This study was designed to investigate and understand rural Southern Appalachians' experiences with other cultures and how they articulated and understood those experiences. Research indicates that rural Appalachian culture has a long history of geographic and social isolation, resulting in cultural barriers that may hinder this population's social and economic mobility. Research also indicates that intercultural experiences have emotional, intellectual, and social benefits for those who engage other cultures. However, there is little research on the outcomes of intercultural experiences such as study abroad, service learning, or long-term international internships specifically focused on rural Appalachians. The study employs a qualitative methodology based in the narrative tradition to focus on the meaning of the participant's stories. Two rural Appalachian men were interviewed, and they articulated in depth their experiences outside their rural mountain culture. The primary significance of this study is that it provides a meaningful and practical perspective to view how rural Appalachians face limitations of cultural capital which can be transferred from generation to generation. This study also highlights issues related to rural education, cultural understanding, and rural social and health work.
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