Welcome to Normal! Inside Ruka’s First Few Weeks as an Exchange Student

Starting a journey across the globe is no small feat, but our newest international exchange student has hit the ground running! It has been a few short weeks since she arrived, and she has already settled comfortably into life with her host family, the Stegemanns.

From day one, Ruka’s schedule has been packed with high school traditions and Midwest adventures. As a new Wildcat at Normal Community West High School, she’s already diving into school spirit—including cheering on the Normal West volleyball team from the stands!

Outside of the classroom, her American cultural immersion is in full swing. She’s experienced classic local traditions like the Sweet Corn Circus in Downtown Normal, snapped photos with the iconic Gemini Giant along Route 66 in Atlanta, Illinois, and met the animals at Miller Park Zoo. Her host family also took her on a road trip up to Chicago's suburbs to explore the massive Woodfield Mall and sample familiar tastes at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights.

Watching our exchange students experience the everyday magic of our community is one of the most rewarding parts of the Sister Cities program. A big thank you to the Stegemann family for opening their hearts and home to make her feel welcome!