[jtsnow]

Here are some other tidbits from missionary life that haven't been mentioned:

- Mentorship and training offered by relatively successful individuals.

- Most will have some form of leadership responsibility. Typically can range from overseeing 4 to 30 individuals.

- Complete escape from media: no news, music, TV, etc.

- 2 hours of study daily

- 30 minutes exercise each morning. (Opportunity exists for longer recreation/exercise once per week.)

- Obviously being immersed in a different culture is a unique experience. Missionaries will talk to anyone willing to have a conversation and work with local church members. This leads to experiences one wouldn't have even if one were to move to the same place and get a job.

[gadders]

Leaving the religion aside, I think sending any young person from Country A to Country B during their formative years can only be a good thing, I'd have thought.

[Osiris]

I believe that a big problem we have in the U.S. is that, given the size of the country, nearly no Americans, let alone teenagers, have any experience with another culture. In my opinion, this lack of exposure results in prejudice that is prevalent today, especially coming from the 'conservative' ideology.

Compare that to Europe where it's a train ride to another country, language, and culture.