Enhancing Critical Consciousness Through a Cross-Cultural Immersion Experience in South Africa

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 themesthe meaning of being American, sociopolitical awareness, engagement with South Africans and their communities, appreciation of life, and commitment to changecharacterized the development of critical consciousness (Freire, 1973, 2000). Findings support positive influences of cross-cultural immersion as an experiential pedagogical method for multicultural development.