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[quote]
While going out of state can be very broadening for many students, one doesn't need to go to college out of state to get that experience.</p>
<p>Some states are so large and diverse that one can stay in-state and get a broadened perspective. Even in small states, one can learn a lot about the world by going from an urban community to a rural one or vice versa.</p>
<p>In addition, students can learn a lot through semester abroad programs and by doing summer internships in other parts of the country or world.
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Speaking from someone who went to college out of state for that exact reason, I will say that I feel like college is the best time to do it. The OP also pm'ed me and expressed her desire to get out and try something new, to escape the Midwest, to meet different people and try different things. College is a great time to do all of those things. Also, in the OP's pm to me, she never expressed her parents having any financial concerns. More along the lines of what she told citygirlsmom, her parents just want to keep her close. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but we all have to grow up and sometimes parents just want to delay that.</p>