While there are innumerable reasons why young Americans should be interested in studying abroad in Asia, here are just a few important examples:

• Although East and Southeast Asia are home to more than one-third of the world's population, most Americans have very little understanding of the people, languages, cultures, and histories of the region.
• Americans' familiarity with Asian culture is severely lacking in comparison with Asians' familiarity with American culture. In contrast to the 200,000 students from East and Southeast Asia studying in the United States, there are only about 10,000 Americans studying in East and Southeast Asia.
• Globalization has given Asia increasing economic and strategic prominence in the world, making knowledge of the region essential for the future strength and competitiveness of the United States.
• There are not enough Americans who can communicate effectively in the languages of East and Southeast Asia.  Only first-hand experience can give people the necessary language and cultural skills required to communicate effectively in a global environment.
• American businesses are deeply involved in Asia, but there are not enough American professionals who are knowledgeable about the countries in the region.

Xian Market in China.