The cultivation of intercultural competence is a growing trend globally, and integration of intercultural competence into coursework was widely acknowledged as a valid strategy to achieve this goal. The purpose of this study is to examine (1) the effects of the intervention of connecting one's own culture to affect students' cross-cultural awareness development in American colleges; and (2) students' perceptions of their own cultural-awareness changes. Data was collected through pre-and post-questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. This study also compared between-group participants' post test ratings on a cross-cultural awareness scale, as well as pre- and post-test ratings within each group. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed and integrated. Results indicate connecting one's own culture to reflect on cultural topics helps to facilitate the development of cross-cultural awareness by providing opportunities for students to gain insight into the values of their own culture, understanding other cultures, and understanding the difference between the cultures. The majority of the participants noted the reflection via connecting their own culture as an effective means of facilitating cross-cultural understanding. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]