of the impact of the pandemic and Brexit, as well as staff shortages and a lack of host families, but has been supported by Flo throughout.
"Everyone at St Brelade’s College is so grateful for all that Flo has put in to hosting over the years," a spokesperson said.
"We hope she continues to host for many years to come!"
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