Gabrielle Erftenbeck

2014 Gilman Scholar

Hometown

Valparaiso, IN

Major

Hospitality and Tourism Management

College

Health and Human Sciences

 

I want my study abroad to benefit me professionally, personally, and academically. One of my future goals is to be the general manager of a luxury brand hotel, so living and working in a five-star hotel property for six months will be extremely beneficial to me. My particular study abroad internship will be located in Guangzhou, China where I will be a full-time intern and student for six months at one of the famous, five-star Shangri-La Hotels. I want to go for a longer-than-typical period of time to study abroad. Most people go for a few weeks or summer, and I want the chance to fully emerge myself in a different country and its culture. I want my study abroad to make me work hard, but have fun at the same time. This is all possible through Purdue’s Sponsored Internship and Study Abroad in China program; allowing me to earn twelve credit hours; which will go towards my requirements to graduate with the major and double minor I wish to complete. I believe this experience will be worth much more than any amount of money through my gain in a life-changing experience, learning a new language, and having the opportunity to live and grow in a new culture. I believe the relationships and connections that I will make during this trip will be invaluable and will make me a better, more open, and approachable human being.