We all want the newest, shiniest, and fastest thing that is available. It's a need of the senses to have something unique. If our senses never perceive anything new, we as people will never develop, but instead stagnate. The best way to avoid this stagnation is to change our environment through fresh experiences. As a life changing and incredibly meaningful experience, I personally suggest traveling abroad as the best possible way for individual, professional and character growth.
The experience abroad is enhanced by the senses. In London, near the British Museum, you can taste the best pasta you've ever had. The quaint city of Bath has the ancient Roman Baths, with the intriguing pungent aroma that keeps you inhaling deeply. In Paris, a block away from Notre Dame, your eyes will be filled with the bright stained glass, statues and colorful walls and columns of Sainte-Chapelle (not to mention what you may see when you slip into the Louvre!). As for sounds, you will be unable to even sum those up into one statement. Just imagine the melodies of street musicians mingled with the fluid sounds of foreign languages, some you may not be able to recognize. In countries where you do speak the language, talking to locals and receiving that friendly handshake, bow, or even a high five, will be an experience that touches you in a way you can not explain to someone who was not there.
Of course, your common sense plays a role too. Financially, there are scholarships, fellowships and grants for studying abroad. It may even cost less to go to another country than to stay in this one for a semester, especially in relation to the future. Students who study abroad have additional talents and skills that look very nice to their potential employers. In this world which is becoming smaller every day, one who travels abroad will be better equipped for the "real world" with skills and deeper understandings of countries that other job seekers cannot have.
Lastly, there is your sixth sense, which knows, not only would it be fun, exciting and one of the greatest adventures of your time at Longwood, it would also be a time to know yourself. To become stronger, wiser and more culturally well-rounded is the goal many colleges have for their students. Our university insists we can be more; we can be citizen leaders. Not just citizens of this school, state or country, but citizens of continents, oceans and mountains. The sixth sense knows this world is vast and diverse. Our senses know that we can be citizens of the world. Traveling abroad is one way to, figuratively speaking, give us each a multi-national citizenship. So, to each student, let us say: "Go forth, follow your nose and claim your homelands!