WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderRomanian sister-city sends first exchange student to Rockford

Romanian sister-city sends first exchange student to Rockford

By Marissa Alter

ROCKFORD (WREX) - 16-year-old Elena Dombi is a pioneer of sorts--the first foreign exchange student to visit Rockford from its Romanian sister city Cluj-Napoca.

Her host, Romanian native Ramona Cornea, came to the U.S. 17 years ago.

"I got a chance to come over here and see these places and be happy about being here, and I just wanted to help someone else experience that," explains Cornea.

Elena arrived yesterday. It was her first time on a plane. She already saw the Rock River and the Sister Cities Garden at the Peace Plaza.

"It's exactly what she's seen in the movies, but she didn't believe there were such things like the buildings, even the school bus. Yesterday, when she arrived she said yes, it's indeed yellow," laughs Cornea.

Ramona has plenty of activities planned for Elena's time. The two already hit up the RACVB for ideas. Another "to-do": practicing the teen's English.

"It's a great chance for someone who's 16 to hit the road and travel by herself, meet people, see other places, other cultures, especially Rockford. It's such a friendly town."

Ramona hopes to help other exchange students from Cluj-Napoca come to Rockford. Elena heads back home August 24.