How do other people define business? Efficiency? Processes? What do you have to offer? What can you learn to develop your character as a person, professional, and humanitarian?

A recent Forbes article makes a case for the importance of travel for professional development, “Meeting people while traveling helps you to realize that people, regardless of background, are more similar than they are different. Travel promotes understanding and compassion, leadership traits to practice when perceived differences arise with your colleagues at work. when perceived differences arise with your colleagues at work.”

Acquiring foreign language skills does more for students than merely teaching them “basic conversation” for their resume. One must be receptive to the intricacies of each language. Learning a language requires interaction with its local people. Plus, you have to be willing to look foolish; pronouncing some words can turn the best of us red!

In the end, one of the best things about studying abroad is starting from scratch. Going abroad means you'll need to ask questions, roam, and be receptive to the world around you.

It's essential to challenge students through travel as it will allow them to develop character traits that can benefit them for years to come.