Most of us know that Rick Steves as an expert on European travel. What you may not know is that he’s a huge supporter of study abroad.

Steves wrote an opinion piece in USA Today  on January 19 to make the case that study abroad is a crucial investment in preparing our nation’s future generations.

He wrote, “If we want a new generation of leaders and innovators who can be effective in an ever more globalized world, sending our students overseas is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.” Also in the article, he mentions the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Act.

Read the full article, “Study abroad is necessity, not luxury” to get Steves’ full perspective.