Thriving Abroad: Westfield State’s Impact on German Student’s Academic Path

Elin-Maree Krupa, a second-year international business major at Westfield State University, is already making her mark on campus. Originally from Wilhelmshaven in Lower Saxony, Germany, near the North Sea, Krupa attends Jade University and focuses on finance courses, which ultimately complements her active involvement in campus organizations. She currently serves as President of the Economic Society and Treasurer of both the Accounting and Finance Club and the Chess Club.

Krupa chose Westfield State through the University’s international partnership program, which allows students to study abroad tuition-free. Her love of the English language and interest in experiencing American culture is what drew her to the University, with her commenting, “I wanted to get a first impression of the country. I’d heard all about it, but I wanted to experience it for myself. When I was looking through the partnered universities, I thought Westfield State was a good choice and went to the International Office at my home university. They said they’d already had students here who were really happy about their experience, so I thought I would give it a try and applied. The acceptance came quickly, and I’m so happy that I came here.”

From the beginning, the University’s International Programs Office (IPO) had been instrumental in ensuring a helpful, streamlined experience for Krupa, who remarked, “I’m so spoiled by them! From the very beginning, even when I wasn’t here, they were welcoming and always there if I had questions. Of course I did, and I was always in contact with them. When I got here, they were friendly and helping in every concern that I had.”

As part of the study abroad program, Krupa was paired with both staff and student peer mentors to provide support from every angle and encourage community. “It’s great that we not only have the staff at the IPO, but also the students who share different perspectives and helpful information,” she added. For additional assistance, the IPO has also arranged transportation for Krupa, including airport pick-up and drop-off in the University’s mission to meet their students’ needs.

Krupa highlighted the wide array of services and resources available to students at Westfield State, emphasizing how they contribute to a supportive and enriching campus environment. She expressed her admiration for the University’s commitment to student success and the convenience provided by its offerings, even if she didn’t personally require all of them. 

Reflecting on her experiences, she shared, “I’m so impressed by all the services on campus. There are so many options, even if I didn’t need to use them myself. Compared to my home university, it’s more than I’m used to.”

Additionally, Krupa praised the University’s academic rigor, describing it as “very engaging”. Recalling several instances of bringing questions to her professors after class hours, Krupa still appreciates each professor taking the extra time to answer her questions in detail before following them up with emails later on. 

A passion for finance has been clear to Krupa since high school, where career orientation tests highlighted her strengths in economics and finance. Even as a junior, these test results only affirmed her desire to study them in college. After graduating high school, she remained an incredibly ambitious and driven individual and pursued an e-commerce apprenticeship in Australia for over two years in addition to working as a junior project manager before coming to Westfield State.

“I’ve always been interested in traveling internationally, so I’ve done it a lot,” she added. “Life abroad widens your horizon, and it helped me make sure that I want to be in a field which lets me explore international contexts. This is how I decided on studying international business. We live in a globalized world.” 

After earning a bachelor’s in international business, Krupa plans to pursue a master’s degree in finance, though she’s currently deliberating on working in the field to gain experience before returning to school. She encourages international students considering studying abroad, commenting, “Even if you’re afraid, you’re always going to have to step out of your comfort zone, even if it includes leaving your country behind and being in another environment. But I highly recommend Westfield State because you’re never alone. You always have someone to talk to. I can assure you that you will have a great time and that you will learn from every experience and grow above and beyond yourself.”