In his latest column in the New York Times, Nicholas Kristof hails Utah for being one of the "most cosmopolitan states in America," crediting the accumulation of international experience gained by Mormon missionaries. "More than 130 languages are spoken daily in commerce in Utah, and that’s one reason it sometimes tops the Forbes list of best states to do business," writes Kristof. He notes, however, that "American universities ... are still quite insular. Fewer than 10 percent of college students study overseas during undergraduate years." 

We at IIE agree that this percentage is too low in today’s global economy. That’s why IIE has launched Generation Study Abroad. This five-year initiative brings leaders in education, business, and government together to double the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. We are inviting leaders from all sectors to join the more than 160 partners who have already committed to specific, measurable actions to reach this ambitious goal.