The language angle is something I didn’t think about, but it’s true — speaking a different language can affect how you approach problems and relate to people.

I think I’m more social and personable in Spanish.

I’d definitiely say it helped me. Along with the reasons that Curt mentions above, I’d suggest that being exposed to a different culture causes many people to examine not only their own culture with the one they are facing, but also themselves and the way that they approach things.

In my case, as an Australian, I went to Japan. Initially I found it really hard not to speak directly, but over time I learnt that the indirect customs the Japanese people have are often a good way to take heat out of a situation, and to find a win-win solution.
I also learnt the value of silence in different contexts.

When I came home, I often found myself acting as a “bridge” between people I knew, and new migrants. My time overseas had helped to teach me different ways to look at things and communicate with people.

I think this skill set would be attractive to employers in any setting, but especially in the world’s multicultural Creative Class cities.