This study investigated the experiences of engineering students who participated in a cultural simulation activity to promote cross-cultural communication skills. A sample of 138 post-activity short reflections from a global engineering practice course were analyzed using qualitative inquiry. Results suggest that students recognize parallels between acclimating to the simulated culture in the cultural simulation activity and adjusting to a different country's culture while traveling abroad. Although the simulation was embedded in a pre-departure course for study abroad, the cultural simulation could also be used to develop cross-cultural communication in the classroom without traveling abroad.