A couple of years ago the London Times reported an important study that found even the brightest children of poor homes do worse in school than the dimmest children from wealthy families.

There are many factors for improving success in studies but one among them is the exposure that children can get from traveling with their parents. Just as the dullest geography class becomes more interesting if one has seen the Great Pyramids, so too does a difficult language become more appealing if one has been in the country, eaten the food, seen the sights, and heard the language in a normal setting.

Here’s something to keep in mind now that school is back in session. There is some research suggesting that students who get international travel experience can do better in school, even when they’re pulled out of school for a number of days to accommodate their trips, than those children who do not have the same opportunity. I can’t say how much science is in these findings, but on a gut level it feels right, doesn’t it?
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