Using phenomenological approaches, the author explored the meanings and essences of a cross-cultural immersion experience in South Africa among counseling master's-level students. Five core themes--the meaning of being American, sociopolitical awareness, engagement with South Africans and their communities, appreciation of life, and commitment to change--characterized the development of critical consciousness (Freire, P., 1973, 2000). Findings support positive influences of cross-cultural immersion as an experiential pedagogical method for multicultural development.