While reading Slimbach and Dolby’s articles, I found many similarities in what they were saying and arguing, but felt like they used that information to focus on different conclusions regarding cultural exchanges like study abroad programs. Both scholars talked about the connection between one’s self and the world (specifically as it relates to where one studies/travels to) and how that relationship leads to reflection and changes in thought.

Slimbach argued that visiting other countries could lead to building a “common ‘home’” as by working, living and studying with people of other cultures “we construct a self that can bridge the chasms that divide us and contribute something of enduring value to others” (p 6). Slimbach is thus focusing more on the way new cultural interactions can lead to a more connected and global identity with others.

On the other hand, Dolby’s article focuses more on the interpersonal reflection that comes with these cultural exchanges and interactions. Through the interviews she conducted she looked into the way that the students’ conceptualization of their US American identities evolved over time. She argued that cultural exchanges like study abroad programs allow students the opportunity to consider the “context in which they perform or display their identities” and for these students in her research they were then able to encounter “the multiple articulations of “America” that exist around the globe and the disjuncture that exists between the ‘United States’ and ‘America’” (p 171).