This study focuses on the effect of doctoral and postdoctoral studies at leading research universities in the USA on constructing the academic identity of Israeli students. The findings are based on constant comparative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 27 Fulbright alumni. The results show that while American scientific standards become a model for the Israeli scientists, Israeli culture and identity become much more evident, for better or worse. Several ways of handling these identities were recognized and include: the intertwine method, ordering, and buffering. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.