Exchange student realizing potential at UW-Whitewater
February 23, 2025
Written by Lalaina Chandanais | Photos by Craig Schreiner
Music is the art of movement with purpose — the range of all who are touched by it knows no bounds. To create music is to harness this limitless movement in a way that is personal, something that University of Wisconsin-Whitewater music major Josef Krista has a unique and deep understanding of.
Krista is an exchange student from the Isle of Wight, an island in the English Channel just off the coast of England’s mainland. Ever since he was young, music has been a prominent part of his life, and he has been writing his own musical compositions for six years now.
The University of Hertfordshire student enrolled in the school’s exchange program and took his studies to the United States. He immediately recognized the great impact such an experience would have on his music studies.
Krista is an exchange student from the Isle of Wight, an island in the English Channel just off the coast of England’s mainland. Ever since he was young, music has been a prominent part of his life, and he has been writing his own musical compositions for six years now.
The University of Hertfordshire student enrolled in the school’s exchange program and took his studies to the United States. He immediately recognized the great impact such an experience would have on his music studies.
“My school was good at pushing the program, showing us how having international experiences looks strong on a resumé and is good for connection building,” Krista said. “I was looking at America in general and, as a music student, I know America does music very well.”
When searching for an American university that fit the specific career field he was interested in — music composition for film — Krista noticed that the music program at UW-Whitewater offered a wide variety of courses that fit exactly what he was looking for.
“I have really enjoyed the music program here, and I am definitely learning new skills that I can apply back at home,” Krista states. “It feels very nice to be surrounded by people with a similar mindset.”
Krista goes on to explain how the music faculty have had an immense impact on his experience of feeling welcome and immersed in the art he creates and loves. Benjamin Whitcomb, professor of music, is one instructor who has been a great resource for Krista in his studies abroad.
Benjamin Whitcomb, right, professor of music, leads students in analyzing compositions on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. In the class is student Josef Krista, left. (UW-Whitewater/Craig Schreiner)
“It might surprise many people how differently music is taught in other countries, such as note value, quarter notes, and half notes,” says Whitcomb. “(United Kingdom) schooling does things in a different order, so for Josef, it was just a matter of adapting his writing style.”
Krista quickly adjusted to the differences between the ways music is taught in the U.K. versus the United States.
“Across the board, he is coming up with really attentive, mature arrangements,” said Whitcomb. “It is one thing to do it, and another to adapt oneself.”
Krista has established himself within the UW-Whitewater music program while making the most of his experience at the university as a whole. He has participated in multiple campus events, including attending Warhawk football games at Perkins Stadium with a large group of other international students.
Krista is scheduled to return to the U.K. after the spring 2025 semester ends, continuing his music education back at the University of Hertfordshire. He expresses that all he has learned — and all the people he has met — during his studies at UW-Whitewater will have a lasting impact on him after he returns home.
“The U.S. is very pretty, so I have been enjoying looking around a lot, and the people here are so friendly,” says Krista. “To anyone who is considering being an exchange student, I would say it is definitely worth it. It has been such a cool experience, and it makes me want to come back to America, specifically Wisconsin.”
