<p>And yet, we NEED American high school students to travel. Due to a combination of America's status as a superpower and its relative geographical isolation, many Americans are just not aware of the complexities of a global community. In Europe, for example, being multilingual is completely normal and spending a weekend in another country with a completely separate language and culture is ridiculously easy to do. (Just hop on a trian for 20 euros and spend the night for another 20 at a youth hostel). As a result, I've found my high school peers in Europe much more informed about world events as well as more open to nuances than the average high school student in America. This apathy to international politics and trends will prove (and is proving) to be an enormous stumbling block unless the youth and future of America get out there into the world, learning about differences and how to appreciate them. I say this as a high school student who just came back from senior year in Italy on a basically full-ride scholarship. It's not a cliche to say that programs abroad can completely change one's outlook, because it certainly changed mine and opened up doors I never would have considered before such as psychology and international relations. So, while I understand that it is financially illogical to spend five thousand dollars to send a teenager to another country for community service, please understand that the benefits are real. Not only the student gains understanding, but the people he or she comes into contact with in Europe, Asia, or South America will also learn as well. Building a true international community, one founded on peace and understanding, begins at these extremely personal levels. It's a balance.</p>