This dissertation examined narratives of seven current and former students of a Southwestern university in the United States who participated in short-term study abroad language and culture immersion programs (3 to 4 weeks) in three different locations outside of the United States. The research explored how the short-term study abroad participants reflect on their own intercultural journeys after returning to their home country and how experiences abroad continued to be manifested in the participants' lives after return. This return period refers to the time that these participants have spent in their home country since their short-term study abroad experiences. The return period spanned a minimum of one year in order to consider the long-term meanings of these short-term study abroad experiences. The dissertation approached a narrative inquiry methodology through an interpretive epistemological paradigm. Further, the dissertation explored emerging themes that research participants identified and perceived as important, as they told their stories. These themes include "personal development," "connection with host culture at home," "cross-cultural development," and "the embodied narrative." Findings support expanding the timeframe of short-term study abroad to include the extended time spent back in the home culture after studying abroad. Also, of note is the importance that the participants' embodied-self plays in their own unique intercultural journeys. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]