I think LOTE are very important. I have had 2 years of instruction in Russian (don't get to use it much so it's pretty rusty) and 2 years of High School Spanish (I wouldn't dare try to speak it, but it does help in understanding others).
I deal 95% with China. The Dialect issue is a big one. In that part of the world you actually have 4 competing "languages"... Mandarin (Majority Chinese), Cantonese (Hong Kong, Canton, and British-Chinese Speakers use this one), Taiwanese, and Japanese. You often find that the "Chinese" in Hong Kong have a very difficult time understanding a Mandarin Speaker, and vice-versa. I wish I understood more Chinese, but you have to be careful. While it may sesem like a friendly jesture to learn their language, often you will find resistance and distrust if they find out you speak Chinese. This is a hold over from the "closed Society" of Mao and Communist China. This can be erased quickly with careful use of your skill, but it can be shocking at first.
BTW, my daughter is already learning American Sign Language (ASL). She is only 2 years old and understands a lot of signs and ideas that you would not expect a 2yr old to understand. My wife and I have been using ASL with her since she was born and it has helped her learning, speach development (ironically), and general disposition greatly. I would suggest this for anyone with or without children. My wife and I will also use ASL for "secret" communications in public. It is very quick and deceptive to those who do not understand it as the signs are very quick and can seem almost random. It is also great for communicating across a crowded room or in high noise areas. (something I learned from my Army days).
Brian