<p>I do not think geographic diversity within one nation makes much of a difference. There are obviously subtle differences, but by and large, to an international student, those differences go unoticed.</p>
<p>I think an American student can benefit leaving her/his region because they will distance themselves from home, experience a new part of the country and they will appreciate the nuanced differences. But a Chinese student is already taking a huge step just studying in the US. </p>
<p>Bottom line, intellectually, I do not think having much US geographic diversity enhances the experience much. The US is one nation with a prevalent culture and high school system. What Americans bring to the classroom will not vary enormously from state to state.</p>