On the idea of the establishment of an “American Identity,” Slimbach mentions how, due to globalization and cultural convergence, the presence of “outside” cultural identities have, rather than ask / force the culture to change, adapted itself (i.e. how McDonald’s has altered its menu to fit the cultures it serves). Dolby seems to be similar in this idea, changing the perspective though to also note how, as the foreigner will likely not make large changes to the host community, and likewise the individual is not likely to walk away from the experience a changed or further developed person, (this is one way the two authors differ as well).

Slimbach and Dolby also share the understanding that studying abroad serves as an excellent educational tool, though they differ soon after this assertion in that, while Slimbach argues the concept of “the global age,” where the people of the world are already so in connection with one another that cultural convergence abounds, while Dolby mentions how there is a stark lack of intercultural connections not to be made, but rather being made, on study abroad trips. While they are not arguing around the same point, the implications of their points are where the conflict arises.