Abstract
This essay explores why colleges and universities should require students to study abroad for at least one semester in their undergraduate studies.
I report on three significant findings from the research that support this argument: studying abroad increases students' cultural awareness, facilitates learning a foreign language, and contributes to deeper understanding of students' academic discipline.
Although some argue studying abroad is extra-curricular, the research shows that the experience is so valuable that higher education institutions should require it, and support it financially.