Bridging History: Ashley Krupa's Study Abroad Through Croatia and Bosnia
Studying abroad offers the unique opportunity to engage with unfamiliar cultures and histories in a world where travel can often feel routine. Ashley Krupa, a senior at Florida State University who will be graduating with degrees in Political Science and History, reflects on her experiences in Croatia and Bosnia, revealing how this trip reshaped her understanding of history and its relevance today.
Having never traveled outside the U.S. before attending FSU, this was Krupa’s second study abroad trip. She spent part of the previous summer learning French in Paris. This time her study abroad trip was embedded in a semester-long course on “Security and Cooperation in Southeastern Europe,” which combined travel with academic coursework. She began her summer reading course texts and gaining knowledge of the region's past. Following that, she spent two weeks in Croatia and Bosnia to finalize her work on the political tensions of the region — tracing the impact of conflicts from the 1990s back to the days of Yugoslavia and communist rule.
She described the experience in Croatia as “walking in blind” but soon found herself surrounded by an abundance of primary sources and firsthand accounts. “When you’re in their country, you’re not just reading about history; you’re walking through it,” Krupa emphasized. A standout moment for Krupa was touring a Tito war bunker in Bosnia, a site filled with communist-era propaganda. She noted how the tangible history added a lot of depth to her studies. The interactions with local students from various backgrounds further enriched her experience. “There were students from all around the region in our classes, which allowed for rich discussions about history and politics,” said Krupa, highlighting how these differing perspectives illuminated the region's complexity.
Witnessing the emotional weight of history firsthand altered Krupa’s understanding of global affairs. “History isn’t just something that happened; it’s still relevant today,” she reflected. The scars of past conflicts were evident, with bullet holes in buildings serving as a stark reminder of the region's turbulent history. “When you see those physical reminders, it makes everything feel immediate and personal,” Krupa shared.
Reflecting on how this study abroad experience might shape her future career, Krupa emphasized the importance of cultural communication. “It teaches you how to interact with and embrace other cultures, which is valuable in any field.” The requirement to write a research paper on U.S. involvement in the region further honed her analytical skills. “I had to research U.S. attempts to demilitarize Croatia’s weapons to NATO standards, something I knew absolutely nothing about before,” Krupa said.
During her travels in Croatia and Bosnia, Krupa gained significant insights, stating, “There’s so much to learn, and it puts everything into perspective.” She motivates others to consider study-abroad programs, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in new cultures. As she prepares to graduate, Krupa feels this experience has well-equipped her to engage with the complexities of global history, recognizing that “what you're living is not what other people have lived."