On the heels of her commencement address at George Washington University, during which she urged the graduating class to “take it global,” First Lady Michelle Obama told students at Wayne State University in Detroit yesterday to “engage broadly” with the world and to participate in an exchange program if at all possible— “it’ll advance your education; it will expand your sense of possibilities; and it will make you more competitive for the jobs of the future.” Said Mrs. Obama:

As you push forward with your education, both inside and outside of the classroom, I want you all to consider this. Consider the wider world out there, too. We live in a world. And think about how you can engage broadly with other people and other cultures around the world, embracing your place as part of a big, powerful, young, global generation.

Now, that may sound strange when there’s so much to do right here at home. But if the opportunity ever arises for any of you to participate in exchange programs, a study abroad program, maybe even travel abroad, volunteer for a short time -- that is my one regret that I didn’t do when I was young -- I would urge you to try to do that.


It’ll advance your education; it will expand your sense of possibilities; and it will make you more competitive for the jobs of the future.

But more importantly it will also show you just how much we all have in common –- no matter where we live in the world.