First Lady Michelle Obama recently spoke out about the benefits of studying abroad while on a trip to China with her mother and daughters.
“So studying abroad isn’t just a fun way to spend a semester; it is quickly becoming the key to success in our global economy,” she said in her speech addressing students at Peking University in Beijing.
“Because getting ahead in today’s workplaces isn’t just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important. It’s also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders – experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own.”
In addition to her remarks before Chinese university students, Mrs. Obama also took the time to participate in a CNN iReport on the subject. In her response to pre-recorded questions from a number of contributors, she stressed the benefits of study abroad.
“The benefits of studying abroad are almost endless,” Obama said during the video interview. “First of all, it is going to make you more marketable in the United States. More and more companies are realizing that they need people with experience around the world.”
The White House has provided a full transcript of her speech at Peking University, or view the CNN iReport.