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Kirkwood Hotel Management Grad to Study Abroad in China

By June 7, 2017October 22nd, 2018No Comments

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 7, 2017)-After graduating from Kirkwood Community College’s Hotel Management program in May, Karin Murphy, 2015 graduate of Platteville High School, will travel overseas to attend the Florida International University (FIU) Hospitality Management program at Tianjin University in partnership with Marriott Hotels.

Murphy’s interest in hospitality began when she was in high school, working at a local restaurant. She chose Kirkwood’s Hotel Management program because of its exceptional hands-on learning environment. The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, an award-winning 71-room property located on Kirkwood’s campus, allowed her to get real world experience in the hospitality industry prior to graduating.

Murphy has chosen to further her education through Kirkwood’s partnership with FIU. She looks forward to the opportunity to live and work in Florida where the demand for hoteliers is high.

While she studies in Tianjin, Murphy will complete a year of her studies toward her FIU Hospitality Management degree.

“I am looking forward to everything from trying new food, to meeting new people, and learning a completely different culture and lifestyle,” said Murphy. “I also am excited to see how their hospitality style differs from that in the United States.”

According to Kirkwood Hotel Management Instructor Greg Krawiec, the partnership between Kirkwood and FIU opens doors for students on both on a national and international scale.

“Kirkwood is a leader in international programs both in on-campus attendance and study abroad,” said Krawiec. “The FIU partnership is an extension of Kirkwood’s goal to be a leader in education regionally, nationally and internationally.”

For more information on Kirkwood’s Hotel Management program, visit www.kirkwood.edu/hotelmanagement.