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For the past seven weeks, Ridgecroft has welcomed Bianca Racu, a foreign exchange student from Braunschweig, Germany. Coming from a city in northern Germany, Bianca chose to study in the United States “to gain some experiences in a completely different country.” Her first impressions of Ahoskie? “It’s way smaller but also friendlier than my hometown,” she says. Comparing Ridgecroft to her public school back home, Bianca notes that “my school at home is much bigger, and we don’t have activities like homecoming or spirit week.”
School Life in the U.S.
Adjusting to Ridgecroft’s schedule has been an adventure. “The biggest difference is that you have just four classes here. In Germany, we have like 10-15 classes per semester,” Bianca explains. She’s especially enjoying her accounting class, a subject not offered at her German school: “I learn new things every day.” Another surprise? “That you switch rooms from class to class. In Germany, teachers come to your room, but here, you go to theirs.”
Despite being new to American schools, Bianca has already joined the tennis team. “I’ve never played before, but I really enjoy it.” Her classmates have also embraced her warmly, voting her as a junior class homecoming representative. “I was very happy and excited about it,” she shares.
Life with Her Host Family
Bianca has been living with a host family in Murfreesboro and enjoys the quieter lifestyle compared to Germany. She shares a special bond with her host sister, Sofia, a fifth grader at Ridgecroft. “Sofia and the whole family welcomed me into their family, and I really appreciate it. We get along really well, even though she’s a few years younger than me.”
Bianca has also shared parts of her German and Romanian culture with her host family, from sweets to herbs. One of her favorite memories so far? “We went to Virginia Beach and did indoor skydiving. It was amazing!”
Cultural Exchange and Discoveries
While she misses her family, friends, and certain German foods, Bianca is discovering American favorites too. “I really love Crumbl cookies! But in general, everything is really fatty and unhealthy, and I’m not really used to it,” she laughs. When it comes to unique German culture, she hopes more Americans would get to know about the traditions and foods she treasures.
Fun and Personal Discoveries
Bianca’s first month has been full of memorable moments, including car rides with friends she’s made: “Callie’s car rides with Armani, Cailyn, and Callie are unforgettable.” She’s also learning a lot about herself, like discovering she doesn’t like sweet tea. And while she’s here, she’s checking off items on her American bucket list: “Drink Dr. Pepper and try all the typical American things that I don’t have in Germany.”
When asked what she would take back home if she could, Bianca doesn’t hesitate: “The dogs from my host family.”
Ridgecroft is fortunate to have Bianca’s energy, curiosity, and international perspective enriching our school community this semester.
Bianca, her host family and friends at Homecoming. 
Bianca and friends at Homecoming. 
Bianca and her Homecoming escort, Ethyn Beachboard. 
Bianca with her host family at Homecoming. 
Bianca playing tennis. 
Bianca with her father who visited her and Ridgecroft in September. -
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