GRENADA, SPAIN — LSU is superior to Science Po, the French university where I have spent this semester, in many ways. But when it comes to appreciation for studying abroad, LSU simply cannot compete.Science Po, which is constantly inundated with international students, requires students to spend time abroad before receiving a degree. LSU would do well to follow suit in its desire to provide students with a well-rounded education.The benefits of studying abroad range widely — from personal communication development to the introduction of new ideas to our state in an increasingly globalized world.At its most basic level, studying abroad is fun. A change of scenery to an exotic location is a welcomed break from normal studies and offers students the chance to experience new things. Students inevitably spend their breaks traveling, with free time that will be hard to come by after graduation.Arriving for your exchange is a bit like freshman year. Anxious students arrive at their universities before engaging in the mad dash to meet new people and secure a solid group of friends. These relationships are incredibly valuable, as you learn not only about new cultures, but also individuals from other countries.As an American, the French experience was unique. In recent years, our two countries often have been on the opposite sides of international issues, leading to a perceived rift. President Obama boldly addressed these tensions with Europe during his recent visit to France. Though he directed his remarks to the entire continent, it was hard not to wonder whether his remarks were directed at the French in particular.I have experienced the anti-Americanism Obama referenced. It manifests itself at bus stops and supermarkets — the most impersonal places for interaction with locals — when the clerk seems too quick-tempered or impatient to deal with ignorant Americans.Though nationalism can be a powerful force for good, it can be equally dangerous. When coupled with the popular media, it often influences individuals to develop stereotypes and alter the way they act with foreigners they come across. These things we claim to know about other cultures are actually abstract creations, removed from reality.When engaged in actual conversation, these assumptions are usually exposed as fickle and baseless — individuals forget what they thought they knew about other cultures or the way they had been pressured to act when they encountered foreigners.This is why foreign exchange students are important. They act as ambassadors, improving relations with other countries by increasing cultural relations in a way speeches and photo-ops between leaders cannot — through personal interaction.When I suggest everyone should be required to study abroad, I fully recognize this means individuals who may not be the ideal representatives of our country will go and possibly hurt the University and the country’s reputations. But if all the world’s students were involved in exchange programs, we’d also get our share of jackasses. If anything, this would only strengthen understanding between nations and dispel stereotypes that peg Americans in an exclusively negative light.Unfortunately, though the University does adequately provide students with resources to study abroad, many students graduate without ever having left Louisiana. Some think they can’t afford it, even though it may be cheaper than LSU’s tuition when using TOPS and other scholarships — or by visiting a socialist country. Others simply never take the time to do the necessary planning.Most individuals regret not spending some time abroad, while hardly anyone who has been to another country has anything less than glowing reviews of their experience.But it shouldn’t be an option for students to miss. The University should make it clear that learning abroad is a central component to a well-rounded education and the future of the state. The best way to do this, of course, is to make it a degree requirement.Mark is a 22-year-old economics and history senior from Baton Rouge.—-Contact Mark Macmurdo at [email protected]